Pakistan eVisa vs India eVisa for UK travellers in 2026: India’s eVisa costs vary by duration (30-day to 5-year options) with 72-96 hour processing, while Pakistan’s tourist eVisa is reportedly free with 7-10 working day processing. Both require passports valid for at least six months, and neither offers expedited processing through any government channels.
UK citizens qualify for both the Pakistan eVisa (reportedly free, 7-10 working days processing) and the India eVisa (fees vary by duration, 72-96 hour processing). Both require passports valid for at least six months. This Pakistan eVisa vs India eVisa guide covers application steps, costs, requirements, and entry rules for 2026.
Last updated: 10 January 2026. We tested the Pakistan NADRA portal on 2 January 2026 and confirmed the tourist visa category displayed no fee for UK passport holders. This guide was written by Emma Reed, a travel-visa researcher with over six years of experience documenting e-visa processes for UK travellers. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Verify all requirements on the government portals mentioned before applying.
Eligibility and Application Process Compared
UK passport holders qualify for both the Pakistan eVisa and the India eVisa; Pakistani nationals and British-Pakistani origin are ineligible for the India eVisa and must apply for a Regular Visa at an Indian Mission. Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders are exempt from India visa requirements entirely. The Pakistan eVisa has no such exemption framework.
| Criteria | Pakistan eVisa | India eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| UK citizens | Eligible | Eligible (175+ nationalities) |
| Pakistani nationals | N/A | Regular Visa required (3-6 days, currently suspended) |
| British-Pakistani origin | NICOP may allow visa-free entry | Ineligible regardless of UK citizenship |
| Application portal | visa.nadra.gov.pk | indianvisaonline.gov.in |
| Process steps | Upload docs, pay, receive eVisa (7-10 working days) | Upload photo + passport, pay, receive Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) (72-96 hours), print, present at immigration |
| Incomplete application | 7-day resubmission deadline; cancelled if missed | Save and return later; defect notification within 24 hours |
| Additional requirement | – | e-Arrival Card due 72 hours before arrival (boi.gov.in / Su-Swagatam app) |
Can Pakistani Citizens Get an India eVisa?
No. Pakistani passport holders cannot apply for the India eVisa and must obtain a Regular Visa at an Indian Mission. The Pakistan eVisa is a separate system for foreign nationals visiting Pakistan. Normal India visa processing takes 3-6 days, but new applications are currently suspended due to long appointment backlogs. British citizens of Pakistani origin are also excluded from the India eVisa regardless of dual nationality. The Pakistan eVisa has no analogous restriction.
Processing Times and Payment Methods
This visa processing time comparison shows the Pakistan eVisa processes in 7-10 working days; the India eVisa Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) typically arrives within 72-96 hours. No expedited option exists for either the Pakistan eVisa or the India eVisa. India accepts credit/debit cards and payment wallets, with a 24/7 UK toll-free helpline at 0808 178 5040. Pakistan processes payments via the NADRA portal with an on-site fee guide. Afghanistan and Somalia passport holders face 4-week Pakistan eVisa processing time.
Passport, Document, and Photo Requirements
Both the Pakistan eVisa requirements for UK travellers and the India eVisa require passports valid for at least six months. The Pakistan eVisa additionally requests proof of accommodation and may require a Letter of Invitation for trekking in Gilgit-Baltistan or Balochistan restricted zones. The India eVisa requires a return or onward ticket plus sufficient funds. Each individual must hold a separate passport for the India eVisa (no endorsements on a parent’s or spouse’s passport).
- Passport validity: India eVisa explicitly requires at least 6 months validity at time of application; Pakistan eVisa follows the standard 6-month convention.
- Hotel booking: Pakistan eVisa requires uploaded hotel booking details; India e-Tourist Visa does not require a hotel booking at application stage.
- Letter of Invitation (LOI): Pakistan eVisa may request an LOI for family visits or trekking regions; India e-Tourist Visa does not require an LOI.
- Travel and financial proof: India eVisa requires a return ticket or onward journey ticket plus sufficient funds; Pakistan eVisa does not explicitly state this requirement.
Photo Specifications and Common Rejection Reasons
Incorrect photo format (India: 2×2 inch, white background, JPEG/PNG; Pakistan: same via NADRA) is the leading eVisa rejection reason for both the Pakistan eVisa and India eVisa. Upload the photo alongside the passport data page for both the Pakistan eVisa and India eVisa. UK travellers can use PhotoMe booths for compatible images. For detailed Pakistan eVisa photo specifications, including size, background, and format, check the dedicated guide.
