Pakistan entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 an eVisa before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or visa-waiver options for Canadian citizens. Start your application at least 3 weeks before your trip to account for processing time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan eVisaYou must get this visa online before you travel — you cannot get it on arrival. Required for Canadian citizens | Canadian passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling to Pakistan. Apply online through the official Pakistan visa portal. The eVisa is typically valid for tourism, business, or visit purposes. Processing times and fees vary; check the official portal for current details. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon — it must be valid for half a year after you arrive. At least 6 months from arrival | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Pakistan. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Pakistan can help avoid questions at immigration. Recommended | Although not explicitly required, it is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket to prove your intention to leave Pakistan before your visa expires. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to have evidence you can pay for your trip, just in case. Recommended | While not explicitly required, carrying proof of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) is recommended to show you can support yourself during your visit. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special form on arrival. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Canadian citizens entering Pakistan. | Not required |
Visa required — no exceptions
Canadian passport holders cannot enter Pakistan without a pre-approved eVisa. There is no visa-on-arrival or 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 eVisa
Go to the Pakistan Online Visa System (visa.nadra.gov.pk) and fill out the application. Upload a digital photo, passport scan, and supporting documents. Processing takes 7–10 business days for most tourist visas. The fee is around $60–$100 CAD depending on the type and processing speed.
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. Make sure your passport has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
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 August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business eVisa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year (multiple entry)
Cost$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Pakistani company
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study program
Validity1–2 years, renewable
CostVaries; approx. $100–$200 CAD
Requires admission letter from Pakistani educational institution
Work Visa
Max stayDuration of employment contract
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries; approx. $150–$300 CAD
Requires work permit approval from Pakistan's Board of Investment
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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa application fee (tourist/business)Paid online via Pakistan eVisa portal; non-refundable | $25–$100 USD depending on visa type and processing speed |
| Visa processing fee (if applying via embassy)Only if you choose paper application instead of eVisa | Varies by consulate; typically $50–$150 CAD |
| Visa extension fee (for stays beyond visa validity)Apply at the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports in Pakistan | Approx. $50–$100 USD (PKR equivalent) |
| Exit feeNo exit fee for Canadian citizens departing Pakistan | None |
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
Transit visa required
Canadian citizens transiting through Pakistan (even airside) generally need a transit visa unless they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. However, in practice, Pakistani authorities often require a visa for any entry into the airport terminal, so check with your airline.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration (but still may be required to obtain a transit visa in advance)
Transit hubsJinnah International Airport (KHI) – Karachi · Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) – Lahore · Islamabad International Airport (ISB) – Islamabad
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 = 277.9 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 an eVisa 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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.