Published: 5 January 2026 | Last reviewed: 10 March 2026. This page reflects current UK-specific requirements as of 2026. NADRA policy updates are monitored monthly; this page was last updated after the February 2026 closure of London visa counters was confirmed.
Why was my Pakistan eVisa rejected? The most frequent causes include name mismatches between the machine-readable zone (MRZ) and the visual zone of your passport, photographs not meeting the 35 mm x 45 mm specification, missing accommodation proof or bank statements, insufficient passport validity (fewer than 6 months from travel date), and payment failures due to 3D Secure verification problems. Pakistani authorities may also refuse an application without giving a reason, and the visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome (visa.nadra.gov.pk). In 2026, UK applicants must use the online-only portal, as London visa counters remain closed. Processing typically takes 7 to 14 business days.
Disclaimer: This is an independent information portal and is not affiliated with the Government of Pakistan or NADRA. We do not process visa applications. We provide educational guidance only.
Data Entry and Document Errors That Cause Rejection
Missing or unreadable supporting documents, such as an un-scanned passport bio page or a bank statement not covering the last 3 months, are the single most frequent trigger, causing an automatic system rejection before a visa officer reviews the case. Incomplete applications will not be accepted (visa.nadra.gov.pk).
- Name mismatch is the most frequent data error. The Pakistan eVisa system performs OCR on the passport’s machine-readable zone (MRZ), so any visual-zone-only spelling is flagged. For example, “O’Brien” must be entered as OBRIEN in the MRZ format, and “Jose Garcia-Lopez” as GARCIA LOPEZ JOSE. In May 2025, a TripAdvisor user reported being refused twice before correcting their name per MRZ rules; after correction, the visa was approved in 9 working days.
- Non-compliant photographs automatically trigger a Pakistan eVisa rejection. Photo dimensions must be 35 mm x 45 mm with a clear white background, neutral expression, and no shadows; head coverings are permitted only for religious reasons.
- Invalid passport data, including a passport with fewer than 6 months validity beyond the travel date, is a mandatory rejection trigger. Verify your passport validity period before applying.
- Missing supporting documents cause immediate rejection. Required items include passport copies, accommodation proof (if staying with family or friends: host’s CNIC copy and an attested invitation letter), and bank statements covering the last 3 months.
- Weak ties to home country can also influence the outcome. Being young, single, unemployed, or lacking prior international travel history may trigger additional scrutiny, as these factors indicate weak ties to the UK.
- Applying from outside your home country may trigger security flags. If you are a UK resident applying from a third country, expect additional checks or potential delays.
Family Travellers: Why Each Person Needs Their Own Application
Listing family members in a single Pakistan eVisa application does not generate visas for them. Each person, including children under 18 years, must submit a separate individual application. Minors require a No Objection Certificate (NoC) signed by both parents, a birth certificate, and passport or ID copies of both parents (mofa.gov.pk).
File Upload Technical Specs: Size, Format, and Resolution
The Pakistan eVisa portal may silently reject oversized files. Upload documents in JPEG or PDF format and compress large scans before submission to ensure all passport pages remain readable without glare.
Payment, Category, and LOI Mistakes to Avoid
Payment failures, wrong passport type selection, and blacklisted Letter of Introduction (LOI) providers cause automatic rejection. Accepted payment methods are Visa card, credit card, and debit card through the portal’s integrated system (visa.nadra.gov.pk). After completing payment, applicants must click the “Submit” button; failure to do so leaves the application unprocessed. Verify the exact amount by category using the fee calculator at visa.nadra.gov.pk/fee-structure. The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Ordinary citizens and businesspersons must select “Ordinary” passport type; selecting “Diplomatic” or “Official” without eligibility triggers rejection (mofa.gov.pk). High-risk profession screening: journalists, NGO/INGO workers, and military personnel must apply under their dedicated visa category, not the tourist eVisa. Applying under the tourist category when a dedicated category is required causes automatic refusal. The portal lists dedicated categories including NGO/INGO Visa (visa.nadra.gov.pk).
An LOI from a tour operator on the authorities’ negative list, one selling LOIs solely for money, causes rejection regardless of application quality. Cross-check your provider against the tour operator list at visa.nadra.gov.pk.
Former Pakistani Nationals and Dual Citizens: You Must Disclose Your Heritage
Failing to declare prior Pakistani nationality triggers anti-fraud rejection of a Pakistan eVisa application. British citizens of Pakistani origin should use the dedicated long-term visa pathway and provide a valid or expired Pakistani Passport, NICOP, or Pakistan Origin Card (POC) as supporting documentation (mofa.gov.pk). The POC is valid for up to 7 years.
Legal Violations and Overstay Issues
Prior visa overstays, duplicate active applications, and false declarations result in immediate rejection and potential long-term entry bans.
