United States 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
Pakistani passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. There is no visa waiver or visa-on-arrival option for Pakistani citizens. Plan ahead — the visa process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a valid US visa before traveling. Apply at the US embassy or consulate in Pakistan — the process includes an interview and takes several weeks. Start early, as slots fill up fast.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the US. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for all visitors | Immigration officers at US ports of entry routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host in the US. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you don't have a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Bring bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. US immigration doesn't have a fixed amount, but showing $100–$200 per day helps. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Pakistani passport holders cannot enter the US visa-free, even for short visits or transit. The visa process takes weeks, so start early.
Interview wait times vary
During peak seasons (summer, holidays), interview slots at the US Embassy in Islamabad can fill up weeks in advance. Book your appointment as soon as you pay the fee.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 Form
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website and fill out the DS-160 form. You'll need a digital photo that meets US visa specs. Save the confirmation barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (around $160 for most visa types) through the designated bank or online portal. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule Your Interview
Book an appointment at the US Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate in Karachi. Wait times vary — book as early as possible. You'll get a confirmation with your date and time.
4
Attend the Interview
Arrive at the embassy or consulate on time. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents (bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary). The officer will ask about your trip and ties to Pakistan.
5
Wait for Processing
After approval, your passport will be held for visa stamping. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, but can be longer. You'll get a notification to collect your passport or have it couriered.
6
Travel to the US
When you arrive at a US port of entry (airport, land border), a CBP officer will inspect your passport and ask about your visit. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months, not extendable without I-539
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. PKR 44,800)
Standard visa for tourism and business visits; must apply at US embassy.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry, not extendable without I-539
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. PKR 44,800)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study program + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of program
Cost$160 USD (approx. PKR 44,800) + SEVIS fee $350
For full-time academic study; requires I-20 from US institution.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initial
Cost$190 USD (approx. PKR 53,200) + other fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study program + 60 days grace
$160 USD application + $350 SEVIS fee
For full-time academic study at accredited US institutions. Requires I-20 from school and proof of financial support. Allows part-time on-campus work.
Apply work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6
$190 USD application + employer fees
For professionals in specialty fields requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer must sponsor and file petition. Subject to annual lottery cap.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas) + legal fees
For individuals investing in a US business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Apply exchange visitor
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years)
$220 USD application + program fees
For approved exchange programs including research, teaching, or training. Requires sponsorship from a designated US organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (approx. PKR 44,800) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Pakistani applicants. | $160 USD (approx. PKR 44,800) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. PKR 103,600) |
| Overstay fineOverstay can lead to bars on re-entry; avoid at all costs. | Varies; typically no fixed daily fine but may affect future visas |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home country35%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Pakistani passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change flights in the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of valid US visas or Green Cards.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid US Green Card may transit without a visa.
- Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), but Pakistan is not included.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare in most tourist areas; risk increases in rural or southern regions during summer.
Food and waterborne illnessesLow risk
Generally safe tap water and food hygiene; risk minimal for travelers.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Only relevant for high-altitude destinations like Denver or mountain parks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) file by mail; no walk-in service for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for most services; extensions handled by mail.
Practical information for PK travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to passport collection — typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. Interview wait times vary by season and location. Check the US Embassy Islamabad website for current appointment availability.
The non-refundable MRV fee for a B1/B2 tourist visa is $160 (approximately PKR 45,000 as of 2025). This covers application processing and the interview. You pay it before scheduling your interview.
No. You must complete the DS-160 form online, but all applicants aged 14-79 must attend an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate in Karachi. There are no exceptions for first-time applicants.
Bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation barcode, fee receipt, one US-compliant photo, and supporting documents: bank statements (last 3-6 months), employment letter, tax returns, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of ties to Pakistan (property deeds, family certificates).
Yes, but you must apply for an extension with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. File Form I-539 and pay the fee (around $370). Overstaying can lead to bans. Extensions are not guaranteed.
The consular officer will give you a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for refusal — usually insufficient ties to Pakistan. There is no appeal process.
Yes. Pakistani passport holders need a visa even for transit through the US. There is no transit waiver. You must have a valid US visa or an ESTA (not available for Pakistan). Plan accordingly.
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.