British citizens travelling to Pakistan need a tourist visa, and in 2026 the entire process is handled online through the NADRA eVisa portal. The fee is $75 USD (~£60), processing takes about 7 business days, and the visa lets you stay in Pakistan for up to 30 days within a 90-day validity window.
This guide walks you through the full application step-by-step exactly what documents to prepare, what the NADRA website looks like, how to avoid the common mistakes that cause rejections, and which airlines actually make the UK-to-Pakistan journey easiest. It’s written for UK Pakistani families, business visitors, and anyone planning their first trip to Mirpur, Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi or the northern valleys.
Importantly, if you hold a NICOP or SNICOP card, you don’t need a visa at all more on that below.
Key facts at a glance
- Visa type: Tourist eVisa (fully digital)
- Official portal: visa.nadra.gov.pk the only official site
- Government fee: $75 USD (~£60 depending on exchange rate)
- Processing time: Typically 7 business days
- Visa validity: 90 days from date of issue
- Maximum stay: 30 days per entry
- Passport requirement: At least 6 months validity + 1 blank page
- Dual nationals: NICOP/SNICOP holders are visa-exempt (unlimited stay)
Pakistan eVisa What UK Citizens Need to Know
Travelling from the United Kingdom to Pakistan has become significantly easier thanks to the introduction of the digital eVisa system. Whether you are visiting family in Punjab, conducting business in Karachi, or exploring Mirpur and the northern valleys, you now apply entirely online.
British citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Pakistan. The entire process is now managed online through the official NADRA portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk. However, avoid third-party agencies that charge unnecessary service fees the real cost is $75 to the Pakistani government, and the online portal is designed for applicants to use themselves without any middleman.
Key visa details at a glance
- Visa Type: Tourist eVisa
- Government Fee: $75 USD
- Processing Time: Usually 7 business days
- Validity: The eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a maximum stay of up to 30 days once you enter.
Required Documents Checklist
Before starting your application, gather digital copies of the following documents. Having everything ready in advance will cut your application time down to about 20 minutes.
Documents you’ll need (gather these first)
- Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your intended stay and at least one blank page.
- Photograph: A recent digital passport-sized photo with a white background (maximum file size 350 KB).
- Travel Proof: A confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
- Accommodation Proof: A hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Pakistan.
- Payment Method: A valid debit or credit card to pay the $75 fee.
Crucial tip before you start
Compress your photo and passport scan to under 350 KB each before uploading. Larger files will be rejected by the NADRA portal with a vague error message. Use TinyJPG.com or a similar free compressor.
Dual Nationals & NICOP/SNICOP Holders
No visa needed if you have NICOP or SNICOP
Dual nationals holding a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or Smart NICOP (SNICOP) do not need a visa and can enter Pakistan visa-free for an unlimited stay. Just travel on your UK passport and show your NICOP/SNICOP at Pakistani immigration.
If you were born in Pakistan or to Pakistani parents, you are entitled to apply for NICOP. For UK Mirpuris, this is nearly always the better route than a tourist visa one card, no $75 fee each trip, no 30-day stay limit. Apply for NICOP through your nearest NADRA UK centre (London, Bradford, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow). The process takes about 4–6 weeks and costs around £112.
Already have NICOP but it’s expired? You can renew it from the UK through the same NADRA offices, and in some cases online. However, don’t travel on an expired NICOP immigration will require a valid visa if the card isn’t current.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here is the complete 6-step process for applying for a Pakistan tourist eVisa from the UK. Allow yourself about 20–30 minutes if you have all documents ready.
Register an account on NADRA
Go to visa.nadra.gov.pk, click “Apply Now,” and create a new account using your email address. You’ll receive a confirmation email with a verification link click it before continuing.
Use an email address you check regularly. All updates, including approval notifications and any requests for additional documents, come through this address.
Start the application & select category
Log into your account and start a new application. Select the appropriate visa category for most UK visitors this is Tourist / Visit. Business travellers and journalists should select the matching category.
If you’re unsure which category applies, select Tourist unless you’re entering Pakistan for paid work or journalism.
Fill in personal & travel details
Enter your personal information, passport details, and travel itinerary exactly as they appear on your official documents. Any mismatch between your form and your passport will cause delays or rejection.
Double-check your passport number, full name spelling, and date of birth before moving on. If your passport shows “Muhammad Ali Khan,” use the full name don’t shorten to “Ali Khan.”
Upload all required documents
Attach your photo, passport scan, flight booking, and accommodation proof. Each file must be under the size limit photo max 350 KB, documents max 2 MB typically.
Make sure your passport scan shows all four corners clearly and the photo page is unobscured. Blurry scans are a common rejection reason.
Pay the $75 fee & submit
Pay the $75 USD fee via credit or debit card. UK Visa, Mastercard, and most major debit cards work. Monzo, Starling, Revolut, Wise and other digital banks are all accepted.
After payment, submit the application. You’ll receive an immediate confirmation email with your application reference number save this for tracking.
Receive approval & travel
Once approved (usually within 7 business days), you’ll receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email. Print this out or keep a digital copy on your phone you’ll show it to the airline at check-in and to border officials upon arrival in Pakistan.
You don’t need a physical visa sticker in your passport the ETA email with the barcode is all that’s required.
