Pakistan Visa for UK Citizens: Complete Application Guide 2026
Do You Need a Visa for Pakistan?
Yes. All UK passport holders need a visa to enter Pakistan, regardless of whether you were born in Pakistan or have Pakistani heritage. This applies to both adults and children travelling on British passports.
There are no visa-on-arrival or visa-free options for British nationals. You must have a valid visa before you board your flight.
Good News for British-Pakistani Dual Nationals
If you hold both a British and Pakistani passport, you can enter Pakistan on your Pakistani passport without needing a visa. However, your Pakistani passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of travel. Many families find it easier to let us arrange visas for everyone on their British passports instead - especially when travelling with children who may not have Pakistani passports.
Types of Pakistan Visa for UK Applicants
Family Visit Visa (Most Common)
This is what most UK travellers need - whether you're visiting family, attending a wedding, or going on holiday. The family visit visa is designed for foreign citizens of Pakistani origin and their spouses. It allows you to stay with family members for up to 5 years, with up to 1 year stay on each entry. Single entry and multiple entry options are available.
Business Visa
For UK-based professionals travelling to Pakistan for meetings, conferences, or business purposes. Requires a letter from your UK employer and an invitation from the Pakistani company or organisation.
Transit Visa
If you're passing through Pakistan on your way to another destination. Valid for up to 72 hours.
Student Visa
For those enrolled in educational institutions in Pakistan. Requires an admission letter from the institution.
What Documents Do You Need?
The Pakistan visa application requires several documents. Having everything ready before you apply avoids delays. Here's what you'll need:
- Valid UK passport - must have at least 6 months validity remaining from your intended travel date, with at least 2 blank pages
- Passport-sized photographs - recent, with a white background, meeting Pakistani consulate specifications
- Completed application form - filled in accurately with no errors or omissions
- Proof of accommodation - hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host in Pakistan with their CNIC (national ID) copy
- Flight itinerary - showing your intended travel dates (does not need to be a confirmed booking)
- Cover letter - explaining the purpose of your visit, where you'll be staying, and your travel dates
- For children - birth certificate and consent letter if travelling with only one parent
Common Mistake
One of the most frequent reasons for Pakistan visa delays is incomplete or incorrect paperwork. Small errors - a wrong date, a missing signature, a photo that doesn't meet specifications - can add days to your processing time. This is where using an experienced travel agent makes a real difference. We check everything before it's submitted.
How Long Does It Take?
Pakistan visa processing through the online system (NADRA) is fast:
- Most visas - processed and issued within 1 to 2 working days
- Some cases - may take up to 5 working days if additional checks are required
- Business visas - often processed on the same day
The key to fast processing is submitting a complete, error-free application with all required documents. Applications that are sent back for review restart the processing clock from the date of resubmission, which is why getting it right first time matters.
Peak Season Tip
During busy travel periods - summer holidays, Eid, December - there can be higher volumes of applications. While individual processing remains fast, we recommend applying at least 2-3 weeks before your trip to allow for any unexpected delays. If you're planning travel during school holidays, get in touch early so we can have everything ready to submit.
How Much Does a Pakistan Visa Cost?
The total cost depends on the type of visa (single or multiple entry), the duration (1 year, 5 years), and the category of application. Consulate fees and processing charges also apply.
Get in touch with us for a complete quote. We'll tell you exactly what's needed for your situation and give you one clear figure that covers everything - application, processing, and our service. No hidden extras.
Where Do You Apply?
Pakistan visa applications are now processed online through the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS), managed by NADRA. The system covers citizens of 192 countries, and all visa categories - including family visit, tourist, business, and student - are handled digitally.
While the process is online, you still need to ensure all documents are correctly formatted, uploaded, and that the application form is filled in completely. Incomplete applications get sent back for review, which restarts the processing time.
We handle the entire online application process for you - form completion, document uploads, photo formatting, and tracking your application through to the visa grant notice. You don't need to navigate the NADRA portal yourself.
Travelling with Children
Children travelling on British passports need their own visa, regardless of age. This includes infants. A few extra things to keep in mind:
- Each child needs their own passport - children cannot be included on a parent's passport
- You'll need a birth certificate showing both parents' names
- If one parent is not travelling, a signed consent letter from the absent parent is required
- If you have sole custody, bring the court order or relevant legal documentation
For help deciding when to travel, see our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan. And if Lahore is on your itinerary, our Lahore travel guide covers the best things to see and do.
FCDO Travel Advice for Pakistan
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to some parts of Pakistan, and against all but essential travel to others. The main areas affected include:
- Advises against all travel: Balochistan province, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (excluding Chitral, Abbottabad, and the Galliyat region), the former FATA region, and within 10 miles of the border with Afghanistan
- Advises against all but essential travel: parts of Punjab along the border with Balochistan, certain areas of Sindh
Most popular destinations for UK visitors - including Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Mirpur - are not covered by these warnings. However, it's important to check the latest advice before you travel, as it can change at short notice.
If you're unsure whether your destination is affected, get in touch with us and we'll check for you.
We Also Book Your Flights
Most of our Pakistan visa customers also book their flights through us. We have access to trade fares with PIA, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, and others flying from Manchester, and we'll find you the best deal for your dates. One phone call, everything sorted - visa and flights.
Why Use Bhatti Travel for Your Pakistan Visa?
We've been arranging Pakistan visas for UK travellers for over 40 years. Most of our customers are families in the Manchester and Oldham area visiting relatives in Pakistan, and we understand the process inside out.
- We handle all the paperwork - application forms, document checks, photo requirements, everything
- We spot problems before they happen - incorrect applications get sent back and delay your trip. We check everything first
- We track your application - you don't need to chase the consulate. We keep you updated at every stage
- We're local - pop into our office on Waterloo Street in Oldham, or call us. No call centres, no waiting on hold
- One clear quote - we tell you exactly what it'll cost upfront. No surprises
Need Help With Your Travel Plans?
Whether you need to rebook, check your options, or plan a trip with the latest advice in mind — we're here to help.
Source: GOV.UK FCDO Travel Advice
This guide reflects advice at the time of publishing. Always check the latest guidance before travelling.