Applying for a visa to visit Pakistan can seem like a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be! With the launch of the Pakistan Visa Online System, foreign nationals can now easily apply for their Pakistani visa entirely online in just a few simple steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of applying for a Pakistan visa online, including eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and step-by-step instructions for completing your application.
The Pakistan Visa Online System offers a streamlined and efficient way to get your Pakistani visa without having to visit an embassy or consulate in person.
Here are some of the key benefits of applying online:
- Apply from anywhere, anytime without having to travel to an embassy.
- Applications are generally processed within 2 working days.
- A User-friendly online portal guides you through the application.
- Pay visa fees securely online via credit/debit card.
- Upload supporting docs like photos digitally.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for an online Pakistani visa, there are some eligibility criteria and document requirements you’ll need to meet:
List of Eligible Countries
Citizens from 192 countries can apply for a Pakistani visa online. However, the eligibility differs depending on the visa category. For tourist visas, 64 nationalities can apply for a visa on arrival. For business visas, 103 nationalities are eligible for visa on arrival.
Different Visa Categories
When applying online, you’ll need to select the appropriate visa category, such as:
- Tourist visa
- Business visa
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Journalist visa
- etc.
Required Documents
To complete your online visa application, you’ll need to provide:
- Valid passport
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Supporting documents (e.g. invitation letter for business visa)
- Valid debit/credit card for fee payment
Photograph Specifications
The photograph you submit must meet the following requirements:
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Passport-size (45mm x 35mm)
- Full-face view directly facing the camera
- Plain white background
- Maximum file size of 350KB
- JPEG or PNG format
Payment Methods
To pay your visa application fee, you’ll need a valid credit or debit card, including MasterCard and Visa. The fee calculator on the portal shows your total based on the visa category.
How to Apply for a Pakistan Visa Online
Once you’ve ensured you meet the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to complete your online Pakistani visa application:
- Go to the official Pakistan Visa Online Portal.
- Register for an account. Otherwise, log into your existing account.
- Upload your supporting documents including passport pages, photographs, and other category-specific docs in PDF, JPEG, or PNG formats.
- Fill out the online visa application form completely and accurately.
- Use the integrated fee calculator to determine the visa cost. Pay your visa application fee online using your credit or debit card.
- Carefully review your visa application one last time. Once satisfied, submit your completed online Pakistani visa application.
Visa Grant Notice and Electronic Authorization to Travel (ETA)
After approval, you’ll receive your Pakistani visa documents electronically:
This document is your official visa confirming approval to travel to Pakistan. You’ll need to present this visa notice upon arrival, so be sure to have a printed or digital copy.
For the “visa on arrival” categories, the ETA allows you to travel to Pakistan to complete the visa process upon arrival. It is not the actual visa, just authorization to travel.
Conclusion
Applying for your Pakistani visa online is the most convenient and efficient option. Just make sure to meet all eligibility criteria, gather the required documents, and carefully complete all sections of the online application form. Following this guide will help ensure a smooth visa application process using the streamlined Pakistan Visa Online System.
