Pakistan Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Pakistan's visa policy requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa prior to arrival. The country has implemented an e-visa system for many nationalities, making the application process more accessible. A limited number of countries qualify for visa-free entry or visa on arrival under specific conditions.
Very limited visa-free access to Pakistan
Diplomatic and official passport holders from various countries may also qualify for visa-free entry under bilateral agreements. All visitors must still meet standard entry requirements including valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Online visa application system available for citizens of eligible countries
Cost: Varies by nationality and visa type: Tourist visa ranges from USD $8-$200; Business visa USD $40-$400. Service fees may apply.
E-visa must be printed and presented upon arrival. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly. Some nationalities may still require traditional visa application through embassy. Business visas require invitation letter from Pakistani company.
Available for specific purposes and nationalities at designated airports
Cost: Approximately USD $25-$100 depending on nationality
Visa on arrival is primarily for business purposes and may not be available for tourism. Requirements and eligibility can change; confirm availability before travel. Not recommended as primary entry plan - apply for e-visa in advance when possible.
Traditional visa application through Pakistani diplomatic mission
Required for nationalities not eligible for e-visa, certain visa types (student, work, journalist), and visits to restricted areas. Afghan nationals and some other countries face additional scrutiny and longer processing times. Always apply well in advance of intended travel date.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at a Pakistani airport or land border crossing, travelers proceed through immigration and customs control. The process is generally efficient at major airports, though wait times can vary. Having all required documentation readily accessible will expedite the process.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Pakistan Customs regulates the import and export of goods to protect national security, public health, and the economy. Travelers should be aware of duty-free allowances and prohibited items. Honest declaration of goods helps avoid penalties, fines, or confiscation.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - Pakistan has extremely strict drug laws with severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking
- Alcoholic beverages for Muslim travelers - Non-Muslims require special permits which are difficult to obtain
- Pornographic materials - Including magazines, videos, or digital content deemed obscene
- Weapons and ammunition - Without proper import permits and licenses from Pakistani authorities
- Items considered blasphemous or offensive to Islam - Including certain books, materials, or images
- Counterfeit currency and goods - Fake money or pirated/counterfeit products
- Endangered species products - Items made from protected animals or plants under CITES regulations
- Indian currency - Pakistani Rupees from India are not accepted
- Satellite phones - Require special permission from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority
- Drones and UAVs - Require prior permission from Civil Aviation Authority; recreational drones heavily restricted
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - Bring reasonable quantities for personal use with original packaging and prescription. Psychotropic or controlled substances require special permits
- Professional camera/video equipment - May require temporary import permit or carnet for commercial use
- Antiques and cultural artifacts - Export of antiquities over 75 years old is prohibited; import may require documentation
- Gold and precious metals - Amounts exceeding personal jewelry limits must be declared and may incur duty
- Plants and seeds - Require phytosanitary certificates from country of origin
- Meat and dairy products - Generally prohibited unless accompanied by health certificates
- Radio transmitters and communication equipment - Require approval from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority
Health Requirements
Pakistan has specific health requirements for entry, particularly regarding vaccinations. Health regulations can change based on global health situations, so checking current requirements before travel is essential.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Certificate must be presented at immigration. Vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival.
- Polio - Pakistan is a polio-endemic country. Travelers staying more than 4 weeks must show proof of polio vaccination (OPV or IPV) administered between 4 weeks and 12 months before departure from Pakistan. This applies to both Pakistani nationals and foreign visitors.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to food and water contamination risks
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or body fluids
- Typhoid - Recommended due to contaminated food and water, especially outside major cities
- Rabies - Recommended for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or animal contact
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date on MMR, DPT, and seasonal influenza
- Tetanus - Recommended booster if not current
- COVID-19 - Follow current guidance on vaccination requirements or recommendations
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is not mandatory for entry to Pakistan but is strongly recommended. Medical facilities vary greatly in quality, with good private hospitals in major cities but limited facilities in rural areas. Comprehensive insurance should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Ensure your policy covers Pakistan specifically, as some insurers exclude certain regions. Medical costs can be high at private facilities, and evacuation to better facilities or home country can be extremely expensive without insurance.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (family passports are not accepted). Minors under 18 traveling alone or with one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the trip. This letter should include contact information, travel dates, and destination details. Children require the same visa as adults. For children of Pakistani origin or with Pakistani parents, additional documentation may be required. Unaccompanied minors should check with airlines for specific policies and required documentation.
Pets (dogs and cats) can be brought to Pakistan but require: (1) Import permit from Pakistan's Animal Quarantine Department obtained in advance, (2) Health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 7 days of travel, (3) Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival, (4) Certificate of good health, (5) Microchip identification recommended. Some breeds of dogs may be restricted. Pets may be subject to quarantine inspection upon arrival. Airlines have specific requirements for pet travel in cabin or cargo. Contact Pakistan Animal Quarantine Department well in advance (minimum 4 weeks) for current requirements and permit application.
Tourist visas can sometimes be extended through the local Passport Office or Deputy Commissioner's office in the city where you're staying. Apply before your current visa expires - overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans. Extension approval is not guaranteed and requires valid reasons, proof of financial means, accommodation proof, and sometimes a sponsor. Processing can take several days to weeks. For stays beyond tourism (work, study, business), you must apply for the appropriate visa category. Working on a tourist visa is illegal. Long-term residents must register with local police within 7 days of arrival and obtain a residential permit for stays exceeding 6 months.
Business visitors require a business visa obtained through e-visa system or embassy. Required documents include invitation letter from Pakistani company or organization (registered with Board of Investment or Chamber of Commerce), company registration documents, and purpose of visit details. Business visa holders cannot engage in paid employment - work visa required for actual employment. Multiple-entry business visas available for frequent travelers. Some nationalities require security clearance which extends processing time. Business travelers may need to register with local authorities for stays exceeding 30 days.
Journalists, photographers, and film crews must obtain special journalist visas and cannot enter on tourist visas. Application requires accreditation from home country's media organization, detailed filming/reporting plan, and approval from Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Process can take several weeks. Filming in certain areas requires additional permits. Working as journalist without proper visa and permits can result in deportation and equipment confiscation. Documentary filmmakers and YouTubers creating commercial content also require these permits.
Certain areas of Pakistan require special permits beyond standard visa: Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and areas near borders with India, Afghanistan, and Iran. No Objection Certificates (NOC) must be obtained from Ministry of Interior or local Deputy Commissioner. Many areas require travel with registered tour operator. Applications should be submitted at least 4-6 weeks before travel. Some areas may be completely off-limits to foreigners. Check current security situation and travel advisories. Violating restricted area regulations can result in detention, fines, and deportation.
Dual nationals with Pakistani citizenship must enter and exit Pakistan on their Pakistani passport, regardless of other nationalities held. Using a foreign passport to enter when holding Pakistani citizenship can cause legal complications. Pakistani-origin individuals may be considered Pakistani nationals even if they've taken other citizenship and not formally renounced Pakistani nationality. This affects visa requirements and legal status. Consult Pakistani embassy if you have Pakistani heritage or previous Pakistani citizenship to clarify your status before travel.