Pakistan E-Visa 2026 — Complete Application Guide
Pakistan's electronic visa system, launched in 2019 through NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority), allows citizens of over 175 countries to apply for a visa online without visiting an embassy. Here is everything you need to know about applying.
E-Visa at a Glance
175+ Countries
Eligible nationalities
7-10 Days
Processing time
$5-$60
Application fee
30-90 Days
Visa validity
What is the Pakistan E-Visa?
The Pakistan e-visa is an electronic travel authorisation that allows foreign nationals to enter Pakistan without needing to visit a Pakistan embassy or consulate in person. The entire application process is completed online through the official NADRA portal.
Pakistan introduced the e-visa system in March 2019 as part of its efforts to boost tourism and simplify the visa process. Initially available to citizens of 50 countries, the programme has since expanded to cover 175+ nationalities.
E-Visa Types Available:
- Tourist E-Visa: For sightseeing, visiting friends/family, cultural tourism. Single or multiple entry, 30-90 days.
- Business E-Visa: For business meetings, conferences, trade activities. Requires invitation letter from Pakistani company.
- Transit E-Visa: For travellers transiting through Pakistan. Valid for up to 72 hours.
- Diplomatic/Official E-Visa: For government officials on official duties.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide
Create an Account on the NADRA Portal
Visit visa.nadra.gov.pk and click "Register" to create a new account. You will need:
- A valid email address
- A phone number for verification
- Create a password (minimum 8 characters)
Select Your Visa Type
After logging in, select the type of visa you need:
- Tourist Visa — most common for visitors
- Business Visa — for commercial activities
- Transit Visa — if passing through Pakistan
Choose single entry or multiple entry based on your travel plans. Multiple-entry visas are available for some nationalities and cost more.
Fill in Personal Details
Complete the online application form with the following information:
- Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth and nationality
- Passport number, issue date, and expiry date
- Purpose of visit and intended dates of travel
- Accommodation details in Pakistan
- Contact information of a reference in Pakistan (hotel or host)
Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of the following documents:
| Document | Format | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Passport bio page (colour scan) | JPEG/PNG | Max 1MB |
| Recent passport-size photo | JPEG/PNG | Max 500KB |
| Return flight ticket (or itinerary) | PDF/JPEG | Max 1MB |
| Hotel booking confirmation | PDF/JPEG | Max 1MB |
| Invitation letter (business visa only) | Max 2MB |
Pay the Application Fee
Pay the e-visa fee online using:
- Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card
- Some nationalities may have different fee structures
Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. See our complete fee schedule for current rates.
Receive Your E-Visa
After processing (typically 7-10 business days), you will receive an email notification:
- Approved: Download your e-visa from the portal. Print a colour copy to carry with you.
- Rejected: You will receive a reason for rejection. See our rejection guide for next steps.
- Additional documents requested: Upload any additional documents requested and resubmit.
E-Visa Fees by Type
| Visa Type | Entry | Validity | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist E-Visa | Single entry | 30 days | $5 - $25 |
| Tourist E-Visa | Multiple entry | 90 days | $10 - $60 |
| Business E-Visa | Single entry | 30 days | $25 - $50 |
| Business E-Visa | Multiple entry | 90 days | $50 - $150 |
| Transit E-Visa | Single entry | 72 hours | $5 - $15 |
Fees vary by nationality. Some nationalities may receive free or reduced-fee visas under bilateral agreements. See full fee schedule.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an unofficial website: Only use visa.nadra.gov.pk. Fraudulent sites charge inflated fees.
- Name mismatch: Your name on the application must exactly match your passport. Even a minor spelling difference can cause rejection.
- Expired passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date.
- Blurry document scans: Upload clear, high-resolution scans. Blurry or cropped documents are a common rejection reason.
- Incomplete accommodation details: Provide full address of your hotel or host in Pakistan. Vague addresses trigger additional scrutiny.
- Applying too late: Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your travel date. Processing can take up to 10 business days, and additional documents may be requested.
- Wrong photo specifications: Use a recent passport-style photo with white background. Selfies and informal photos will be rejected.
E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival vs Embassy Visa
| Feature | E-Visa | Visa on Arrival | Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | Online from anywhere | At airport on arrival | In person at embassy |
| Processing time | 7-10 business days | Immediate (30 min) | 5-15 business days |
| Cost | $5-$60 | $5-$60 | Varies widely |
| Eligibility | 175+ countries | 50+ countries | All countries |
| Best for | Planning ahead | Last-minute travel | Complex cases, long stays |
| Multiple entry | Available | Single entry only | Available |
For most tourists, the e-visa is recommended as it avoids potential queues at the airport and gives you confirmation before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Portal
E-Visa Checklist
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Passport-size photo (white bg)
- Colour scan of passport bio page
- Return flight booking
- Hotel reservation
- Credit/debit card for payment
- Valid email address
Processing Times
- Standard: 7-10 business days
- Peak season: Up to 15 business days
- Tip: Apply at least 3 weeks before travel