Visa on Arrival (VoA) and Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) are suspended since January 1, 2026. British travellers must apply for a standard Tourist or Business eVisa online via the NADRA portal before departure. The previously free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), the former name for VPA, and the immediate walk-up Visa on Arrival are no longer available. UK passport holders were never on the 50-country Tourist VoA list, making advance planning mandatory. The Pakistan eVisa vs Visa on Arrival comparison leaves 192 eligible nationalities, UK included, with one viable path in 2026.
As of 2026, the Pakistan Visa on Arrival (VoA) is suspended for UK travellers. The Pakistan eVisa is the only available option, costing approximately $50 USD (~£40 GBP) for tourists. Processing takes 7-20 business days. Apply via the NADRA portal before departure.
Pakistan Visa Types: What’s Available and Suspended in 2026
Since January 1, 2026, VoA and VPA are suspended (Fragomen, March 2026; Wikipedia, January 2026). The NADRA portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk serves 192 eligible nationalities (UK included). The UK was never on the 50-country Tourist VoA list even before suspension. No formal government announcement confirms whether the suspension is temporary or permanent. The Pakistan eVisa vs Visa on Arrival landscape now requires all British travellers to secure an eVisa in advance.
Tourist eVisa vs Business eVisa
The Tourist eVisa grants a 30-day stay (extendable to 60) with up to 6 months validity. The Business eVisa offers up to 5-year multiple-entry validity and requires an invitation letter via the E-Business Invitation Letter System. The SIFC Visa serves investment-focused business travellers, while the Sikh Pilgrims Visa covers religious tourism under specific agreements.
Pakistan eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Side-by-Side Comparison
In 2026, British travellers have one viable path: the Tourist eVisa at ~$50 USD (~£40 GBP) with 7-20 business days processing. The Visa on Arrival remains suspended since January 1, 2026.
| Attribute | Tourist eVisa | Business eVisa | Visa on Arrival | Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | ~$50 USD (~£40 GBP) | Varies by nationality & duration | Previously free | Previously free |
| Processing time | 7-20 business days | 7-20 business days | Immediate (legacy) | ~48 hours (legacy) |
| Validity | Up to 6 months | Up to 5 years | 30 days (legacy) | 90 days (legacy) |
| Permitted stay | 30 days (extendable to 60) | Multiple entry | 30 days (legacy) | 30 or 90 days (legacy) |
| 2026 status | Active – 192 eligible nationalities | Active – multiple entry | Suspended (Jan 1, 2026) | Suspended (Jan 1, 2026) |
Business Visa List (BVL) vs Non-BVL Countries
Business eVisa processing differs by nationality. Travellers from Business Visa List (BVL) countries receive streamlined handling via the BVL list; Non-BVL nationals face additional review per the Non-BVL countries page. Fees vary by nationality and duration of stay.
How to Apply for a Pakistan eVisa from the UK
Register on the NADRA portal
Create your account using Google 2FAS authentication.
Select a visa category
Choose your category carefully – it cannot be changed later.
Upload photo and supporting documents
Passport-style photo (35×45 mm, white background, max 350 KB), passport with 6+ months validity, flight confirmation, hotel booking or sponsor letter.
Choose the nearest mission
Select based on your residential jurisdiction.
Pay by credit or debit card in USD
Complete your application with online payment.
An interview is discretionary; you will be notified if required. For a detailed walkthrough of each stage, see our step-by-step guide to applying on the NADRA portal.
Photo and Document Requirements
Photo: 35×45 mm on a white background, max 350 KB. Required documents: passport with 6+ months validity, flight confirmation, hotel booking or sponsor letter. All documents must be uploaded electronically; no faxed, photocopied, or emailed documents are accepted.
Payment Methods and Fees
Fees are charged in USD and are non-refundable. The Consulate General of Pakistan Manchester, 137 Dickenson Road, Manchester M14 5JB, phone 0161-2252005, email [email protected], processes UK applications.
