Pakistan E-Visa: The Complete Application Guide (2026)
How to apply for a Pakistan e-visa at visa.nadra.gov.pk — types, fees, documents, processing times, tracking and extensions. The official portal explained step by step.
Last updated: 11 October 2026
Quick answer: Apply for a Pakistan e-visa at the official visa.nadra.gov.pk portal (Pakistan Online Visa System). A tourist e-visa is single entry, valid for entry for 6 months, allowing stays of up to 3 months. Processing takes 7–20 business days; fees vary by nationality (roughly USD 20–60 for tourists). The old free “visa prior to arrival” scheme is suspended — apply for the paid e-visa instead.
E-Visa at a Glance
The essentials before you start.
business days processing
entry validity
max tourist stay
typical tourist fee
Visa Types
Pick the category that matches your trip.
Tourist Visa
Single entry, up to 3 months stay. Sightseeing, visiting friends and family. Full guide →
Business Visa
Meetings, conferences, trade — multi-entry up to 5 years. Full guide →
Family Visit
For visiting relatives in Pakistan — similar process to tourist.
Work Visa
Employment in Pakistan; employer sponsorship required.
Sikh Pilgrims
Dedicated category for religious pilgrimage visits.
Journalist / Other
Special categories for media and official visits — apply well ahead.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
The official portal only: visa.nadra.gov.pk.
Create an account
Register at visa.nadra.gov.pk with your email. This is the only legitimate portal — avoid third-party sites charging inflated fees.
Fill the application
Personal details, passport information, travel dates and the security questionnaire. Choose the right visa category.
Upload documents
Passport scan (6+ months validity), recent photograph (under 350 KB), bank statements, hotel booking or letter of invitation.
Pay the fee
The portal shows your exact fee by nationality and category before payment.
Wait & track
Processing takes 7–20 business days. Track your application on the portal; the ETA/visa letter arrives by email.
Travel
Print your approval letter and carry it — immigration stamps the visa at the port of entry (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar airports and designated land/sea ports).
Fees & Processing Times
What you’ll pay and how long you’ll wait.
| Nationality | Tourist e-visa (indicative) | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| EU citizens | ~USD 35 | 7–20 business days |
| US / UK / Canada | ~USD 60 | 7–20 business days |
| South / SE Asia | from ~USD 20 | 7–20 business days |
| Afghanistan, Somalia | varies | ~4 weeks |
Some nationalities (including China, Japan, Malaysia, UAE and Saudi Arabia) are fee-exempt for most categories. Details: Pakistan visa fees and processing times.
Visa on Arrival
The free “visa prior to arrival” for 126 countries is suspended — but a limited visa-on-arrival route survives.
Who qualifies
Nationals of around 50 countries on the DGIP list can get a visa on arrival — but must first obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) with 48–72 hours’ notice.
Everyone else
Apply for the standard paid e-visa through visa.nadra.gov.pk before travelling.
Full rules: Pakistan visa on arrival.
After Approval
Landing and staying legal.
Print your letter
Carry a printed copy of the e-visa/approval email for immigration.
Extend if needed
Visa extensions take about 2 weeks via the portal. Extension guide →
Don’t overstay
Grace up to 2 weeks; then fines of USD 50–200 depending on duration.
In-Depth Guides
Every visa angle, covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers on the Pakistan e-visa.
How do I apply for a Pakistan e-visa?
How long does a Pakistan e-visa take?
How much does a Pakistan e-visa cost?
Can I get a visa on arrival in Pakistan?
How long is a Pakistan tourist visa valid?
Can I extend my Pakistan visa?
Planning Your Trip to Pakistan?
Start with the official portal and the right visa category — this guide walks you through both.