VISA
VISA General Policy for Various Categories:
The Ministry of Interior is responsible for granting/extending visas in the following categories of foreigners (other than Indian nationals whose cases are dealt by the IP&N Wing of the Ministry of Interior):-
Diplomatic UN Visa.
Gratis Visa of Diplomats/Non-Diplomats assigned to the foreign missions and expatriate staff of UN agencies working in Pakistan and their families are granted by the Ministry of Interior on the recommendations of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Visa to domestic servants of diplomats is issued free of charge, on the principle of reciprocity.
All foreign missions are required to furnish their applications for visa extension, well before the expiry of their visas, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Visa extension authorization will be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for onward transmission to the foreign mission concerned.
Student Visa.
Request of the students is received by the MOI and Ministry of Education. Student visa is granted after obtaining NOC from Ministry of Education/Economics Affairs Division/Ministry of Health (as the case may be) and foreign Mission in Pakistan of the respective country and security clearance.
NOC is granted of the security cleared students for entry visa to the Mission abroad for three months with single entry.
Foreign Students studying in Pakistan on proper student visa are granted visa/visa extension for one year with one re-entry. The same procedure is applied to foreign teachers of International Islamic University, Islamabad.
Journalist Visa.
ACCREDITED & BASED IN PAKISTAN
Pakistan Missions abroad are authorized to grant visa to the journalists accredited and based in Pakistan for duration of assignment in consultation with Press Attach s & and verification of the credentials except for Indian journalists without referring to the Ministries of Interior or Information and Broadcasting for Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad . If they wish to travel to other cities, they will apply through Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
NON BASED
Missions abroad will grant three months validity and stay (Multiple) visa for Islamabad, Lahore & Karachi after verification of the credentials of the journalist.
Non based foreign Journalists for short visits are allowed one-month visa extension with two re-entries by RPOs on the recommendation of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Their requests to visit additional places received through Ministry of Information and Media Development are considered on case to case basis.
NGO’s Visa.
Embassies are empowered to grant short term visa for one month to the expatriates working with Non Government Organizations in Pakistan.
For long term visa, the NGO is required to be registered with Government of Pakistan. In such cases, Mission abroad refer the applications for prior clearance from Ministry of Interior before granting visas.
In case of extension of visa, the registered NGOs may apply directly to Ministry of Interior which in turn authorizes the concerned RPOs for grant of extension of visa, if all the formalities are met.
Work Visa.
Pakistan Missions abroad are authorized to grant entry Work Visa to foreign expatriates on the recommendations of Board of Investment for one year (Multiple) validity , extendable on yearly basis in Pakistan . Board of Investment will process work visa applications expeditiously within four weeks and recommended to the Ministry of Interior for authorization of visa to concerned Mission.
Visa Committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary Board of Investment approves the work visa cases received in BOI through the companies working in Pakistan.
Visa advice is however issued by Ministry of Interior to Pakistan Mission abroad as per recommendation of BOI, in case of fresh entry visa and to Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) in case of visa extension.
Extension of three months provisional work visa, on application, recommended by BOI would be endorsed by the RPOs instead of Ministry of Interior.
Afghan Visa.
Afghan nationals holding Afghan passport, living inPakistan since long are allowed visa/visa extension for a period of six months with one re entry.
Afghan origin/third country passports holders are initially granted 45-days visa by our missions abroad except Pakistan Mission in Afghanistan. They are allowed further extension for 45-days.
Afghan nationals coming from Afghanistan are granted six months visa with one re-entry by Pakistan Mission in Afghanistan.
Pilgrimage Visa.
Sikhs of foreign passport holders (other than the Indian passports) are granted entry visa by the Missions for a fortnight for the following places.
Lahore
- Sheikhupura (Nankana Sahib)
- Rawalpindi/Hasan Abdal (Punja Sahib)
Missionary Work Visa.
The applications for grant of initial visa/extension for missionary work Christian Missionaries in Pakistan is processed by the Ministry of Interior.
