Pakistan Tourist Visa & Travel Clearance Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your Online Tourist Visa (E-Visa) to explore the cultural heritage, desert landscapes, and historic sites of Pakistan.
Choose the right visa path for your travel plan
Standard Tourist E-Visa
Issued online for 191+ nationalities. Valid for single or multiple entries up to 30 to 90 days. Ideal for sightseeing across Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, and Bahawalpur.
Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA)
Available for 65+ eligible countries. You must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at least 48 to 72 hours before departure.
Tour Operator Backed Visa
Applying with an official Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a licensed tour operator guarantees faster verification and smooth clearance for heritage circuits.
The complete online visa application workflow
Account Creation on NADRA Portal
Register an account on the official Pakistan Online Visa Portal (visa.nadra.gov.pk) and select 'Tourist Visa'.
Passport & Photo Upload
Upload a clear scan of your passport's information page (minimum 6 months validity) and a white-background photograph.
Sponsor Letter or Hotel Confirmation
Attach a confirmed hotel booking or a Letter of Invitation (LOI) provided by your registered local travel agency.
Fee Payment & Submission
Pay the official visa fee using a Visa or MasterCard and submit your application for processing.
Receive Electronic Visa (E-Visa)
Once approved, your E-Visa grant notice or ETA letter will arrive directly via email. Print a hard copy for airport immigration.
Document checklist for a hassle-free approval
01 Standard Tourist E-Visa
- Valid Passport (at least 6 months validity from travel date)
- Passport-sized photograph (White background, JPEG format)
- Hotel confirmed reservation OR Tour Operator LOI
- Travel itinerary covering your planned cities
- Valid Debit/Credit Card for online fee payment
02 Special Travel & Heritage Tours
- Official Letter of Invitation (LOI) from licensed operator
- DTS Registration Certificate copy of host agency
- Detailed day-by-day travel route map
- Emergency contact details in Pakistan
- Previous Pakistan visa copies (if applicable)
Common visa mistakes that cause rejection or processing delays
Uploading Blurry or Glared Passport Scans
Scans with reflections, shadows, or cropped corners are automatically rejected by NADRA's automated system.
Submitting Invalid Hotel Bookings
Unverified third-party hotel reservations without proper contact details can trigger additional document requests.
Applying Under the Wrong Visa Category
Selecting 'Business Visa' or 'Work Visa' instead of 'Tourist Visa' leads to immediate cancellation without a refund.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
While most visas take 7 to 10 days, security clearance for certain nationalities can take longer. Apply at least 3 weeks prior.
Frequently asked tourist visa questions
Standard e-Visas take 7 to 10 working days, while Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) processing takes 48 to 72 hours for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Yes, a standard Tourist Visa allows you to travel across South Pakistan including Karachi, Mohenjo-Daro, Multan, and Bahawalpur without special NOCs for open public zones.
For most nationalities, an LOI from a registered Pakistani tour operator or a confirmed hotel booking through the NADRA portal is required.