India entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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
Pakistani citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to India. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. You need to apply through the Indian High Commission in Islamabad or the Consulate in Karachi, and an in-person interview is typically required. Start your application at least 3 months before your planned travel date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Indian visa (apply at embassy/consulate)You cannot get an Indian visa on arrival or online; you must go through the embassy/consulate process. Not eligible for eVisa | Pakistani citizens must obtain a valid Indian visa before travel. The eVisa facility is not available for Pakistani passport holders. Apply at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into India. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa and entry/exit stamps need a clean page — make sure you have at least one unused page. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the Indian immigration stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration officers often ask for this to ensure you're not planning to overstay. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to prove you will leave India before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always checked, but having proof can help if asked by immigration. For your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in India. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for Pakistani citizens entering India. | Not required |
No e-visa or visa-on-arrival for Pakistani citizens
Despite India offering e-visas to many nationalities, Pakistani citizens are explicitly excluded. Do not attempt to apply for an e-visa — it will be rejected. You must go through the embassy/consulate process.
Start early — processing can take months
Given the sensitive nature of Pakistan-India relations, visa applications are subject to security clearance and can take longer than the standard 4-6 weeks. Apply at least 3 months in advance and avoid booking non-refundable travel until your visa is in hand.
Restricted areas require special permits
If you plan to visit areas near the border (e.g., Punjab border regions, Kashmir, or certain parts of Rajasthan), you may need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in addition to your visa. This is arranged through the Indian authorities after arrival, but it's best to check with the embassy before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online application
Go to the Indian Visa Online portal, fill out the application form, upload your photo and passport scan, and pay the visa fee online. After submission, you'll get an application reference number.
2
Schedule an appointment at the embassy/consulate
Book an appointment at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad or the Indian Consulate in Karachi. You must appear in person for biometrics and an interview. Appointments can be booked online; slots fill up quickly, so book early.
3
Attend the interview and submit documents
Bring your printed application, passport, photos, and all supporting documents to the appointment. The visa officer will ask about your travel plans and may take your fingerprints. Submit your passport for stamping.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks, but can be longer. You can track your application status online using your reference number. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
5
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, you'll be notified to collect your passport from the embassy/consulate or have it couriered to you. Check the visa sticker for correct dates and details before leaving the premises.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stayUp to 6 months per visit
ValidityUsually 1 year (multiple entry)
CostApprox. $150–$200
Requires invitation letter from Indian company and prior approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course (up to 5 years)
ValidityIssued for course duration
CostApprox. $100–$150
Requires admission letter from recognized Indian institution.
Employment visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityUsually 1 year
CostApprox. $200–$300
Requires employment contract and approval from Indian authorities.
work visa
Employment Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 15,000 (~$180 USD) plus processing fees
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship and minimum salary threshold.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 5 years
INR 15,000 (~$180 USD) plus university fees
For enrollment in recognized Indian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 5 years, renewable
INR 20,000 (~$240 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing in Indian businesses or startups. Requires minimum investment of $100,000 USD.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pakistan citizen visa application fee (single entry, up to 6 months)Non-refundable; payable at time of application. | Approx. $100 (varies by Indian mission) |
| Visa service charge (outsourced processing)Charged by the visa application center (e.g., BLS International). | Approx. $20–$30 |
| Visa extension fee (for stays beyond visa validity)Rarely granted; must apply at FRRO in India. | Approx. $50–$100 per extension |
| Exit permit / departure fee (if overstay)Overstay penalties are calculated per day; pay at immigration. | Varies; penalty may apply |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 India
Transit visa required
Pakistani nationals require a transit visa even for airside transit through Indian airports. Apply at the Indian mission before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different rules.
- In emergency situations, contact the nearest Indian mission for guidance.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) · Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in most regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in most areas, especially rural and forested regions. Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
New Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
Level 2, East Block 8, Sector 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, Delhi 110022
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles visa extensions and registration; bring passport, visa, and photos.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, 1st Floor, Commissioner of Police Building, D.N. Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa-related issues; appointment recommended.
Practical information for PK travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.39 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Pakistani citizens are not eligible for India's e-visa program. You must apply for a regular visa through the Indian embassy or consulate in Pakistan.
Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks, but it can take longer depending on the time of year and the specific case. It's best to apply at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date.
The visa fee varies based on the type and duration of the visa. As of 2026, a standard tourist visa fee is around PKR 10,000-15,000, but this can change. Check the Indian embassy's website for the current fee schedule.
Yes, in most cases. Pakistani citizens are required to appear in person at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad or the Consulate in Karachi for biometrics and an interview. There are no exceptions for minors or the elderly.
If you are a Pakistani citizen living abroad, you can apply at the Indian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. However, the process may be stricter, and you may need to provide additional documentation. Contact the local Indian mission for details.
Tourist visas are typically issued for a maximum stay of 30 days per visit, with a single entry. The exact duration is at the discretion of the visa officer. Multiple-entry visas are rarely granted.
Overstaying is a serious offense. You may be fined, detained, and banned from re-entering India for several years. If you need to extend your stay, you must apply to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) before your visa expires, but extensions are rarely granted for Pakistani citizens.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.