Overview
Since 1 February 2021, Pakistan stopped accepting manual/paper visa applications entirely — nearly every foreign national applying for a Pakistani visa (Indian passport holders follow a separate process) must use the government's Online Visa Portal, run by NADRA. You register an account, fill in your details, upload documents and a photo, and pay online — no agent or facilitation service is required. Some sources also reference an interior ministry version of the same system at visa.interior.gov.pk — check which URL your consulate currently directs you to.
Visa categories
| Tourist Visa | For eligible nationalities on Pakistan's Electronic Travel Authorization list; sightseeing and leisure visits. |
|---|---|
| Business Visa | Trade, meetings and commercial visits. |
| Family Visa | Visiting relatives; primarily for applicants of Pakistani origin. |
| Official / Diplomatic Visa | For foreign government officials performing official duties in Pakistan. |
Documents checklist
- Valid passport, scanned bio-data page
- Digital photograph meeting the specification below
- Valid email address and US or other working contact number, as required by the form
- Credit or debit card for online fee payment
- Supporting documents specific to your visa category (invitation letter, business correspondence, proof of Pakistani-origin family ties, etc.)
Photo requirements
| Background | Plain white background |
|---|---|
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Minimum dimensions | 350 × 467 pixels |
| File size | Up to 350 KB |
Step-by-step application process
1. Go to the official Online Visa Portal
Confirm you're on visa.nadra.gov.pk (or the current URL directed by your nearest Pakistani mission).
2. Create a new account
Provide your name, email, passport number and a CAPTCHA verification, then verify via the PIN sent to your email.
3. Choose your visa category
Review the categories and eligibility criteria carefully — applying under the wrong category is a common cause of delay.
4. Complete the form and upload documents
Fill in every field, even non-mandatory ones, and upload your photo and supporting documents.
5. Submit to the correct consular jurisdiction
Applications must be submitted under the jurisdiction matching your location — an application filed under the wrong jurisdiction risks rejection.
6. Pay and track your application
Pay online, then track your status through your account. Don't book travel until you've received your visa.
Fees & processing time
| Processing time | Typically 7–10 working days for family visas (Pakistani-origin applicants); check the portal for other categories, as timelines vary |
|---|---|
| Fee | Displayed on the portal by visa category and nationality |
Sources reviewed: visa.nadra.gov.pk (Pakistan Online Visa System, NADRA), visa.interior.gov.pk, Pakistani consulate/embassy notices. Eligibility, jurisdictions and fees vary — always confirm current details on the official portal before applying.