Visa Guide for Pakistan: What You Need to Know
One of Asia’s most fascinating countries, Pakistan lies off the mainstream travel map. However, travelers who visit rave about its historic monuments, spectacular scenery, fabulous food, and richly layered culture. Although challenges exist, visiting Pakistan is becoming easier, thanks to an improving security situation and evolving visa regulations.
Who Needs a Visa for Pakistan?
Visitors from most countries are required to obtain a visa to enter Pakistan, with rules varying by nationality. Fortunately, the majority of the application process can now be completed online. Citizens of 192 nations can apply for a visa via the Ministry of Interior’s visa portal, which may occasionally be temperamental.
Can I Get a Visa on Arrival?
Citizens of over 60 countries, including major nations such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries, are eligible to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online, allowing for a visa on arrival. The application process is generally straightforward, but due to potential website glitches, it is advisable to apply at least 72 hours prior to travel, ideally several weeks in advance.
Notably, a special 30-day tourist visa is available upon arrival for some nationalities, including citizens of Turkey, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. The online visa system also accommodates business visas, as well as special visas for trekking and mountaineering groups.
What Are the Rules for Indian Travelers?
Due to a shared colonial past, the relationship between India and Pakistan is complicated. Indian citizens must go through additional steps to secure a visa. While tourist visas are not issued, Indian citizens can apply for visas to visit family and friends, conduct business, or explore religious sites.
The Pakistan government visa portal does not function in India. Therefore, visa applications are generally processed by Pakistani embassies and high commissions. Non-resident Indian citizens should contact their local Pakistani diplomatic mission for guidance. Importantly, Indian travelers can only enter and exit Pakistan through certain designated airports and land border crossings.
What Information Do I Need for the Visa Application?
When applying for a visa, you will need to provide information regarding your travel history, plans, marital status, education, financial status, and additional personal details about your parents. While not all information requested is mandatory, a PDF guide is accessible to clarify which sections are essential to complete.
Applicants for the ETA must upload scans of their passport and a digital passport-style photo, as well as pay the visa fee via a bank card. Supporting documents may also be required, such as proof of a hotel booking for independent travelers or a letter of invitation from a tour operator or family members if staying with them.
Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may be requested to attend an interview at the nearest Pakistan embassy or high commission.
Where Can I Get a Visa on Arrival?
Visas are granted on arrival for travelers with valid ETAs at major international airports, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The process is fairly efficient, though travelers must ensure to print the ETA confirmation email to present to border officials for stamping.
Travelers should not assume they can enter Pakistan by land with an ETA. If planning to enter overland, it is prudent to consult your local Pakistani embassy for advice. Additionally, travelers cannot apply for an Indian visa while in Pakistan; hence, ensure you possess a valid multiple-entry visa for India if intending to return.
How Long Are Visas Valid For?
Three-month single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visas are relatively easy to obtain for most travelers. Longer visas, valid for six months or up to a year, may be available for some nationalities. Your passport must remain valid for six months beyond your application date. The ETA is valid for 90 days from issuance, necessitating travel to Pakistan within this timeframe.
Visa fees vary based on nationality, visa duration, and entry frequency. For instance, British and American citizens may pay between US$60 to 90 for a three-month tourist visa (depending on entry type), while German and French citizens may pay US$50 to 75 and US$35 to 52.50, respectively. It is advisable to verify the fee applicable to your nationality using the online fee calculator.
Can I Get a Visa Extension?
While tourist visas can theoretically be extended for up to six months, approval is not guaranteed. The optimal time to apply for an extension is a few weeks before your existing visa expires, through the Ministry of the Interior. Travelers with a Visa on Arrival may also have the option to apply for an extension via the government’s visa portal.
Off-limits Areas of Pakistan
Even with a visa, certain areas of Pakistan remain inaccessible to travelers without special government permission. This includes regions bordering China and Afghanistan, as well as districts near the Line of Control, which functions as the de facto border between India and Pakistan in the disputed territory of Azad Kashmir.
While the government previously restricted access to various regions, significant loosening of restrictions occurred in 2019, allowing visits to areas such as the Swat Valley and Chitral. However, regulations are subject to change, so it is crucial to confirm current requirements locally.
A No Objection Certificate may be necessary to visit restricted areas, available upon application through the Pakistan Ministry of Interior. Although forms are downloadable online, arranging a trip through a local tour agency may facilitate the paperwork process.
Presenting Your Documents in Pakistan
While traveling throughout Pakistan, it is vital to periodically present your passport and visa at police checkposts, so make photocopies of these documents for convenience. Additionally, registration with local authorities is often required to visit various regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan along the Karakoram Highway.
Travelers may also find themselves required to have a police escort in certain areas, including parts of Sindh and southern Punjab. While this might sound concerning, such measures are typically taken from an overabundance of caution rather than due to actual dangers.
Consequently, travelers should monitor travel advisories issued by their home governments regarding current risk areas. If an advisory suggests avoiding all travel to a specific location in Pakistan, it may render travel insurance invalid if you choose to proceed.
