Visa requirements for citizens of Pakistan are stipulated by foreign countries' rules and conditions for Pakistani nationals to follow upon traveling abroad. The entry requirements are crucial to meet and determine whether or not you'll be allowed to cross the border with any selected country.
Unfortunately, as of now, Pakistani citizens do not have significant traveling liberty. Only 32 destinations make it possible for Pakistanis to enter either visa-free or get a Visa on Arrival. These statistics make the Pakistan passport rank very low in the overall travel freedom ranking.
Just as the visa requirements, the length of the permitted stay varies and depends on the selected destination and its entry rules. As far as electronic visas and Visas on Arrival are concerned, Pakistani citizens are allowed to have a stay of 14, 30, 90, or 180 days (and other). Traditional visas have a more complicated system, and the average stay length cannot be easily estimated.
As was already mentioned, Pakistanis can choose between using the Electronic Travel Authorization System, visas obtainable on arrival, and traditional visas handled at an Embassy. All of these travel permits are issued for leisure, professional, and transit-related usage.
eVisas and VoAs are documents that serve for short-term stays, usually up to 6 months or less at a time. On the contrary, Embassy visas can be issued for both short and long-term visits. Besides the basic recreational trips, traditional travel permits help with studying, working, and living abroad for a more extended period of time. This makes obtaining Embassy visas a bit more complex and time-consuming than the electronic or on-arrival ones.
eVisas work just like traditional visas but are far easier to obtain. The electronic system has been introduced to make traveling more accessible.
Pakistani citizens can now get their visas online without the need to visit an Embassy. Approved eVisa allows you to take on a vacation trip, a business venture abroad, or a short transit trip.
Only 25 countries allow Pakistanis to use the Electronic Travel Authorization System to travel abroad. Visit any of the above-listed destinations using eVisa as your entry document. You can get yours online following a quick and intuitive 3-step application process using any working device with an internet connection.
Electronic visas are usually issued for either one month or three months of stay for Pakistani passport holders. How long you can stay in a selected country depends on the pre-established entry rules. Check the requirements, eVisa types, and validity period, and the length of permitted stay before applying for your online visa.
Once you have the approved eVisa ready, you can book your flight and start planning your trip. It's possible to include the following activities in your itinerary:
Visa on Arrival for Pakistani nationals is yet another travel authorization document that allows its holders to enter a selected foreign country for a stipulated amount of time. VoAs are the type of visas that can be handled only upon arrival at a border checkpoint.
Pakistan passport holders can get their Visa on Arrival by simply going to the border checkpoint once already at the border. With your valid passport on hand, fill the Visa on Arrival application form with the necessary information, and if the country you're visiting requires this, cover the visa fees. Now, all there's left to do is waiting for approval.
Please note! VoAs also require travelers to meet a few requirements and validate the purpose of the trip by providing specified supporting documents and, in some cases, proof of having sufficient funds to cover the expenses of the stay. Check the current conditions to meet before leaving on your trip.
Moreover, it's worth noting that many countries that offer a VoA also provide an additional option of obtaining an eVisa prior to the planned trip. Applying for an eVisa online a few days in advance of departure ensures you are appropriately prepared.
Obtaining an eVisa instead of a VoA helps travelers avoid the long waiting lines at the airport and the stress connected with handling a visa last minute. Since you need a visa to travel to these destinations, either way, consider applying for an electronic one to save yourself time, money, and energy!
An Embassy visa for Pakistani citizens is a traditional visa that is usually stamped into the applicant's passport. Obtainable directly at a selected foreign country's Embassy upon meeting the requirements and submitting an application with complete paperwork that validates the reason for the traveler's trip.
Nearly 200 countries require Pakistan passport holders to have a regular visa upon crossing the border. Thus, Pakistani citizens that plan on visiting any of the above-listed destinations must apply at an Embassy for a traditional visa first.
To apply for an Embassy visa, travelers must first contact the official authorities of the country they plan on visiting. Call or visit the Embassy of the selected country and ask for current visa requirements.
Next, prepare the required documents and submit your application. Sometimes, the Embassy may require you to undergo a visa interview and cover the fees. However, these steps depend on the foreign country's government.
Embassy visas may seem difficult to be obtained and sometimes are. However, the key to submitting a successfully approved application is to be appropriately prepared before applying. Ensure that you meet all of the current visa requirements and have all of the documents validating the reason for your trip.
It's best to start preparing for the application process at least a few weeks in advance of the planned trip. This will differ depending on the length of the visa processing time (which varies between different countries). However, in the case of regular visas, the waiting time is quite extensive.
Only 8 countries provide a complete visa exemption for Pakistan nationals. There are a few additional destinations that offer a visa-free entrance upon meeting some requirements. The additional conditions to meet include having a valid visa from any EU country, USA, Canada, or UK. This varies among the different destinations.
Traveling under visa exemption is one of the easiest ways to do so. All you need is a valid Pakistani passport. There is no need to apply for a visa prior to arriving in any of the above-listed countries. Plan your trip, book your flight, and with your valid travel document on hand, get to your dream destination!
You can enjoy all recreational activities, such as going on a relaxing getaway trip, hiking, trying water sports, sunbathing, exploring the foreign country's attractions, learning more about the history and culture, and so much more! Traveling visa-free usually also allows Pakistanis to handle their business affairs, look for new work-related opportunities, or get educated at a seminar or conference.
Lastly, visa-free destinations make it possible for Pakistani citizens to transit through their territories without any travel authorization document and therefore reach any other final destination effortlessly.
