India entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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

Pakistan passport holders need a visa to enter India in 2026. You must apply for a visa before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or e-Visa options for Pakistani citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. Fees range from $25 to $80 USD depending on visa type and duration. Approval usually comes within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in case of loss.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from India
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a signed invitation letter from your host in India. Immigration may ask where you are staying on arrival.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show sufficient money for your stay
Have bank statements, credit cards, or cash equivalent to at least $300 USD for a short visit. Officers rarely check this for tourists, but it helps if asked.Recommended
No e-Visa or visa-on-arrival for Pakistani citizens
Pakistan passport holders cannot use India's e-Visa system or get a visa on arrival. You must apply for a paper visa at the Indian Visa Application Centre in Islamabad or the consulate in Karachi before you travel.
Plan ahead — processing takes weeks
Indian visa processing for Pakistani citizens typically takes 2-4 weeks. Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip to avoid delays. Rushed applications are rarely possible.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for an Indian visa
Submit your visa application at the Indian Visa Application Centre in Islamabad or the consulate in Karachi. You'll need your passport, photos, and supporting documents. Processing takes 2-4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations saved on your phone and as printouts.
3
Arrive at the airport in India
At immigration, present your passport with the visa stamp, boarding pass, and return ticket. The officer may ask about your stay — answer clearly. You'll receive an entry stamp valid for the duration of your visa.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days, extendable up to 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostINR 3,400 (~$41 USD)

Requires application at Indian embassy/consulate.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per visit, extendable up to 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
CostINR 6,800 (~$82 USD)

Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travelers.

Business visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostINR 10,000 (~$120 USD)

Requires invitation letter from Indian company.

Student visa
Max stayDuration of course, extendable
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostINR 15,000 (~$180 USD)

Requires admission letter from recognized Indian institution.

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
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Pakistan nationals; processing time varies.INR 3,400 (~$41 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.INR 6,800 (~$82 USD)
eVisa (tourist)Online application; valid for 60 days from arrival.INR 3,400 (~$41 USD)
Overstay fine per dayApplicable for overstaying visa validity.INR 500 (~$6 USD) per day, max INR 20,000 (~$240 USD)

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

Pakistan nationals require a transit visa to change flights in India, even if staying airside. Apply at Indian embassy before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, or Schengen visas may be eligible for e-Tourist Visa on arrival for transit purposes.
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore

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 = 95.78 INR
updated May 29
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
Police100
Medical102
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to India — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Pakistani citizens. You must apply for a visa before you travel through the Indian Visa Application Centre in Islamabad or the consulate in Karachi.
Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, but can take longer depending on the type of visa and current workload. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date.
You'll need your passport (valid for 6+ months), recent passport-sized photos, a completed application form, proof of residence, and supporting documents like a travel itinerary or invitation letter. Check the Indian Visa Application Centre website for the full list.
No. Indian visas for Pakistani passport holders are not extendable. You must leave India before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa bans.
It is not always mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. Indian hospitals can charge hundreds of dollars per day for treatment. Insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and a ban on future travel to India. The fine is typically around 100-300 INR per day, but serious overstays can result in legal action. Always leave before your visa expires.
No. The Indian e-Visa is not available for Pakistani passport holders. You must apply for a traditional visa through the Indian Visa Application Centre.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.