Pakistan Ends Free Visa Program & Reverts to Paid e-Visa in 2026

As of January 1, 2026, Pakistani authorities have quietly ended their Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) program. Launched in summer 2024, this fee-exempt visa allowed passport holders from 126 countries to secure travel authorization in just 48 hours—at no cost.
If you’re planning a business or leisure trip to Pakistan, prepare for a return to the paid standard e-Visa process.

The official visa platform, visa.nadra.gov.pk, now handles all e-Visa applications. The prior VPA portal is no longer operational.

Official Pakistan e-Visa application portal.

What the VPA cancellation means for your travel plans

The removal of Pakistan’s free ETA (VPA) reinstates a slower, more expensive, and bureaucratic entry process for travelers from 126 countries and territories—spanning the EU, the U.S., Canada, much of Africa (Morocco, Senegal, South Africa), and Asia (Japan, China, Indonesia).

Before vs. After VPA

Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) — Former Process
e-Visa Standard — New Process (from January 2026)

• Free

• Paid (fees vary by nationality)

• Streamlined online form

• Form with mandatory supporting documents

• Approval within 24–48 hours

• Processing may take up to 7 business days

⚠️ Travel Advisory: Don’t wait until the last minute. With longer processing times, allow at least 15 days before your departure date to apply.

Updated Pakistan visa fees in 2026

Pakistan applies a reciprocity-based fee structure. Visa costs depend on your nationality and type of visit (tourism or business).
Based on current official rates on the immigration portal, here are indicative costs for a standard single-entry, three-month tourist visa:

• EU nationals (France, Belgium, Spain, etc.): $35 USD

• North Americans & UK (U.S., Canada, UK): $60 USD

• Other nationalities (Africa, Asia, Latin America): Fees vary widely. The system calculates your exact charge after you select your nationality in the online form.

Stricter documentation: what you need for your e-Visa

The VPA’s key appeal was minimal documentation. With the e-Visa return, the government has reintroduced stringent requirements:

• A high-resolution, color copy of your passport
  remaining valid for at least six months

• A recent biometric-style passport photo

• Full proof of accommodation—either
  a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay or
  a notarized invitation letter from a host in Pakistan

• A confirmed flight reservation or detailed itinerary

For business visas, authorities will again rigorously vet invitations from registered Pakistani companies.

To ensure successful approval, compile all supporting documents into a single, complete submission before applying.