Pakistan entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · 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
US passport holders need an eVisa to enter Pakistan. The application is entirely online, and you'll get an approved visa linked to your passport before you fly. Plan ahead — processing can take a few weeks, so don't leave it to the last minute.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan eVisaYou cannot enter Pakistan without an approved eVisa; apply well in advance. Apply online before travel | US citizens must obtain an eVisa before arriving in Pakistan. Apply through the official Pakistan visa portal, select the appropriate visa category, and receive approval before departure. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Pakistan. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp upon arrival in Pakistan. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave Pakistan. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from Pakistan within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids issues at immigration. Sufficient for stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Pakistan, such as bank statements or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for US citizens entering Pakistan. | Not required |
Apply well in advance
eVisa processing can take up to 3 weeks. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
No visa-on-arrival
US citizens cannot get a visa at the airport in Pakistan. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Scan your passport bio page, take a digital photo (white background, no glasses), and have your hotel booking or invitation letter ready. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity.
2
Apply online
Go to visa.nadra.gov.pk, create an account, and fill out the eVisa application. Choose 'Tourist' or 'Business' as your visa type. Upload your documents and pay the fee online.
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 7–10 business days, but can take longer. You'll receive an email when your eVisa is approved. Check your spam folder regularly.
4
Print your eVisa
Once approved, print a copy of the eVisa approval letter. Keep it with your passport — you'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Pakistan.
5
Arrive at the airport
At Pakistani airports (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore), go to the immigration counter, present your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport. No separate visa sticker is issued.
Download Pakistan Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-Visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Pakistani company
Tourist e-Visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100
For frequent travelers
work visa
Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. PKR 56,000) per year
For US citizens employed by a Pakistani company or with a job offer. Requires employer sponsorship and Ministry of Interior approval.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
$150 USD (approx. PKR 42,000) per year
For US citizens enrolled in a recognized Pakistani educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$500 USD (approx. PKR 140,000) per year
For US citizens investing a minimum of $200,000 USD in Pakistan. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard processing; valid for 90 days from issue | $35 |
| Tourist e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)For longer stays | $60 |
| Tourist e-Visa (multiple entry, 1 year)Multiple entries allowed | $100 |
| Business e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Requires invitation letter | $35 |
| Business e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Requires invitation letter | $60 |
| Business e-Visa (multiple entry, 1 year)Requires invitation letter | $100 |
| Visa extension (up to 90 days)Apply at Directorate General of Immigration & Passports | $50 |
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
US citizens transiting through Pakistan must obtain a transit visa in advance, even if staying airside. The e-Visa system does not offer a separate transit category; apply for a tourist or business visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt
- Crew members with valid airline ID may be exempt
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in low-lying areas; prophylaxis recommended for most travelers.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas below 2,000 meters, especially in rural Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 extensions for southern region.
Practical information for US 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
Yes, US passport holders must have an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival for US citizens.
Typically 7–10 business days, but it can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies by visa type and duration. For a single-entry tourist visa, it's usually around $25–$50. The exact amount is shown during the online application.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new visa.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires during your stay, you may face issues with immigration and flights. Renew before you go.
Airlines will check your visa before boarding. Have a printed copy of your eVisa approval letter with you — it's your proof of visa.
You'll receive an email with the reason. You can reapply, but the visa fee is non-refundable. Make sure all documents are correct the first time.
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.