Pakistan offers various visa categories designed to accommodate different travel purposes and durations. Understanding the specific requirements and restrictions for each type ensures you select the appropriate visa for your intended visit.
Tourist and Visitor Visas
Single-entry tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days, while tourist visas may allow stays of up to 90 days depending on nationality. Extensions are available for tourist visas for up to three months, allowing a total stay of six months inclusive of the initial visa period with one or two re-entries. Tourist visas require hotel bookings, return flight tickets, and proof of sufficient funds. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
Business Visa Categories
Business visas cater to commercial activities and professional engagements:
- Short-term business visas are valid for three months with double entry for nationals of 190 countries
- Multiple-entry business visas are valid for up to 5 years and allow multiple entries into Pakistan
- Investment visas offer 5-year multiple entry business visas to businessmen from eligible countries
Missions are authorized to grant 5-year multiple business visas within 24 hours to businessmen of 96 countries subject to recommendation letter from Chamber of Commerce of the respective country, invitation letter from business organization duly recommended by concerned trade organization, or recommendatory letter by Honorary Investment Counselor of Board of Investment or Commercial Attache. Business visas require company letters, invitation letters from Pakistani businesses, and commercial registration documents.
Work and Employment Visas
Employment visas are mandatory for all paid work activities in Pakistan. Pakistan Missions abroad receive and approve requests for entry work visas up to 3 months with single entry within 48 hours, and security clearance is not required for entry work visas. Once work visas are granted for 3 months, applicants can seek extensions up to 2 years with multiple entries. Foreign nationals applying for initial work visas can now apply for a multiple-entry option, allowing stays of up to one year subject to authority discretion. These require work permits from the Ministry of Interior, employment contracts, and educational qualifications verification. Board of Investment letter of recommendation is mandatory for extension in work visas.
Student and Academic Visas
Student visas are issued for enrolled students at recognized Pakistani institutions. Study visas are granted after obtaining no objection certificate from Ministry of Education, Economics Affairs Division, or Ministry of Health as the case may be, and foreign mission in Pakistan of the respective country, and security clearance. Study entry visas or extensions are issued for 2 years after due clearance by security agencies within 30 days. Foreign students studying in Pakistan on proper study visas are granted visa extensions for one year with one re-entry. Required documentation includes admission letters, educational certificates, and financial support proof.
Medical and NGO Visas
The Ministry of Interior approves extended term medical visas with multiple entry for individuals, families, or attendants up to one year within 30 days after clearance from security agencies. Medical visas can be issued as short-term visas for 3 months or long-term visas for up to 1 year. Embassies are empowered to grant short-term visas for one month to expatriates working with non-governmental organizations in Pakistan, while long-term visas require the NGO to be registered with the Government of Pakistan and applications must be referred for prior clearance from the Ministry of Interior.
Transit and Special Categories
Transit visas allow 72-hour stays for travelers continuing to third countries. Family visit visas are issued to family members of Pakistani citizens as multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years with a maximum of one year per entry. Diplomatic and official visas serve government representatives and international organization staff. Tabligh visas for Muslim foreign nationals participating in Tabligh activities are granted for up to 45 days. Pilgrimage visas are available for foreign nationals visiting places of religious importance. Journalist visas are valid for Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for Pakistan-based and non-Pakistan-based media houses.
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