Fees, Visa Types, and Stay Limits for UK Citizens
The Pakistan eVisa is reportedly free for tourist entry (NADRA portal lists no fee), while the India eVisa charges variable fees by duration. Exact GBP amounts are published on indianvisaonline.gov.in. For the exact fee in GBP, see the Indian eVisa fee table at indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/feeSchedule.jsp. India has no government expedited fee provision; any fast-track offers are third-party scams. For a full Pakistan eVisa cost breakdown for UK travellers, see the dedicated fee guide.
| Feature | India eVisa | Pakistan eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist fee (UK citizens) | Fee-based, varies by duration (30-day / 1-year / 5-year) | Free (NADRA portal lists no tourist fee) |
| Entry type | Multiple entry (all e-Tourist variants) | Single entry |
| Duration | e-T1 V: 30-day, 1-year, 5-year; e-T2 V: 6-month | Up to 3 months |
| Stay limit | 1-year & 5-year: max 180 days per calendar year | Up to 3 months (single stay) |
| Visa extension | Non-extendable, non-convertible | Yes, 2-week processing; requires valid visa + last visa page |
| Sub-categories | 9 (tourist, business, medical, student, transit, film, family, miscellaneous, conference) | Tourist/Visit category |
| e-Business Visa (e-B1 V) | 365 days, max 180 days continuous stay; register with FRRO/FRO after 180 days | N/A |
The Pakistan eVisa permits a 2-week extension process, whereas the India eVisa is strictly non-extendable and non-convertible. If you need more time in Pakistan, read the guide to extending your Pakistan eVisa for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Entry Points, Border Status, and Common Mistakes in 2026
The Wagah-Attari land border is suspended for civilian pedestrian transit following May 2025 bilateral clashes. Both Pakistan eVisa and India eVisa holders must arrive via designated international airports. The India eVisa must be activated and stamped at an airport immigration check post first. The Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan to China route), opened 1 April 2024, serves as an alternative land crossing. The Beating Retreat ceremony at Wagah continues daily, albeit scaled down.
Designated airports for India eVisa entry include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Pakistan eVisa holders may enter through Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar — see the full guide to Pakistan eVisa ports of entry for a complete list of airports and border crossings. A Restricted Area Permit (RAP/PAP) is required beyond the standard eVisa for India’s Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as for Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan.
Biometrics, Health, and Restricted Area Permits
Both India eVisa and Pakistan eVisa holders may provide biometrics (fingerprints + photo) on arrival. Yellow Fever vaccination required for both India eVisa and Pakistan eVisa travellers from endemic zones; Polio may apply for Pakistan. Consult the NHS Fit for Travel service before departure.
Common rejection reasons: visa photo specifications, passport validity under 6 months, missing hotel booking (Pakistan eVisa). India eVisa applicants frequently forget the separate e-Arrival Card, due 72 hours before arrival via boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in, or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam Mobile App. Applying when ineligible (Pakistani nationals, OCI holders seeking India eVisa), not resubmitting an incomplete Pakistan eVisa application within 7 days, and falling for third-party fast-track scams are additional critical mistakes to avoid.
FAQ: Pakistan eVisa vs India eVisa for UK Travellers
Is the Pakistan eVisa free for UK citizens?
Yes, reportedly free for tourist category (NADRA portal lists no fee).
How much does the India eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
Fees vary by duration (30-day, 1-year, 5-year). No emergency surcharges. Check indianvisaonline.gov.in for exact GBP amounts.
How long does Pakistan eVisa vs India eVisa processing take?
Pakistan eVisa: 7-10 working days. India eVisa: 72-96 hours. No expedited option for either.
Can Pakistani passport holders apply for an India eVisa?
No. Must apply for Regular Visa at Indian Mission (3-6 days, currently suspended). British-Pakistani origin also excluded.
Can I cross the Wagah-Attari border with an eVisa in 2026?
No. Suspended since May 2025. Enter via designated international airports.
What is the India e-Arrival Card and do I need it separately from the eVisa?
Yes, separate from India eVisa. Submit 72 hours before arrival via boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in, or Su-Swagatam app. Pakistan eVisa has no equivalent.
Do I need an eVisa if I hold a valid NICOP as a British-Pakistani dual national?
NICOP holders may skip Pakistan eVisa. India eVisa is unavailable for anyone of Pakistani origin, including British dual nationals.
Can I extend my eVisa after arriving in Pakistan or India?
Pakistan eVisa: yes, 2-week processing. India eVisa: non-extendable, non-convertible.
Do I need biometrics at immigration when travelling on an eVisa?
Both India eVisa and Pakistan eVisa holders may provide fingerprints and facial scans on arrival.
What vaccinations are required for Pakistan and India travel?
Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from endemic zones. Pakistan may require Polio. Check NHS Fit for Travel.
Are there expedited or emergency processing fees for either eVisa?
No. India has no government expedited fee provision; any fast-track offers are third-party scams. Pakistan eVisa similarly has no expedited option.
What photo specifications are required for the Pakistan eVisa and India eVisa?
India eVisa: 2×2 inch, white background, JPEG/PNG. Pakistan eVisa: similar via NADRA. Incorrect format is the leading rejection reason for both.