Best UK → Pakistan Airlines Compared
Once your visa is approved, you’ll need to book a flight. Choosing the right airline depends on your priority a direct flight, extra baggage allowance, or the cheapest fare. Here is a comparison of the top carriers flying from the UK to major Pakistani airports: Islamabad (ISB), Lahore (LHE), and Karachi (KHI).
| Airline | Route Type | UK Airports | Baggage (Economy) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Direct to ISB | London Heathrow | 23 kg | The fastest journey; premium service and modern long-haul aircraft |
| PIA | Direct to ISB & LHE | London Heathrow, Manchester | Up to 30 kg+ | Diaspora-friendly baggage policies; direct routes from the North |
| Emirates | 1-stop via Dubai | Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle | 30 kg | Wide UK departure network; excellent inflight entertainment |
| Qatar Airways | 1-stop via Doha | Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh | 30 kg | World-class transit hub; frequent connections to all major Pak airports |
| Turkish Airlines | 1-stop via Istanbul | Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh | 23–30 kg | Competitive pricing; great option for an Istanbul stopover |
If you live in the North or Midlands, starting your search with Emirates or Qatar Airways often yields the most convenient local departures without the need to travel down to London. On the other hand, if minimising travel time is your top priority, British Airways and PIA are the only airlines offering non-stop routes from the UK to Pakistan.
For UK Mirpuris flying into Islamabad for onward travel to Mirpur, both PIA and Emirates have multiple weekly departures from Manchester, which saves the drive to Heathrow. Furthermore, PIA’s generous baggage allowance makes it the go-to for families bringing gifts and goods back to Pakistan.
Booking tip for best fares
Book at least 6–8 weeks in advance for the best fares, especially around Eid, summer holidays (July–August), and the wedding season (October–December). Prices can double or triple during peak diaspora travel periods.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using a third-party agency instead of NADRA
Many agencies charge £100–£200 for a service you can do yourself in 20 minutes. The only legitimate site is visa.nadra.gov.pk nothing else. Avoid any website that doesn’t end in .gov.pk, however official it looks.
2. Applying too late
The 7-business-day processing time is typical, but delays happen, especially around holidays and busy travel seasons. Apply at least 3 weeks before your travel date to give yourself a buffer. Don’t apply the week before you fly.
3. Name or passport mismatch
Pakistani immigration is strict about details. If your visa application says “Ahmed Khan” but your passport says “Muhammad Ahmed Khan,” you may be refused boarding or detained at arrival. Always use the exact full name as printed on your passport.
4. Not checking passport validity
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your return date, plus at least one blank page. If your passport expires within 6 months, renew it first the visa won’t be issued otherwise.
5. Forgetting the NICOP option
Most UK Mirpuris and UK Pakistanis are eligible for NICOP, which eliminates the need for a visa entirely. Before paying $75 for a tourist eVisa, check if you qualify for NICOP it’s cheaper over time and gives unlimited stay. Visit your nearest NADRA UK centre to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions UK Pakistani families ask most often about the Pakistan tourist visa.
Cost & processing
How much does the Pakistan tourist visa cost from the UK?
The Pakistan tourist eVisa costs $75 USD (approximately £60 depending on the current exchange rate). This is the only official fee you pay it directly to the Pakistani government through the NADRA portal. Third-party agencies may charge additional service fees of £100–£200, but these are not required.
How long does the Pakistan eVisa take to process?
Processing typically takes 7 business days. However, during peak periods such as summer holidays, Eid, and wedding season (October–December), it can take longer. Apply at least 3 weeks before your intended travel date to allow a safety buffer.
Documents & requirements
What documents do I need for Pakistan tourist visa?
You need five documents: a valid UK passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), a recent passport-sized photo (white background, under 350 KB), a confirmed return flight ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter from your host in Pakistan), and a valid debit or credit card to pay the $75 fee.
Do UK Pakistanis need a visa to visit Pakistan?
No if you hold a valid NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) or SNICOP (Smart NICOP), you can enter Pakistan visa-free for an unlimited stay. Simply travel on your UK passport and show your NICOP at Pakistani immigration. If you don’t have NICOP, apply for the tourist eVisa through the NADRA portal.
Can I apply for NICOP from the UK?
Yes NADRA has UK offices in London, Bradford, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow where you can apply for or renew NICOP. The process takes 4–6 weeks and costs around £112. For UK Mirpuris and UK Pakistanis who visit Pakistan regularly, NICOP is far better value than paying for a tourist visa each trip.
Stay & travel
How long can I stay in Pakistan on a tourist eVisa?
The tourist eVisa allows a maximum stay of 30 days per entry. The visa itself is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, meaning you have 90 days to enter Pakistan, but once you enter you can stay up to 30 days. For longer stays, apply for NICOP (unlimited) or a different visa category.
What is the fastest flight from UK to Pakistan?
Direct flights with British Airways (London Heathrow to Islamabad) and PIA (Heathrow and Manchester to Islamabad and Lahore) are the fastest, at roughly 8 hours. One-stop flights via Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) take 10–14 hours total but often depart from more UK airports.
Can I extend my Pakistan tourist visa once I’m there?
Visa extensions are possible but complex, and are handled through the Pakistani Interior Ministry. For most UK visitors it’s easier to leave and re-apply if a longer stay is needed. However, if you plan to stay longer than 30 days regularly, applying for NICOP is the better long-term solution.
Final Thoughts
The Pakistan tourist eVisa is one of the easiest visas to apply for in South Asia fully online, $75 flat fee, and typically approved within a week. For UK citizens visiting family, friends, or exploring the country as tourists, the NADRA portal has removed almost every historical headache.
However, for UK Mirpuris and UK Pakistanis of Pakistani heritage, NICOP is almost always the better option. It costs more upfront (£112) but pays for itself after just two trips and removes the 30-day stay limit entirely. If you’re planning to visit Mirpur regularly, open property discussions, or spend extended time with family, apply for NICOP first.
Above all, apply directly through visa.nadra.gov.pk avoid agencies, give yourself at least 3 weeks before travel, and double-check every detail against your passport. Pakistan welcomes you.