- Overstaying a previous Pakistan visa leads to automatic disqualification, with entry denied and the traveller sent back at the port of arrival. Resolving the overstay issue does not permanently bar future applications, but the violation must be addressed before reapplying.
- Double applications will not be accepted by the Pakistan eVisa system. Only a single application per individual passport is permitted at any given time, and submitting duplicates triggers automatic refusal.
- Fraud or false declarations on the application form cause immediate rejection and may result in a multi-year ban from applying again. Submitting fake bank statements or fraudulent educational credentials constitutes grounds for long-term exclusion and potential criminal prosecution (visa.nadra.gov.pk). All applicant activity is logged for security and usage monitoring.
Recovery Roadmap and UK Application Guidance
UK applicants must use the online-only portal, decode refusal emails, contact NADRA, and resubmit with corrected documents. London visa counters remain closed in 2026, making the Pakistan eVisa portal the sole route for British travellers.
Decode the rejection
Pakistan authorities may refuse an application without giving a reason (visa.nadra.gov.pk). The refusal email may be a generic notification like “Your application has been refused.” Review every field against your passport and supporting documents to identify the likely cause.
Contact NADRA
Send a follow-up email via visa.nadra.gov.pk/contact requesting clarification. Include your application reference number, passport number, and submission date.
Correct the data errors
Fix name mismatches, retake a compliant photograph (35 mm x 45 mm, white background), and gather all missing documents before starting a new application.
Resubmit and pay again
You must pay the visa fee once more; it is non-refundable regardless of outcome. A Visa card, credit card, or debit card is accepted. No corrections are possible after a Visa Grant Notice is issued (mofa.gov.pk).
Wait 7-14 business days
Processing may be longer if additional documents are requested. If an in-person interview is needed, it is conducted at Pakistan Missions Abroad in the applicant’s country of residence. Verify an issued visa at visa.nadra.gov.pk/verify.
Step-by-Step: Escalating Your Rejection to NADRA’s Support Team
If no response is received after your initial follow-up, use the Contact Us portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk/contact and include all reference details. Note that NADRA may alter or shut down the Pakistan eVisa service without prior notice (visa.nadra.gov.pk).
Pakistan eVisa Rejection FAQ
What are the most common reasons for a Pakistan eVisa rejection in 2026?
The most common rejection reasons include name mismatch with your passport, non-compliant photograph (wrong size, background, or expression), missing or unreadable supporting documents, invalid passport data such as incorrect expiry date or passport number, selecting the wrong visa category or passport type, and payment failures. Authorities may also reject incomplete applications without providing a specific reason.
Can I appeal a Pakistan eVisa rejection?
There is no formal appeal process for a Pakistan eVisa rejection. However, you can contact NADRA via the support portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk/contact to request clarification on the refusal. Once you identify and correct the data errors, you are permitted to reapply by submitting a fresh application with accurate information and supporting documents.
Can I get a refund after my Pakistan eVisa is rejected?
No. The visa fee is strictly non-refundable against any application initiated or submitted, regardless of the outcome. This policy applies even if your Pakistan eVisa is rejected. If a system error caused a duplicate charge rather than a rejection, you can report the issue to NADRA through the contact portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk/contact.
What happens if I overstayed a previous Pakistan visa?
A prior overstay on a Pakistan visa triggers automatic disqualification of your application. The consequence is entry denial and the traveller being sent back. Overstaying does not permanently bar future applications, but you must resolve the overstay issue before reapplying.
Do I need to disclose Pakistani heritage when applying for a Pakistan eVisa?
Yes. Failing to declare prior Pakistani nationality or family heritage triggers anti-fraud rejection. British citizens of Pakistani origin should apply via the long-term Pakistani-origin visa pathway, providing a valid or expired Pakistani passport, NICOP, or Pakistan Origin Card as proof. The POC is valid for up to 7 years and can be applied for through NADRA.
How long does a Pakistan eVisa take to process for UK applicants?
Processing typically takes 7 to 14 business days for UK applicants, though it may take longer if additional documents are requested or further security checks are required. If an in-person interview is needed, it is conducted at Pakistan Missions Abroad in the applicant’s country of residence. You can verify your issued visa at visa.nadra.gov.pk/verify.
How do I find out why my Pakistan eVisa was rejected?
Pakistani authorities may refuse a visa application without giving a reason, so the rejection email may not contain specific details. To identify the likely cause, review your application against the common rejection triggers such as name mismatch, photo non-compliance, missing documents, and wrong visa category. You can also send a follow-up email to NADRA at visa.nadra.gov.pk/contact requesting clarification.
Is it possible to get a Pakistan eVisa after a rejection?
Yes. A rejection does not permanently bar future applications. You are permitted to reapply after addressing the issues that led to the refusal. Correct the data errors, gather all required supporting documents, ensure your photo meets the 35 mm by 45 mm specification with a white background, verify your passport has at least 6 months validity, and submit a fresh application with the correct visa fee.
