Foreigners of Pakistani origin who hold a valid NICOP or Pakistan Origin Card (POC) do not need a visa. Without these cards they, and their foreign spouses, can apply for a Family Visit Visa of up to 5 years. Foreign nationals of Indian origin with, for example, a US, UK or Canadian passport can generally apply for the e-Visa, but should expect extra security checks and longer processing.
- NICOP holdersNo visa
- POC holdersNo visa
- Family Visit VisaUp to 5 years
- Indian origine-Visa, extra checks
- Indian passportRestricted categories
- Apply atvisa.nadra.gov.pk
Foreign Nationals of Pakistani Origin
NICOP and POC: no visa needed
Holders of a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) can enter Pakistan without a visa. Dual nationals can also travel on a valid Pakistani passport. Both cards are issued by NADRA and can be applied for online.
Family Visit Visa
If you are of Pakistani origin but do not have a NICOP or POC, or you are the foreign spouse of a person of Pakistani origin, you can apply for a Family Visit Visa, which can be valid for up to 5 years with a stay of up to 1 year.
Children
Children of Pakistani-origin parents may also qualify for a POC. Apply in good time, because the card must be issued before you can use it to travel.
Foreign Nationals of Indian Origin
Travellers of Indian origin who hold another nationality, such as a US, British or Canadian passport, can generally apply for a Pakistan e-Visa in the normal way. In practice:
- Applications can be referred for additional security clearance, so allow more time than the usual 7–10 working days.
- Your place of birth and any previous Indian nationality must be declared accurately.
- A clear itinerary and a Letter of Invitation from a licensed operator help the visa officer.
Many travellers of Indian origin visit Pakistan for Sikh and Hindu heritage sites such as Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur and Katas Raj. See our Sikh Yatra tours and Hindu pilgrimage tours.
Indian Passport Holders
Rules for Indian citizens are different and stricter. Indian passport holders have historically not been issued tourist visas; applications for categories such as visiting family, business, transit and religious pilgrimage are cleared by the Ministry of Interior, with police registration and set entry points. Following tensions in April 2025, Pakistan suspended visas for Indian nationals, with an exception for Sikh religious pilgrims. Check the current position with the Pakistan High Commission before making any plans.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Use the same spelling of your name on every document.
- Declare previous nationalities and places of birth honestly.
- Apply 6 to 8 weeks ahead if extra clearance is likely.
- Travelling on a tour? Ask us for an official Letter of Invitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Pakistan if I have a NICOP?
No. NICOP and POC holders can enter Pakistan without a visa.
Can US citizens of Indian origin get a Pakistan e-Visa?
Generally yes, but applications may need extra security clearance and take longer.
What is the Pakistan Family Visit Visa?
A visa for foreigners of Pakistani origin and their foreign spouses, valid for up to 5 years.
Can Indian citizens get a Pakistan tourist visa?
Indian passport holders have historically not been issued tourist visas, and Pakistan suspended visas for Indian nationals in April 2025 except for Sikh pilgrims.
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.
