Online Portal for Electronic Visa Applications Open for Select Countries

At a Glance

• The National Database and Registration Authority has launched the testing phase of an online portal that allows nationals of China, Malaysia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom to apply for electronic entry visas to Pakistan. 
• Once the trial period is complete, the online portal is expected to be available to nationals of 175 countries, although they may be restricted to select visa categories. 
• The new electronic entry visa system aims to streamline and simplify the process for obtaining visas to Pakistan.

 The situation

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched the testing phase of an online portal which allows select foreign nationals to apply for over 10 different categories of electronic entry visas (e-visas) to Pakistan.

A closer look

Details of the online portal include the following:

• Eligible nationalities during test phase. During the current testing phase, the online portal is only open to nationals of China, Malaysia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
• Eligible nationals after test phase. Once the testing phase is complete, the online portal is expected to be available to nationals of 175 countries, although they may be restricted to select visa categories. Nationals of countries not on the respective lists will have to obtain their visas through consular missions abroad.
• E-visa application process. Foreign nationals must register an account through NADRA’s electronic portal, complete the visa application form and upload mandatory documents. Government fees will range from USD 8.18 to USD 100, depending on the visa category and nationality of the applicant. Applicants may be required to visit a Pakistani consular post for an interview. Upon approval, foreign nationals will be notified via email.
• Types of entry visas issued. The system will issue visas for over 10 categories which will include:
  
  • Visas on arrival for tourism. E-visas under this category will be available to nationals of 50 countries  for a single-entry with a maximum allowable duration of stay of up to 90 days. Nationals of Indian origins traveling to Pakistan for religious tourism purposes will also be eligible for this category.
  • Visas-on-arrival for business. E-visas under this category will be available to nationals of 96 countries and will be issued for a single-entry with a maximum allowable duration of up to 30 days.
  • Tourist visas. E-visas under this category will be available to nationals of 175 countries and will be issued for up to six months for a single or double-entry and with a maximum allowable duration of stay of 90 days.
  • Business visas. E-visas will be available to nationals of 96 countries and will be valid for up to five years for multiple-entries.

Impact for foreign nationals

The new e-visa system is expected to simplify the process for obtaining entry visas to Pakistan by streamlining document requirements and decreasing processing times for eligible foreign nationals.

Background

In January, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced that the new e-visa system was forthcoming and would provide numerous changes to entry visa policies.

Looking ahead

Fragomen will provide updates on the implementation of the e-visa program as they become available.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to mideast@fragomen.com.