Pakistan Visa Processing Time: How Long Each Route Takes
The biggest change in Pakistan’s visa system is speed: the old 24–48 hour turnaround is gone. This guide gives the current Pakistan visa processing times for e-visas, extensions and visa on arrival — and how to avoid resetting the clock.
Quick answer: A standard Pakistan e-visa takes 7–20 business days (weekends and Pakistani public holidays excluded — real-world waits can stretch to 3–4 weeks). Extensions take about 2 weeks; Afghanistan and Somalia passport holders wait around 4 weeks. Apply 4–6 weeks before travel.
In this guide
Processing Times
| Route | Time |
|---|---|
| Standard e-visa (tourist/business) | 7–20 business days |
| Visa extension | ~2 weeks |
| Afghanistan / Somalia passports | ~4 weeks |
| Visa on arrival (with ETA) | 48–72 hours’ notice required |
Why It Got Slower
The old Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) — a free, near-instant authorisation for 126 countries — was suspended. Travellers now go through the standard paid e-visa with full document scrutiny, which is why the jump from 24–48 hours to up to 20 business days happened. As of 2026 there is no official word on the VPA returning.
Avoiding Delays
- Apply 4–6 weeks early. Business days exclude weekends and Pakistani holidays — budget for a month.
- Get documents right first time. Errors trigger a ~7-day resubmission cycle and the clock restarts.
- Watch the photo spec: under 350 KB, recent, white background.
- Track the application on the portal rather than reapplying — duplicates slow things down.
More: Pakistan e-visa guide · tourist visa · visa extension.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Pakistan e-visa take to process?
7–20 business days for a standard e-visa, excluding weekends and Pakistani public holidays — real-world waits can reach 3–4 calendar weeks.
Why is the Pakistan visa taking so long now?
The instant Visa Prior to Arrival scheme was suspended; all travellers now go through the standard paid e-visa with full document checks, which takes 7–20 business days.
How long does a Pakistan visa extension take?
About two weeks through the portal.
