If you’re new to planning a trip here, our general Pakistan visa guide covers the different visa categories. But Pakistan’s visa process changed significantly at the start of 2026. If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth understanding what’s different before you book anything. The free Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) program was suspended on January 1, 2026. It had let travelers from 126 countries get a visa within 24 to 48 hours at no cost. Visa on Arrival is gone too. For nearly everyone, the standard paid e-Visa through the government’s official portal is now the only route in.

Here’s exactly how that process works, and how to avoid the mistakes that slow it down.

What changed, in short

Until the end of 2025, most travelers could apply for the VPA and get approved within a day or two, free of charge. That option quietly disappeared from the portal on January 1, 2026, with no public announcement from the government. As of this writing, there’s no confirmed timeline for it to return. So the practical result is this: expect to pay a fee, and expect a longer wait than you might have planned for.

How to apply for the Pakistan e-Visa

Overall, all applications now go through one official channel: visa.nadra.gov.pk, the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS). Avoid third-party sites that charge extra for something you can do yourself directly.

1. Create an account on the POVS portal
2. Select your visa category (tourist, business, or another type) and complete the application form
3. Upload your supporting documents
4. Pay the visa fee online by credit or debit card
5. Wait for processing, currently running 7 to 20 business days
6. Download your approved e-Visa once it’s issued

Documents you’ll need

• A valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity
• A recent passport-style photo on a white background, taken within the last 3 months
• A hotel booking confirmation, or an invitation letter from a host in Pakistan
• A travel itinerary showing your planned dates and destinations
• Bank statements from the last three months as proof of funds

Also, if you’re using an invitation letter instead of a hotel booking, it needs to be printed on Government of Pakistan stamp paper and signed by your host. A copy of their CNIC and passport must be attached too.

Fees and processing times

Because the free VPA is gone, cost is the biggest practical change for most travelers. Fees vary by nationality. EU citizens generally pay around USD 35, US/Canadian/UK travelers around USD 60, and South and Southeast Asian nationals sometimes as low as USD 20. A handful of nationalities, including China, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, are exempt from fees entirely. They still need to apply through the same portal, though.

Processing is officially quoted at 7 to 10 working days. In practice, though, plenty of applicants report waits closer to 20 business days once holidays are factored in. Because of that gap between estimate and reality, apply 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. Don’t cut it close.

Common mistakes that slow things down

• Submitting incomplete or mismatched documents. If your application gets sent back for review, the processing clock resets. You then have just 7 days to resubmit before it’s automatically canceled.
• Booking flights before approval. Since processing can take weeks, hold off on non-refundable bookings until your visa is actually in hand.
• Using third-party agencies. The official portal is the only site you need. Paid intermediaries don’t speed up government processing, they just add a markup.

If your application is delayed

Finally, if you’ve been waiting more than 20 business days, raise a query through the POVS contact page. You can also contact your nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate for an update.

Once your visa is sorted, the bigger planning questions are worth tackling too, like the best time to visit Pakistan and what to actually expect once you land. Our guide to essential Pakistan travel tips and 45 things to know before traveling to Pakistan are good next reads.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still get a visa on arrival in Pakistan?

No. Both Visa on Arrival and the Visa Prior to Arrival program have been suspended since January 1, 2026. You’ll need to apply for an e-Visa in advance through the official portal.

Is the VPA suspension permanent?

There’s been no official statement either way. As of now, there’s no announced timeline for it to return. It’s safest to plan around the standard e-Visa process for the foreseeable future.

How long does the Pakistan e-Visa actually take?

Officially 7 to 10 working days, though 20 business days isn’t unusual in practice. Give yourself 4 to 6 weeks before your travel date.

Which nationalities are exempt from the visa fee?

Afghanistan, China, Japan, Iceland, North Korea, Slovakia, Malaysia, UAE, and Saudi Arabia are currently fee-exempt. The application itself still goes through the standard portal, though.

Do I need an invitation letter to visit Pakistan?

Not necessarily. A confirmed hotel booking works just as well for a standard tourist application. An invitation letter is only needed if you’re staying with a host instead of a hotel.

Visa rules can change quickly and without notice, as this year has shown. Always confirm the current requirements on the official POVS portal before finalizing your travel plans.