Entry visas are not granted to foreign missionaries desirous of opening new missions or strengthening existing one engaged in proselytizing activities.
Foreign missionaries can apply for entry visa through Pakistan missions abroad who will refer the cases to Ministry of Interior with following documents of the applicants:-
- Visa application form, duly completed with two photographs.
- Computer Proforma.
- Letter from a Missionary Organization certifying that he/she is a Bonafied member of the said Organization, which takes full responsibility for his/her maintenance, boarding/lodging and return journey in case repatriation from Pakistan was required.
- Declaration to respect and abide by the laws of Pakistan and that he/she will refrain from indulging in internal politics and will comply with all the regulations of Pakistan.
- Biodata for last 10 years.
- Photostat copies of his/her educational degrees diplomas/certificates( with English translation, if required).
- Letter from the Organization in Pakistan inviting the said missionary worker.
- Complete details of the person being re-placed showing the exact date of his final exit, and visa position at that time alongwith photo copies of passport pages indicating final exit, final visa as well as the cancellation of un-utilized visa( if any).
The Ministry of Interior after obtaining the views of the Provincial Government clearance, authorizes missions abroad for entry visa for one year with one re-entry.
Missionary workers shall apply for extension in visa one month before expiry of visa to the nearest Regional Passport Office. In case, the documents furnished are in order, visa extension for two years with 2 re-entries per year (not valid for India) will be granted by RPO concerned.
House-Maid Visa.
Entry visa to work as housemaid/domestic servant in Pakistan will be granted by Missions abroad only with prior approval of the Ministry of Interior.
Applications for grant of fresh visa as housemaid/domestic servant etc., to a foreigner will be forwarded by the employers in Pakistan to Ministry of Interior with following documents:-
- Visa application form duly completed with two photographs of the applicant.
- Computer clearance Performa
- NOC & Acknowledgement from the foreign mission concerned (in Pakistan) about proposed employment of the foreigner by the said employer.
- Employment Contract on stamp paper, duly signed by the employee and employer and two witnesses.
- Photo copies of passport pages.
- Copy of NIC of the employer (in case the employer is a Pakistani).
- Passport photo copy of the employer (in case the employer is a foreigner). Extension in Housemaid Work/Domestic servant visa cases is granted by the Ministry of Interior on year to year basis subject to the validity of passport of the applicant with one or two re-entries per year.
Visa To Third Country Foreigner.
Foreign nationals can only apply for Pakistan visa from their country of origin OR from the place of legal permanent residence. Request for visas of a THIRD COUNTRY origin will be decided only by the Ambassador/High Commissioner/Head of Mission/Consulate.
Family Visit Visa For Pak Origin Foreigners.
Foreigners of Pak Origin are granted visa with multiple entries upto one year or validity of their passport, whichever is less by Missions abroad.
RPOs may grant Extension in visa to foreigners of Pak Origin for one year with multiple entries and upto 5 years without entries, subject to validity of their passport. A period of overstay upto six months can be condoned by RPOs in such cases.
Foreign wives of Foreigner of Pak Origin are also issued the same visa extension as to Pak Origin foreigners, subject to production of copy of Nikkah Nama/Marriage Certificate and NIC of husband.
Landing Permit for 72 hours can be granted by Airport Immigration staff, with prior approval of the Zonal Director (FIA) concerned, to the foreigners of Pak Origin and their families only in emergency cases on production of documentary proof of Pak Origin.
Business Visa.
ENTRY VISA BY MISSIONS
Missions abroad are authorized to grant five years validity (Multiple) visa within 24 hours to businessmen of following 68 countries of Business Visa List (BVL) on the production of any of the following documents. Duration of each stay is for three months.
- Recommendation letter from CC&I of the respective country of the foreigner.
