Pakistan is a federal republic in South Asia, the world’s fifth most populous country and a nuclear-armed state. It is a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), SAARC, and D-8. Pakistan’s visa policy is relatively restrictive for ordinary passport holders, with visa-free access limited primarily to GCC and SAARC states. However, Pakistan has significantly expanded its online visa (e-Visa) system to welcome tourists, covering all countries except Armenia, India, and Taiwan. As of January 1, 2026, the previous Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) system was suspended and replaced by a new process requiring 7–10 business days processing with applicable fees.

2. Visa-Free Access — Ordinary Passports

Pakistan grants visa-free access to holders of ordinary passports from a limited number of countries, primarily GCC and neighbouring SAARC member states.

2.1 GCC Member States — 90 Days

GCC Countries — 90 Days Visa-Free (Ordinary Passport) • Bahrain • Kuwait • Maldives • Oman • Qatar • Saudi Arabia • United Arab Emirates

2.2 Nepal — 30 Days

Citizens of Nepal may enter Pakistan visa-free for up to 30 days on an ordinary passport.

2.3 UN/Interpol Passport Holders — 90 Days

Holders of United Nations Laissez-Passer or Interpol travel documents may enter Pakistan visa-free for up to 90 days.

3. Diplomatic, Official, and Service Passport Exemptions

Pakistan has bilateral visa exemption agreements covering diplomatic, official, and/or service passport holders with over 40 countries. The duration of exemption varies:

Duration	Country / Group
3 months	Most diplomatic/official passport holders from bilateral partner countries including major Western nations, GCC, and Asian partners
2 months	Select countries with service passport exemptions
1 month	Select countries with limited exemption scope

Countries covered include (non-exhaustive): China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Iran, Afghanistan, and many others. Full lists are maintained by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

4. e-Visa (Online Visa)

Pakistan offers an online visa (e-Visa) system for all nationalities except Armenia, India, and Taiwan. The e-Visa is available for tourism, business, family visits, and other categories.

e-Visa Key Facts • Available to: All nationalities EXCEPT Armenia, India, and Taiwan • Processing time: 7–10 business days (as of January 1, 2026) • Fee: Applicable (varies by nationality and visa type) • Types: Tourist, Business, Family Visit, Conference, Transit • Application portal: visa.nadra.gov.pk (or official NADRA portal) • Previous Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) system suspended from January 1, 2026

5. Turkey — Substitute Visa Arrangement

Turkish citizens holding a valid Schengen visa, UK visa, or US visa may obtain a visa on arrival in Pakistan. This arrangement facilitates Turkish visitors who hold visas from major Western countries.

6. Pakistan Origin Card (POC) and NICOP

Pakistan Origin Card (POC) holders and Overseas Pakistanis with a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) are entitled to visa-free entry to Pakistan, regardless of their country of citizenship. NICOP holders can enter, reside in, and work in Pakistan without any visa requirement.

7. Special Provisions — India

Entry for Indian passport holders is subject to highly restrictive conditions due to the complex political and diplomatic relationship between the two countries:

• Prior clearance from the Ministry of Interior is mandatory before a visa is issued
• Mandatory police registration within 24 hours of arrival
• Restricted ports of entry: only Wagah land border crossing and Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi international airports
• Tourist visas are NOT issued to Indian nationals; only family, business, transit, or pilgrimage visas are available
• 6-month multiple-entry business visas may be issued for legitimate commercial purposes

8. Mandatory Police Registration

Citizens of the following countries are required to register with local police within 24 hours of arrival in Pakistan:

Mandatory Police Registration Countries • Bhutan • India • Israel

9. Armenian Relations

Pakistan and Armenia established diplomatic relations on August 31, 2025. However, Armenian nationals are still not eligible for the e-Visa system and must apply through standard consular channels.

10. Visitor Statistics (2018)

Country of Origin	Visitors (approx.)
China	565,000
United Kingdom	540,000
India	212,000
United States	209,000
Saudi Arabia	150,000

11. Entry Requirements

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
• Valid e-Visa, visa on arrival (for Turkey with qualifying visa), or embassy-issued visa
• Return or onward ticket from Pakistan
• Proof of accommodation or host invitation letter
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Polio vaccination certificate (mandatory for travellers departing Pakistan — required by many countries)
• Police registration within 24 hours of arrival (for Indian, Bhutanese, and Israeli nationals)

12. Summary Table

Category	Countries / Notes	Duration
Visa-Free — GCC	Bahrain, Kuwait, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE	90 days
Visa-Free — Nepal	Nepal	30 days
Visa-Free — UN/Interpol	UN/Interpol document holders	90 days
Diplomatic/Official Passport	40+ countries — 3 months, 2 months, or 1 month tiers	1–3 months
e-Visa	All countries EXCEPT Armenia, India, Taiwan	7–10 business days processing
Turkey (Substitute Visa)	Turkey — with valid Schengen/UK/US visa	VOA
POC/NICOP Holders	Overseas Pakistanis with POC or NICOP card	Unrestricted
India	Restricted entry only — no tourist visa; family/business/transit/pilgrimage only	Restricted
Police Registration Required	Bhutan, India, Israel	Within 24 hours of arrival

13. Important Notes

• Pakistan’s e-Visa system (effective January 1, 2026) replaced the earlier Visa Prior to Arrival system
• All international departures from Pakistan require proof of polio vaccination
• Islamabad International Airport (ISB) is the main gateway, along with Lahore (LHE) and Karachi (KHI)
• Pakistan is a member of SAARC, SCO, OIC, D-8, and the Commonwealth (suspended 1999–2004)
• Security conditions vary by region; travellers should check government travel advisories before visiting
• For latest visa requirements, consult the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports or visa.nadra.gov.pk