Pakistan entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders need a visa to enter Pakistan in 2026. Apply online through the official visa portal before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for French citizens. Start the process at least two weeks before your trip to allow for processing time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Pakistan tourist or business eVisa at visa.nadra.gov.pk. Processing takes 7–10 working days, and you need a scanned passport photo and passport bio page. Print the eVisa approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your French passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Pakistan. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Pakistan | Immigration officers at Pakistani airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Pakistan. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you are a first-time visitor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but it is safer to have at least $500 USD equivalent available. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
French citizens cannot enter Pakistan without a pre-approved visa. Start your application at least 2 weeks before departure. Processing delays happen, especially during peak travel seasons.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you enter Pakistan, not from when you leave. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to the official Pakistan visa portal (visa.nadra.gov.pk) and fill out the application. Upload a scanned copy of your passport photo page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit card. Processing usually takes 5–10 working days.
2
Receive your visa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with a visa approval letter. Print it out and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show this at the airline check-in counter and on arrival in Pakistan.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed visa approval, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in a folder you can grab quickly.
4
Arrive at the airport in Pakistan
At immigration in Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Hand over your passport and visa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address — have them ready. Expect a brief interview about your purpose of visit.
Download Pakistan Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (~$108 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost€80 (~$86 USD)
Requires business invitation letter.
work visa
Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~€150 (~$162 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a Pakistani company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable annually
~€100 (~$108 USD) plus university fees
For enrolled students at recognized Pakistani institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$540 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $200,000 USD in Pakistan. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for 3 months. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry option, valid for 6 months. | €100 (~$108 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily with a cap. | PKR 500 (~$2 USD) per day, max PKR 50,000 (~$180 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
A transit visa is required for France holders changing planes in Pakistan, unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioEssentialRabiesRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high in all areas below 2000 meters, especially in rural Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Prophylaxis 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 Road, Rawalpindi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Karachi
Regional Passport Office
Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa-related issues for southern region.
Practical information for FR 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. French passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for French citizens in 2026.
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. The fee is around $60–$80 depending on visa type, paid online.
Yes. Immigration requires proof of onward travel regardless of your accommodation. A return ticket or a ticket to your next destination is mandatory.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must visit the nearest immigration office (in major cities) before your visa expires. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and cost around $30–$50.
Not always checked at immigration, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Pakistan can be high for foreigners, and insurance covers evacuation, theft, and trip cancellation.
You can reapply, but first check the rejection reason. Common issues: insufficient passport validity, incomplete application, or missing documents. Fix the problem and submit a new application.
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.