- Invitation letter from Business organization duly recommended by the concerned Trade Organization/Association in Pakistan
- Recommendatory letter by Honorary Investment Counselor of BOI/Commercial Attach posted at Missions abroad.
| Argentina | Iceland | Poland |
| Australia | Indonesia | Portugal |
| Austria | Iran | Qatar |
| Azerbaijan | Ireland | Romania |
| Bahrain | Italy | Russia |
| Belgium | Japan | Saudi Arabia |
| Bosnia | Jordan | Singapore |
| Brazil | Kazakhistan | Slovakia Republic |
| Brunei | Kuwait | Slovenia |
| Canada | Latvia | South Africa |
| Chile | Lithonia | South Korea |
| China | Luxembourg | Spain |
| Cyprus | Malaysia | Sweden |
| Czech Republic | Malta | Switzerland |
| Denmark | Mauritius | Thailand |
| Egypt | Mexico | Turkey |
| Estonia | Morocco | Turkmenistan |
| Finland | Netherlands | U.K. |
| France | New Zealand | U.S.A. |
| Germany | Norway | U.A.E. |
| Greece | Oman | Ukraine |
| Hungary | Philippine | Vietnam |
| Sri Lanka | Bulgaria |
Missions abroad can grant one month validity and stay (Multiple) entry visa to the businessmen of remaining 107 countries (except Israel) subject to the production of afore-mentioned requisite documents from applicants own country or place of legal residence by Ambassador/High Commissioner/Head of Mission only on the following criteria:
The applicant belongs to Company of International repute. And / or Fulfills the criteria laid down for List A country in respect of valid sponsorship from Pakistan.
Conversion of Business visa into Work visa and vice versa has been discontinued.
Visa On Arrival To Businessmen Of 68 Countries.
Visa On Arrival (VOA) for 30 days validity and stay will be given to the businessmen of above 68 countries of Business Friendly List (BVL) (mentioned at serial L, as-well) on production of any of the following documents.
- Recommendation letter from CC&I of the respective country of the foreigner.
- Invitation letter from Business organization duly recommended by the concerned Trade Organization/Association in Pakistan.
- Recommendatory letter by Honorary Investment Counselor of BOI/Commercial Attach posted at Missions abroad.
Tourist Visa.
Pakistan Missions abroad are authorized to grant Visit/Tourist Visa for three months validity and stay with double entry to foreigners of List-A consisting of following 188 countries.
RPOs have been authorized to extend tourist visa upto a maximum period of six months including the initial visa period and condone overstay upto 15 days on payment of visa fee subject to payment of a minimum of US $ 10 only.
For Northern Areas, the Deputy Commissioners Gilgit & Skardu have been authorized to allow extension in visa for three months and one re-entry to the tourists in Northern Areas, charging visa fee as per policy.
| List A Countries |
| Albania | Germany | Peru |
| Algeria | Ghana | Philippines |
| Andorra | Greece | Poland |
| Angloa | Grenada | Portugal |
| Antigua & Barbuda | Guatemala | Qatar |
| Argentina | Guinea | Republic of Moldova |
| Armenia | Guinea-Bissau | Romania |
| Australia | Guyana | Russian Federation |
| Austria | Haiti | Poland |
| Azerbaijan | Honduras | Portugal |
| Bahamas | Hungary | Qatar |
| Bahrain | Iceland | Republic of Moldova |
| Barbados | Indonesia | Romania |
| Belarus | Iran | Russian Federation |
