Yes, Japanese citizens need a visa for Pakistan, but the visa fee is free for all categories. Apply online for a tourist e-Visa at visa.nadra.gov.pk. It is usually valid for 3 months and takes about 7–10 working days. You need a passport valid for 6 months, a photo, and a hotel booking or Letter of Invitation.
- Visa neededYes, e-Visa
- Single-entry feeFree
- ValidityUsually 3 months
- Processing7–10 working days
- Passport6+ months valid
- Apply atvisa.nadra.gov.pk
Do Japanese citizens Need a Visa for Pakistan?
Yes. Japanese citizens need a visa to enter Pakistan, and almost everyone applies online for the Pakistan e-Visa through the official Pakistan Online Visa System at visa.nadra.gov.pk. There is no need to visit an embassy or send your passport anywhere: the approved visa arrives by email.
From August 2024 to the end of 2025, Japan was one of 126 countries that could use Pakistan's free "Visa Prior to Arrival". Since 1 January 2026 that option has been removed from the official portal, so Japanese travellers now apply for the standard tourist e-Visa. There has been no official word on whether the free option will return. See our visa on arrival guide for the details.
The only Japanese travellers who do not need a visa are those of Pakistani origin who hold a valid NICOP or Pakistan Origin Card (POC). Read our guide for foreign nationals of Pakistani or Indian origin.
Pakistan Visa Fee for Japanese Citizens
Pakistan sets visa fees on a reciprocal basis, so the price depends on the passport you hold. Tourist visas are free of charge for Japanese citizens, because Pakistan waives the visa fee for Japan nationals.
| Tourist visa (Japanese passport) | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single entry | Free |
| Multiple entry, up to 1 year | Free |
| Multiple entry, over 1 year | Free |
| Visa extension (inside Pakistan) | US $20, unless otherwise stated |
Source: the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) visa fee schedule. The portal shows the final amount for your passport, including any service or bank charges, before you pay. Compare all nationalities on our Pakistan visa fees page.
How Japanese travellers Apply for a Pakistan e-Visa
- Register on the official portalCreate an account on visa.nadra.gov.pk with your email address. Use only the official site: look-alike websites charge extra fees.
- Choose Tourist / Visit visaSelect the tourist category and single or multiple entry.
- Fill in the formEnter your Japanese passport details, travel dates and address in Pakistan exactly as they appear on your documents.
- Upload your documentsAdd your photo, passport scan, hotel booking or Letter of Invitation, and itinerary.
- Submit your applicationNo visa fee is charged for your nationality, so you can submit as soon as the form is complete.
- Receive your e-Visa by emailTrack the application in your account. Print the approved visa and keep a copy on your phone.
Our full e-Visa application guide walks through each screen.
Documents You Need
- Japanese passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, with blank pages.
- A recent digital photo on a plain light background (see photo requirements).
- Hotel bookings for your stay, or a Letter of Invitation from a host or a tour operator licensed by the Department of Tourist Services (DTS).
- Your travel plan or itinerary.
- An email address.
The portal may ask for more documents depending on your travel history. See the full Pakistan visa requirements checklist.
How Long Does It Take?
Official guidance gives 7–10 working days for a tourist e-Visa, and it can take longer in the June–September trekking season or around Pakistani public holidays such as Eid. If the visa office asks for corrections, the clock starts again when you resubmit.
We recommend that Japanese travellers apply 4 to 6 weeks before travel, ideally before buying non-refundable flights. More in our processing time guide.
A Free Visa and the Gandhara Heritage
Pakistan does not charge a visa fee to nationals of a small group of countries: Afghanistan, China, Japan, Iceland, North Korea, Slovakia, Malaysia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia (except for work visas). For Japan the official schedule says "All Categories FREE", so tourist, business and other visas carry no fee. You still need an approved visa before you travel.
Many Japanese travellers come for Pakistan's Buddhist heritage. The ancient Gandhara region, including Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi and the Swat Valley, was a great centre of Buddhist art and learning. Our Buddhist pilgrimage tours visit the main sites.
Travel Advice and Arriving from Japan
Before you book, read your government's latest advice for Pakistan on Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (海外安全ホームページ). Advice differs by region: the northern areas we work in, such as Hunza, Skardu and the Karakoram, are treated differently from border districts, and some areas need a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Our Is Pakistan safe? guide explains how we plan routes around official advice.
There are no non-stop flights from Japan to Pakistan. Most travellers connect through a Gulf hub, Bangkok or Beijing into Islamabad, which is the closest airport to Taxila and the gateway to the northern areas.
Since February 2026 you can fill in your arrival (disembarkation) card in advance on NADRA's official Pak-ID app instead of on paper. Keep a printed copy of your e-Visa, your return ticket and your first hotel booking ready for immigration.
Book a Tour, We Handle Your Visa
The Golden Adventure is a DTS-licensed Destination Management Company (licence DTS-GB-094) based in Gilgit. When you book a tour, trek or expedition with us, we issue your official Letter of Invitation, check your documents and support your e-Visa application at no extra cost.
Tell us your dates or message us on WhatsApp (+1 571 223 8737).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Pakistan?
Yes. Japanese citizens need a visa and apply online for a Pakistan e-Visa at visa.nadra.gov.pk. Only Japanese travellers of Pakistani origin with a valid NICOP or POC card are exempt.
How much is a Pakistan visa for Japanese citizens?
The tourist visa is free for Japan nationals. Check the portal for any service charges before you submit.
Can Japanese citizens get a visa on arrival in Pakistan?
No. The free Visa Prior to Arrival that Japan nationals could use was suspended on 1 January 2026, so you need an approved e-Visa before you fly.
How long does a Pakistan e-Visa take for Japanese citizens?
Official guidance is 7–10 working days. Apply 4 to 6 weeks before travel to leave time for any corrections.
How long can Japanese travellers stay in Pakistan on a tourist visa?
A tourist visa is usually valid for 3 months. Inside Pakistan it can be extended up to a total stay of 6 months.
Is the Pakistan visa free for Japanese citizens?
Yes. The official DGI&P fee schedule lists all visa categories as free for Japanese nationals. You still need to apply and be approved.
Do Japanese citizens get a visa on arrival in Pakistan?
No. Apply for the e-Visa online before you travel.
Please note: visa rules and fees can change without notice. Always confirm the final requirements and fee for your passport on the official Pakistan Online Visa System, visa.nadra.gov.pk, before you apply. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
