Pakistan New Visa Policy VPA Suspended for 126 Countries

From 1 January 2026, Pakistan suspended the free Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) for 126 countries. Most foreign travellers now need a paid e-Visa through the Pakistan Online Visa System. Here is everything that changed fees, processing times, exemptions, and how to apply.

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Key Facts About Pakistan's New Visa Policy

Pakistan's new visa policy changed how foreign nationals enter the country in 2026. Here's what every traveller should know before applying.

event_busy VPA Suspended: The free Visa Prior to Arrival for 126 countries was withdrawn on 1 January 2026.
credit_card Paid e‑Visa Now Required: Apply in advance through the official Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS).
schedule Processing Time: Around 7–20 business days, compared with 24–48 hours under the old VPA.

Pakistan new visa policy 2026 e-Visa guide

info Policy Overview

What Is Pakistan's New Visa Policy in 2026?

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What Changed

Quick answer: Since 1 January 2026, Pakistan no longer offers the free Visa Prior to Arrival. Most foreign travellers must now obtain a paid e‑Visa in advance through the official Pakistan Online Visa System before arriving.

Between August 2024 and the end of 2025, citizens of 126 nationalities could obtain a free, multiple‑entry visa valid for up to 90 days through a simplified online form. That facility has been withdrawn. In its place, the standard e‑Visa managed by NADRA on behalf of the Ministry of Interior is once again the main route of entry for tourism and business visitors. For the full background, see the visa policy of Pakistan overview and official guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Pakistani authorities did not publish a formal press release confirming the suspension; the change was first noticed when the VPA category disappeared from the official portal. For full entry rules, see our Pakistan visa requirements guide.

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What Happened to the Free VPA?

The Visa Prior to Arrival was introduced in August 2024 as part of Pakistan's tourism and investment push. It allowed travellers from 126 countries to obtain a free travel authorisation online, usually within 24–48 hours, for stays of up to 90 days with multiple entries one of South Asia's most generous short‑stay visa offers.

From 1 January 2026, the VPA option was removed from the official e‑Visa portal (visa.nadra.gov.pk). On the Pak ID app, VPA options redirected applicants to the standard system, instructing them to apply under a regular paid category instead.

Reports link the change to administrative load and the regional security situation, but no single official reason has been confirmed. The outcome is clear: the free fast‑track route has ended.

public Affected Regions

The 126 Countries Affected by the VPA Suspension

The suspension affects travellers from 126 countries and territories across every region. The previously eligible list spanned:

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Europe

Most European Union member states and several non‑EU European nations.

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The Americas

Including the United States, Canada and many Latin American countries.

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Asia & Oceania

A wide range of Asian and Pacific nations.

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Africa

Numerous African states across the continent.

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Tip for travellers: The country list attached to Pakistan's visa categories is updated from time to time. Treat any third‑party list as a guide, and always verify against visa.nadra.gov.pk for your specific passport before booking flights.

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"126 Countries Visa-Free for Pakistan" What This Actually Means

This phrase is widely searched and often misunderstood. There are two very different readings let's separate them clearly.

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Inbound: Free Entry to Pakistan

When people search "126 countries visa free for Pakistan," they usually mean the 126 foreign nationalities that could apply for Pakistan's free Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) facility. This is the inbound meaning: foreigners coming to Pakistan, not Pakistani passport holders traveling abroad. That free VPA facility was suspended on 1 January 2026.

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Outbound: Where Pakistanis Can Travel

A common misconception is that the figure means Pakistani passport holders can travel to 126 countries without a visa. That is not the case. Per the Henley Passport Index (May 2026), the Pakistani passport ranks around 100th, giving access to roughly 30 destinations visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or eTA, far fewer than 126.

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Bottom line: The "126" figure describes foreign visitors who used to enter Pakistan for free not the countries open to Pakistani travellers. Planning to travel abroad? See our country‑specific guides such as Canada visa from Pakistan and Germany visa for accurate, up‑to‑date requirements.

compare_arrows Before vs After

Old VPA vs New Standard e‑Visa

Feature	Old VPA (Aug 2024 – Dec 2025)	New Standard e‑Visa (from 1 Jan 2026)
Cost	Free	Paid (varies by nationality)
Application route	Simplified VPA online form	Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS)
Typical approval time	24–48 hours	Around 7–20 business days
Validity	Up to 90 days	Varies by visa type
Entries	Multiple entry	Single or multiple, depending on category
Documentation	Minimal	More detailed
Eligibility	126 nationalities	Open to most nationalities (paid), with exceptions