| Belgium | Ireland | Rwanda |
| Belize | Italy | Saint Kitts & Nevis |
| Benin | Jamaica | Saint Lucia |
| Bolivia | Japan | Saint Vincent & Grenadines |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | Jordan | Samoa |
| Botswana | Kazakhstan | San Marino |
| Brazil | Kenya | Sao Tome & Principe |
| Brunai Darussalam | Kiribati | Saudi Arabia |
| Bulgaria | Kuwait | Senegal |
| Burkina Faso | Lao Republic | Seychelles |
| Burundi | Latvia | Sierra Leone |
| Cameroon | Lebanon | Singapore |
| Canada | Lesotho | South Korea |
| Cape Verde | Liberia | Slovakia |
| Central African Republic | Leichtenstein | Slovenia |
| Chad | Lituania | Solomon Islands |
| Chile | Luxemburg | South Africa |
| China | Madagascar | Spain |
| Colombia | Malawi | Sri Lanka |
| Comoros | Malaysia | Suriname |
| Congo | Maldives | Swaziland |
| Costa Rica | Mali | Sweden |
| Cote d’lvoire | Malta | Switzerland |
| Croatia | Marshall Islands | Thailand |
| Cuba | Mauritania | Republic of Macedonia |
| Cyprus | Mauritius | Timor-Leste |
| Czech Republic | Mexico | Togo |
| Republic of Congo | Micronesia | Tongo |
| Denmark | Monaco | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Djibouti | Mozambique | Tunisia |
| Dominica | Myanmar | Turkey |
| Dominican Republic | Namibia | Turkmenistan |
| Ecuador | North Korea | Tuvalu |
| Egypt | Nauru | Ukraine |
| El Salvador | Nepal | United Arab Emirates |
| Equatorial Guinea | Netherlands | United Kingdom |
| Eritrea | New Zealand | United States of America |
| Estonia | Nicaragua | Uruguay |
| Ethiopia | Niger | Vanuatu |
| Fiji | Norway | Venezuela |
| Finland | Oman | Viet Nam |
| France | Palau | Yemen |
| Gabon | Panama | Zambia |
| Gambia | Papua New Guinea | Zimbabwe |
| Georgia | Paraguay | Uzbekistan |
| Syria | Tanzania | Iraq |
| Sudan | Serbia | Uganda |
| Cambodia | Libya | Mongolia |
| Morocco | Tajikistan |
Group Tourism Through Designated Tour Operators.
Visa On Arrival (VOA) will be allowed for one month validity and stay (Multiple) to Group Tourists of following 24 Tourists Friendly Countries (TFC) through designated Tour Operators in Pakistan subject to the following conditions:-
- The case will be submitted through designated/authorized tour operators only.
- The concerned tour operator will also submit undertaking to the effect that the tourists will be their responsibility and that they will not illegally overstay beyond validity of visa.
- If required, the same tour operators will apply, before expiry of visa for further extension upto 30 days.
- The concerned tour operators will submit a confirmation about exit of the said tourists, after their actual leaving the country.
| Tourist Friendly Countries (TFC) for Group Tourism through Designated Tour Operators |
| Austria | France | Korea | Singapore |
| Belgium | Germany | Luxembourg | Spain |
| Canada | Greece | Malaysia | Sweden |
| China | Iceland | Netherlands | Thailand |
| Denmark | Italy | Norway | U.K. |
| Finland | Japan | Portugal | U.S.A. |
| List of Designated Tour Operators |
| Lt. Col. Akbar A. Shareef, Rakaposhi Tours (Pvt.) Ltd., No. 12-C, 31stCommercial Street, Defence Housing Authority, Phase-V, Karachi. (75500) Phone No. 5864848, 5864949 Fax No. 5870652 E-Mail: Indus@fascom.com | Khamisani Brothers (Pvt) Ltd. No. 245, Hotel Metropole Abdullah Haroon Road, Karachi. Phone No. 5217779, 5217779, 5211147 Fax No. 5678241, 5214218 E-Mail: khamisani@cyber.net.pk |
