Entry Procedures
Visa and entry requirements depend on the country that issued your passport. The information here is general guidance. Always confirm the requirements for your own nationality with the official source.
This information is for general guidance only. Please verify with the embassy or official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Types of visas required and their conditions
Most visitors to Pakistan need a visa. Many nationalities can now apply through the online e-visa system operated by NADRA/DGIP, and some nationalities are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival or a visa-free arrangement. Requirements and eligibility vary a lot by nationality, so check the official e-visa portal and your nearest Pakistani mission before you travel.
- Visa
- Usually required
- e-Visa
- Online (NADRA/DGIP)
- Check
- Official sources
- e-Visa and visa-on-arrival eligibility depend on your nationality
- Verify current requirements on the official portal before travel
Passport Conditions
Required validity period and blank pages
Your passport should generally be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Pakistan and have blank pages for stamps. When you apply for an e-visa, the passport details you enter must match your travel document exactly. Check the specific validity rules that apply to your nationality before you travel.
- Validity
- 6 months (typical)
- Pages
- Blank pages needed
- Match
- Details must match visa
- Six months validity beyond entry is a common guideline
- Passport data must match your e-visa application exactly
Required Documents & Pre-registration
Arrival cards, health declarations, and other preparations
For an e-visa application and at the border you may need supporting documents. These commonly include a confirmed hotel booking or a letter of invitation, a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and a recent photograph. Some tourist itineraries also expect a booking through an approved tour operator, so prepare your documents in advance.
- Stay
- Hotel/invitation
- Ticket
- Return/onward
- Funds
- Proof of means
- Carry proof of accommodation and onward travel
- A photo and proof of funds may be required for the e-visa
Pre-arrival procedure — Pakistan online visa: apply on the official Pakistan Online Visa System visa.nadra.gov.pk (NADRA), choose the category (tourism, business, etc.), upload documents and pay by card; the approved visa is issued electronically. Rules vary by nationality (some are eligible for free 90-day visas; GCC citizens are visa-free). Beware paid look-alike sites.
Official Pakistan Online Visa (visa.nadra.gov.pk)- Surname
- SMITH
- Given name
- MICHAEL
- Nationality
- Your nationality (e.g. a representative country)
- Passport number
- A1234567
- Arrival date
- 2026-04-10
- Entry city
- Islamabad
Steps
- 1 On visa.nadra.gov.pk check whether your nationality needs e-Visa or is visa-free/exempt
- 2 Complete the application and upload the passport page/photo as required
- 3 Pay the official fee and save the approved e-Visa (print or keep on your phone)
- 4 Present it at check-in and immigration together with your passport
Eligibility, fees, processing time and validity can change; for accurate details we recommend checking with the official government portal before you travel.
Last updated: 2026-08-30
Cash Import Limits
Declaration-free limits and procedures for excess amounts
Pakistan sets limits on how much local and foreign currency you may bring in or take out, and amounts above the threshold must be declared to customs on arrival. There are separate rules for Pakistani rupees and for foreign currency. Because the exact figures change, check the current customs and State Bank of Pakistan rules before you travel and keep any exchange receipts.
- Declare
- Above threshold
- Rupees
- Separate limit
- Keep
- Exchange receipts
- Foreign currency above the limit must be declared on arrival
- Limits for rupees and foreign currency differ; check current rules
Duty-Free Allowances & Restricted Items
Limits on tobacco, alcohol, food, and other goods
Travellers may bring a reasonable amount of personal effects and gifts duty-free, but there are limits on items such as tobacco and electronics, and higher-value goods may attract duty. Pakistan is a Muslim-majority country and alcohol is tightly restricted for non-Muslim visitors, so it is not part of a normal duty-free allowance. Declare anything of value and keep receipts.
- Personal
- Reasonable amount
- Tobacco
- Limited allowance
- Alcohol
- Tightly restricted
- Higher-value electronics may be subject to duty
- Declare valuable goods and keep purchase receipts
Prohibited Items
Items that are strictly forbidden from import
Illegal drugs, weapons and ammunition are strictly prohibited, and Pakistan enforces very severe penalties for drug offences. Pork and pork products are restricted, and alcohol is heavily controlled. Certain publications and material considered offensive may also be refused entry. Never carry items for other people and check the prohibited list before you travel.
- Drugs
- Severe penalties
- Weapons
- Prohibited
- Pork/alcohol
- Restricted
- Drug offences carry very severe legal penalties
- Weapons and ammunition are prohibited without authorisation
Medication Import Rules
Rules for bringing prescription and over-the-counter drugs
Bring prescription medicines in their original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter, ideally in English. Keep medication in your hand luggage in quantities reasonable for personal use during your trip. Some drugs that are freely available elsewhere may be controlled in Pakistan, so check before you travel if you take anything unusual.
- Packaging
- Original
- Proof
- Prescription/letter
- Amount
- Personal use
- Carry a doctor's letter, ideally in English
- Some medicines are controlled; check before travelling
Vaccinations & Health Requirements
Required and recommended vaccines for entry
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Pakistan also has polio vaccination requirements that can affect travellers, so check the current rules. Routine and travel vaccinations such as hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended. Consult a travel clinic well before departure.
- Yellow fever
- If from risk area
- Polio
- Check requirements
- Advice
- Travel clinic
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country
- Consult a travel clinic several weeks before you travel
Immigration Process
Step-by-step guide from arrival to clearing immigration
On arrival at airports such as Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI) or Lahore (LHE), you go through immigration where an officer checks your passport and visa and may ask about your trip. Have your e-visa printout, accommodation details and return ticket ready. Keep the entry stamp and any documents safe, as you may need them when you leave.
- Airports
- ISB / KHI / LHE
- Show
- e-Visa printout
- Keep
- Entry stamp
- Have your e-visa, hotel details and return ticket ready
- Keep the entry stamp; you may need it on departure
Tips for Smooth Entry
Practical advice for a hassle-free arrival
Pakistan uses the +92 country code, drives on the left, and mains power is 230V with Type C, D and G sockets. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites, and be aware that this is a conservative Muslim society. Check current government travel advice, as some areas have security restrictions, and register with your embassy if advised. A local SIM usually requires passport registration.
- Dialling
- +92, drive left
- Power
- 230V, Type C/D/G
- Dress
- Modest
- Check current travel advice; some areas have restrictions
- A local SIM card usually needs passport registration