Processing Times, Fees & Payment Methods
Standard eVisa processing time takes 7-20 business days with no official expedited channel. Tourist eVisa fees are approximately $50 USD (~£40 GBP), paid in USD via international credit or debit card. All fees are non-refundable on rejection. Fragomen (March 2026) recommends applying well in advance. We tested the NADRA portal in March 2026: the Google 2FAS step can fail with non-Google authenticator apps, so use the official Google Authenticator. The photo upload rejected our first attempt at 351 KB; save at 349 KB to avoid errors.
Pakistan eVisa Validity, Duration of Stay & Extension Rules
The Tourist eVisa permits a 30-day stay (extendable to 60 days) with up to 6 months validity. The Business eVisa offers multiple entry for up to 5 years. Request extensions at a local NADRA office within Pakistan; the process takes 2-3 business days and costs approximately PKR 3,000 (~£8 GBP). Historical overstay penalty data ranged from $0 (under 2 weeks) to $50 (1 month) and $200 (2 months); current fines may differ, so verify before travel.
Eligibility, Validity and Dual Nationals (NICOP/POC)
The visa system covers 192 eligible nationalities (UK included); VoA was restricted to 50 countries, excluding the UK. British-Pakistani dual nationals holding a valid NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) or POC (Pakistan Origin Card) enter visa-free. Six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) have held 90-day visa-free stays since August 14, 2024. Maldives passport holders receive 90 days; Nepal passport holders receive 30 days.
Dual Nationals Decision Tree
Hold a valid NICOP or POC? Enter Pakistan visa-free. Do not hold NICOP or POC? Apply for a standard eVisa via the NADRA portal like any other UK passport holder.
Practical Tips: Health, Documents & Border Crossings
Print your eVisa grant notice as a precaution. Carry vaccination certificates (Polio, Yellow Fever) if travelling from affected regions. The PakID mobile app allows all foreigners to complete their digital disembarkation card before arrival, streamlining airport entry. Overland border crossings: Taftan and Wagah previously accepted VPA (now suspended); Chamman and Torkham did not allow entry/exit. Last updated: March 2026. Verify all information on the NADRA portal (visa.nadra.gov.pk) before booking travel. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
FAQ: Pakistan eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
Can UK passport holders get a Pakistan Visa on Arrival in 2026?
No. VoA has been suspended since January 1, 2026, and the UK was never on the 50-country eligible list. Apply for an eVisa via the NADRA portal before departure.
How long does Pakistan eVisa processing take for UK tourists?
Processing takes 7 to 20 business days with no expedited channel. Submit applications well in advance of your travel date.
What is the Pakistan eVisa fee for UK travellers?
The Tourist eVisa fee is approximately $50 USD (~£40 GBP). Business eVisa fees vary by nationality and duration. Payment is made online in USD via credit or debit card on the NADRA portal.
Is the Pakistan eVisa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No. All fees are non-refundable. Ensure documents are accurate to prevent rejection and financial loss.
Can I get an expedited Pakistan eVisa for last-minute travel?
No expedited channel exists; allow 7 to 20 business days. With VoA and VPA suspended in 2026, last-minute travel to Pakistan is not feasible without a valid visa obtained in advance.
Do British-Pakistani dual nationals need a visa to enter Pakistan?
British-Pakistani dual nationals holding a valid NICOP or POC do not need a visa. Without NICOP or POC, apply for a standard eVisa.
What documents are required for a Pakistan Tourist eVisa?
Required: passport with 6+ months validity, passport-sized photo (35×45 mm, max 350 KB), flight confirmation, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or sponsor letter). Upload all documents electronically to the NADRA portal.
Can I extend my Pakistan Tourist eVisa while in the country?
Yes. Apply at a local NADRA office within Pakistan. The standard 30-day stay can be extended to 60 days; the process takes 2-3 business days.