| Indus Guides Pvt. Lahore, Phone No. 042-6650917, 6681276 Fax No. 6673806, 6278949 E-Mail: Indus@brain.net.pk | Cox & Kings Pakistan, 163-C, Bank Road, Rawalpindi. Phone No. 051-5529473 Fax No. 051-5529476 |
| Sitara Travel Consultants Pvt. Ltd. 52-West, Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, Islamabad. P.O. Box 1662. Phone No. 051-2274892-93, 2873372-75 Fax No. 2279651, 2279676 E-Mail: Islamabad@sitara.com | Travel Waljis (Pvt) Ltd. 10-Waljis Building, Khayaban-e-Suharwardy, Islamabad. Phone No. 051-2270745-48, 2270757-58 Fax No. 2270753, 2828264 E-Mail: info@waljis.com.pk |
| Sunrize Holidays, 872-E, Gulistan House, St.# 1, GF Blue Area, Islamabad. Phone No. 051-2270596, 2201560 Fax No. 051-2271670. | Oriental Linin, 62/10, Bank Road, Saddar, Rawalpindi. |
| Adventure Tours Pakistan , 551, St. 53, G-9/1, Islamabad. Tele: 051- 2260820, 2252759. Fax No. 051-2252145 | Nazir Sabir Expedition, 28-B, Nazimuddin Road, F-8/1, Islamabad. Phone No. 051-2252553, 2252580 Fax No. 051-2250293 |
| M/s. S.G. International, Tour Operators, Jhelum. | M/s. Sehri Travels & Tourism, Peshawar. |
| Pakistan Tours Ltd., PTL. Flashman Hotel, Rawalpindi. | M/s. Karakuram Trekks & Tours Pvt. Ltd., Skardu. |
| Muital Travel & Tourism, Int., (Pvt) Ltd, Office No. 10, Capital Trade Centre FPO, Markaz, Islamabad. | M/s. Salman Int. (Pvt) Ltd, Block No. 51, Choudhry Plaza, Blue Area, Islamabad. |
| M/s. Hushe Trekks & Tours, Gultry Colony Airport Road, Skardu. | M/s. Blue Sky Travel International, Naya Bazar, Skardu. |
| Prince Travel (Pvt) Ltd., 9-Jinnah Market, Circular Road, Faisalabad. | The Tourism Development Corporation Punjab Ltd., 140-Shadman-2, Lahore. |
| Pearl Tours & Travels (Pvt) Ltd., 14-Shopping Arcade, Hotel Pearl Continental, Karachi. | American Express (Pvt) Ltd., 6E-8, Second Floor, Shadman Complex, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad Road, Karachi. |
| Trans Asia Tourism, 32-N, Nichlson Road, Lahore. | Baltistan Tours, Skardu. |
| Zeb Travels, Uni Plaza, Ground Floor, Hasrat Mohani Road, Off I.I., Chundrigar Road, Karachi. (74000) Phone No. 2411204, 2417054, 2418808-D Fax No. 2425181, 2424340 E-Mail: zeb@cyber.net.pk | Polani’s (Pvt.) Ltd., No. 46, 47 & 49, Sind Madressat-Ul-Islam, Hasrat Mohani Road, Karachi. Phone No. 2416201-03 Fax No. 2422253, 2419737 E-Mail: polabustrye@hotmail.com |
| * For List of Tour Operators |
Overstay Charges.
The Ministry of Interior has imposed overstay charges on foreigners and Pak origin foreigners as under: –
(i) All FOREIGN NATIONALS:
| Sr.# | Period of Over-Stay | Overstay Surcharge |
| 1 | Upto 2 Weeks | – |
| 2 | Above – 2 Weeks to 1 Month | US $ 50/- |
| 3 | Above – 1 Month to 3 Months | US $ 200/- |
| 4 | Above – 3 Months to 1 Year | US $ 400/- per year |
Note: No surcharge shall be payable in case of holders of diplomatic passports.
(ii) FOREIGNERS OF PAK ORIGIN:
| Sr.# | Period of Over-Stay | Overstay Surcharge |
| 1 | Upto 1 Month | – |
| 2 | Above – 1 Month to 6 Months | US $ 40/- |
| 3 | Above – 6 Months to 1 Year | US $ 80/- |
| 4 | Above – Beyond 1 Year | US $ 200/- per year |
Note:
- No surcharge shall be payable in case of children upto 12 years of age.
