Pakistan entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian passport holders need a visa to enter Pakistan in 2026. You must apply for a visa before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or visa-waiver options for Canadian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a Pakistan visa online at the official Pakistan Online Visa System (visa.nadra.gov.pk). Processing takes 7–10 business days for most nationalities. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the airport.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Pakistan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Pakistani airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. Airlines also verify this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Pakistan. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you are a solo traveller or visiting for the first time. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have access to at least $200 USD per day of your stay, either in cash, credit card, or bank statement. Immigration rarely checks this for Canadian passport holders, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Canadian passport holders cannot enter Pakistan without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa waiver. Apply well in advance.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Pakistan. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa
Go to the Pakistan Online Visa System (visa.nadra.gov.pk) and fill out the application. You'll need to upload a digital photo, passport scan, and supporting documents. Processing takes 7–10 business days for most tourist visas.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save digital copies of your approved visa, passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance. Keep them together in a folder or phone wallet.
3
Arrive at the airport in Pakistan
At Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore airports, go to the immigration counter for foreign nationals. Hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly and calmly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Pakistan Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking. Extend at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostCAD 200 (~USD 150)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
CostCAD 300 (~USD 225)
Requires company sponsorship letter. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Pakistan Work Visa
1 year, renewable
CAD 300 (~USD 225) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Pakistani company. Requires employer to obtain approval from Ministry of Interior. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
student visa
Pakistan Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable annually
CAD 200 (~USD 150) plus university enrollment
For students enrolled in recognized Pakistani institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Pakistan Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
CAD 500 (~USD 375) plus minimum investment of PKR 5 million (~USD 18,000)
For individuals investing in Pakistan's economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Allows family accompaniment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa, valid for 3 months. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 6 months. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | PKR 500 (~USD 2) per day, max PKR 50,000 (~USD 200) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Pakistan
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Pakistani airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsJinnah International Airport (KHI) · Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) · Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
Health & vaccines for Pakistan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in low-lying areas; prophylaxis recommended for most travellers.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
Risk exists year-round in all areas below 2,000m, especially in rural Sindh and Balochistan. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Islamabad
Directorate General of Immigration & Passports
Saddar, Rawalpindi, Punjab
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Karachi
Regional Passport Office Karachi
Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi, Sindh
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions for southern region. Expect queues.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalIslamabad
LanguageUrdu, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 6 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyPakistani Rupee (PKR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 278.92 PKR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10h
vs Los Angeles+13h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,DType C (two round pins) and Type D (three round pins, old British standard)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Canadian passport holders. You must get a visa before you travel.
Standard processing is 7–10 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. The visa fee is around $60–$100 CAD depending on the type and processing speed.
If you stay airside and your layover is under 12 hours, you generally do not need a visa. If you need to leave the airport or have a longer layover, you must have a visa.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Directorate of Immigration in Islamabad or at provincial immigration offices. Extensions are usually granted for up to 3 months. The fee is about 3,000 PKR (roughly $15 CAD).
You will be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
It's not a formal requirement for a tourist visa, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a bank statement showing a few thousand dollars is wise.
The Canadian government advises caution in certain regions. Check travel advisories on travel.gc.ca before booking. Most tourist areas (Islamabad, Lahore, Hunza, Skardu) are safe for travellers who take normal precautions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.