The headline differences are cost, paperwork and time. The new system asks for more documents and takes longer, so applying well ahead of your travel date is essential.

payments Visa Fees

Pakistan e‑Visa Fees in 2026 (by Nationality)

Under the new visa policy, fees vary by nationality and visa type. Reported rates for a single‑entry tourist e‑Visa include:

Applicant Group	Indicative Single‑Entry Tourist Fee
European Union citizens	~USD 35
United States, United Kingdom, Canada	~USD 60
China & Gulf countries	Often fee‑exempt or special arrival categories
Other nationalities	Varies by passport and visa type

These amounts are indicative and subject to change. Business, visit visa and tourist visa categories may be priced differently. Always confirm the exact fee for your nationality and visa category on the official POVS portal before paying, and keep your payment receipt.

timelapse Processing Times

Processing Times Under the New Policy

Processing is noticeably slower than under the old VPA. While the free system often returned approvals within 24–48 hours, the standard e‑Visa now typically takes around 7 to 20 business days, depending on nationality, visa type and the completeness of your application.

checklistTo Avoid Delays

check_circleApply at least 3–4 weeks before your intended travel date.
check_circleUpload high‑resolution, clear scans blurry images cause "in‑review" delays.
check_circleEnsure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond travel.
check_circleProvide any supporting documents (accommodation proof, invitation letter) for your category. See documents you'll need.

rule Exemptions & Special Rules

Who Is Still Exempt? GCC & Restricted Nationalities

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GCC Countries (VOA Retained)

Exempt

Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar generally retain visa‑on‑arrival privileges at Pakistani airports. This exception reflects bilateral arrangements separate from the broader VPA suspension.

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India, Armenia & Taiwan

Special Rules

Citizens of India, Armenia and Taiwan are generally not eligible for the standard e‑Visa system and must apply through Pakistani embassies or consulates. Indian nationals, in particular, face additional restrictions on entry ports and visa categories, with no general tourist e‑Visa available. Contact the nearest Pakistani diplomatic mission for the correct procedure.

timeline Step-by-Step Process

How to Apply for the Pakistan e‑Visa Now

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Step 1

Prepare your documents: passport (6+ months), white‑background photo, and any supporting papers.

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Step 2

Create an account on the official POVS and complete the form for your visa category.

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Step 3

Pay the visa fee for your nationality and visa type. Save the receipt.

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Step 4

Track your application online. Once approved, download and print your e‑Visa.

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Always apply only through the official government portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk. Avoid unofficial sites that charge extra or request sensitive data outside the official system.

event_note Policy Timeline

Timeline of Pakistan's Visa Policy Changes (2024–2026)

August 2024

Free Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) launched for 126 nationalities multiple‑entry, up to 90 days.

Through 2025

VPA operates as a flagship tourism‑friendly scheme.

1 January 2026

VPA quietly suspended; standard paid e‑Visa becomes the main route.

Early–Feb 2026

Government signals a wider online visa framework, with expanded e‑Visa and visa‑on‑arrival access for many nationalities, though paid standard rules remain for the previously free VPA group.

This timeline shows a shift from a short‑lived free model back to a structured, paid e‑Visa system. Because official communication has been limited, the policy remains one to monitor for further updates.

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Pakistan New Visa Policy FAQs

Since 1 January 2026, Pakistan suspended the free Visa Prior to Arrival. Most foreign travellers now need a paid e‑Visa, applied for in advance through the official Pakistan Online Visa System.

No single official reason has been confirmed. Reports point to administrative load at processing centres and the regional security situation, but the government has not issued a detailed public statement.

The 126 nationalities span Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania and Africa all of which previously qualified for the free VPA and now need a paid e‑Visa. Verify your nationality on the official portal.

Fees vary by nationality. Reported single‑entry tourist rates include around USD 35 for EU citizens and about USD 60 for US, UK and Canadian nationals. Confirm exact fees on the official portal.

Typically around 7 to 20 business days, compared with 24–48 hours under the old VPA. Apply at least three to four weeks before travel.

For most nationalities, no. However, GCC country citizens generally retain visa‑on‑arrival at Pakistani airports.

Yes. Travellers from these countries previously eligible for the free VPA must now apply and pay for a standard e‑Visa.

No general tourist e‑Visa is available for Indian passport holders. They must apply through Pakistani diplomatic missions and face additional entry restrictions.

No. It refers to foreign nationalities that could enter Pakistan for free. Pakistani passport holders have visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to roughly 32 destinations (Henley Passport Index, February 2026).

Through the official Pakistan Online Visa System operated by NADRA at visa.nadra.gov.pk. Avoid unofficial third‑party sites.