- 50% surcharge shall be payable in case of children upto 18 years of age.
Entry Into Pakistan Without Visa.
Pakistan has visa abolition Agreements with following 46 countries. The foreigners holding diplomatic, official and ordinary passport holders of the following countries can enter in Pakistan without visa for the period mentioned against each. After expiry of the period, extension of visa would be required through Ministry of Interior.
| List of Countries with whom Pakistan has Visa Abolition Aggrements |
| Name of Country | Period for which visa not required | Remarks |
| Algeria | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Argentina | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Austria | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Azerbaijan | One Month | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Bahrain | Three Months | Diplomatic & Special Passports (for Bahrain only) Diplomatic & Official Passports (for Pakistan only) |
| Belgium | Three Months | Diplomatic Passport Holders |
| Brazil | Three Months | Diplomatic Passport Holders |
| Brunei Darussalam | 14 days | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| China/Hongkong | One Month | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Czech/Solvak Republic | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Denmark | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Egypt | 30 Days | Diplomatic Passport Holders |
| Finland | Three Months | Diplomatic Passport Holders |
| Germany | Three Months | Diplomatic Passport Holders |
| Indonesia | 30 days | Diplomatic & Service/Official Passport Holders |
| Iran | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Kuwait | Three Months | Diplomatic, Special & Official Passport Holders |
| Kazakhstan | One Month | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Kyrgyz Republic | 30 Days | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Lao PDR | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport |
| Libya | 30 Days | Diplomatic, Official & Special Passport Holders |
| Luxemburg | Three Months | Diplomatic Passport Holders |
| Maldives | Three Months | All Nationals of Country |
| Malta | One Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Mexico | Three Months | Diplomatic Passport Holders |
| Morocco | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Nepal | One Month | All Nationals of Country |
| Netherlands | Three Months | Diplomatic Passport Holders |
| Norway | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Philippine | Three Months | Diplomatic Passport Holders |
| Romania | One Month | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| RussianaFederation | Three Months/Entire Period of Assignment | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Serbia | One Month | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Slovak Republic | Three Month | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| South Korea | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| SriLanka | 30 Days | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Thailand | Un-Specified Period | Diplomatic Passport Holders |
| Tajikistan | Three Months | Diplomatic Passport Holders |
| Tonga | Un-Specified Period | All Nationals of Country |
| Trinidad &aTobago | Un-Specified Period | All Nationals of Country |
| Tunisia | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Turkey | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Vietnam | Three Months | Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders |
| Western Samoa | One Month | All Nationals of Country |
| Yemen | Three Months | Diplomatic, Special & Official Passport Holders |
| Jordan | Three Months | Diplomatic Passport Holders |
| NOTE: | Three months visa will be applicable on short-term/Official Business visits and visa for entire period of assignment will be applicable to memebers of Diplomatic/Consular Missions & their families. |
Registration Of Foreigners With Police.
All foreigners are exempted from registration with the Police except the nationals of following countries of List-B; as well as such other foreign nationals who are directed by the immigration authorities to report to FRO for registration and a stamp is affixed to this effect, on their passports.
| Bangladesh | Bhutan | India | Israel |
| Nigeria | P.L.O. | Somalia |
However, nationals in the managerial category, who are issued Work Permit/Visa from these countries will be exempted from Police registration except Indians and foreigners of Indian origin.
Please contact for registration, Foreigner Registration Branch established in the office of every District Police Officer.
Visa Extension In Pakistan.
The Regional Passport Offices at Islamabad as well as at Provincial capitals, have been empowered to allow one year extension in business visa on submission of the following requisite business related documents.
- Valid Passport/Business visa.
- Documents showing substantial Investment/Export/Import during last year.
- Registration letter from Tourism Division (in case of hotel business).
- Other business documents (i.e. letter from Chamber of Commerce & Industry/Registrar of Company, partnership deed, article of association etc.)
Extension in visa beyond one year will be granted by the Ministry of Interior on production of the requisite business documents.