Pakistan entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Swiss citizens need an e-visa to enter Pakistan. The entire process is handled online, and you'll receive a digital document to present at the border. Plan ahead — the e-visa is not issued on arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan eVisa (online application)You need to get this visa online before you fly – you cannot get it on arrival. Apply before travel | Swiss citizens must obtain an eVisa before arriving in Pakistan. Apply through the official Pakistan Online Visa System, selecting the appropriate visa category. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon – it must be valid for 6 months after you leave Pakistan. At least 6 months | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Pakistan. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready – they might ask to see it at check-in or border control. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Pakistan before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to carry proof that you can support yourself financially during your trip. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Pakistan, such as bank statements or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form – just go through passport control. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Swiss citizens entering Pakistan. | Not required |
Apply early — don't wait
Processing can take up to 2 weeks, and there's no visa-on-arrival for Swiss citizens. If you arrive without an approved e-visa, you'll be sent back on the next flight.
Keep a digital copy
Even if you print your e-visa, save a PDF on your phone. If you lose the paper copy, you can still show the digital version at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply online for the e-visa
Go to the official Pakistan Online Visa System (visa.nadra.gov.pk) and fill out the application form. You'll need to upload your photo, passport scan, and travel documents. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 7–10 working days, but it can take longer. Check your email for updates. You can also track your application on the same portal.
3
Receive your e-visa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your e-visa PDF. Print it out and also keep a copy on your phone. The visa is usually valid for 90 days from issue, allowing a stay of up to 30 days.
4
Arrive at the airport
At Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore airports, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport and the e-visa (printed or on your phone). The officer will check your details and stamp your passport.
Download Pakistan Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay3 months per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$150
Requires Pakistani company invitation and business documents
Student visa (e-visa)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$100
Requires admission letter from Pakistani educational institution
Work visa (e-visa)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$150
Requires employment contract and NOC from Pakistani ministry
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
CHF 200 (~$220 USD) plus processing fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Pakistan. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable annually
CHF 150 (~$165 USD) plus university fees
For enrolled students at recognized Pakistani institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
CHF 500 (~$550 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $200,000 USD in Pakistan. Requires business registration and investment documentation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pakistan e-Visa (tourist, single entry, 3 months)Standard processing; fee non-refundable | $60 |
| Pakistan e-Visa (tourist, single entry, 1 year)For longer validity | $100 |
| Pakistan e-Visa (business, single entry, 3 months)Requires invitation letter | $60 |
| Pakistan e-Visa (business, multiple entry, 1 year)For frequent business travel | $150 |
| Visa extension (in-country, at Directorate of Immigration & Passports)Up to 3 months; apply before current visa expires | $30 (approx. PKR 8,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Swiss citizens transiting through Pakistan (even airside) generally require a transit visa, unless they qualify for the visa-on-arrival for transit (available at select airports for up to 72 hours).
Exceptions & conditions
- Visa on arrival for transit (up to 72 hours) available at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta airports for Swiss citizens with confirmed onward tickets and valid visa for next destination.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsIslamabad International Airport (ISB) · Jinnah International Airport, Karachi (KHI) · Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore (LHE)
Health & vaccines for Pakistan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in many parts of the country, especially in rural areas below 2000 meters.
TyphoidModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk exists in all areas below 2000 meters, especially in rural Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers to these regions.
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 Road, Rawalpindi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Karachi
Regional Passport Office
Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions for southern region.
Practical information for CH 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
Usually 7–10 working days, but it can take longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Swiss citizens, expect to pay around $60–$100. The exact amount is shown during the application.
The e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Switzerland is not on that list, so you won't need it for direct travel.
Yes, the e-visa is valid for entry at all international airports — Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta. Land borders are not covered by the e-visa.
You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can re-apply with corrected information, or contact the Pakistan High Commission in Bern for help.
Yes, every traveller, including infants, needs a separate e-visa. You'll need to upload each child's passport and photo.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.