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Choosing a visa in Pakistan depends on the purpose of your visit. Whether your aim is to conduct business activities or simply to visit Pakistan, you can choose from different long-term or short-term visas in Pakistan.
In this article, we will give you an overview of the main types of visas available in Pakistan and explain what each of them can be used for.
Types of visas in Pakistan
| Visa Type | Purpose of Your Visit | Maximum Length of Stay per Visit | Number of Entries |
| Business Visa for 68 countries in the Business Friendly List | Business meetings, market research | 3 months, valid for 5 years | Multiple |
| Business visa for the remaining countries | Business meetings, market research | 30 days | Multiple |
| Work Visa | Employment | 1 year, extendable | Multiple |
| Visa on Arrival for businessmen in the Business Friendly List | Official duty or business | 30 days | Multiple |
| Visa on arrival for Tourists | Travel | 30 days | Multiple |
Long-term visas in Pakistan
Business Visa for 68 countries in the Business Friendly List
There are two types of business visas in Pakistan. Citizens from countries that are part of the Business Friendly List (BVL) can apply for a longer multiple-entry business visa. This visa will be valid for 5 years and the maximum length of stay per visit is 3 months.
In addition to the countries shown on the map, the following countries are also on the Business Visa List:
- Bahrain
- Singapore
- Malta
- Mauritius
The purpose of a business visa is to conduct market research and attend business meetings in Pakistan. Note that you are not allowed to take up employment in Pakistan while holding a business visa nor can it be transferred into a work visa.
Business Visa for countries not listed in the BVL
Citizens of the countries that are not listed in the BVL, on the other hand, can apply for a business visa that will be valid only for 30 days. During these 30 days, however, you are allowed to exit and re-enter the country.
Also, note that if you are a holder of an Israeli passport, you cannot apply for any type of business visa in Pakistan.
How to apply for a business visa in Pakistan?
When applying for a business visa, the following documents are needed:
- Recommendation letter from Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CC&I) of the respective country of the foreigner
- Invitation letter from Business organization duly recommended by the concerned Trade Organization/Association in Pakistan
- Recommendation letter by Honorary Investment Counselor of BOI/Commercial Attached posted at Missions abroad
Furthermore, a business visa in Pakistan requires a corporate sponsor for the holder. Emerhub can help you find a local sponsor who can get an approval from the immigration authorities for the business visa. Contact us via the form below for more information.
Application time for the business visa can take up to 3-4 weeks, and you will receive your business visa in a Pakistan embassy abroad.
Work Visa
If you acquired an employment in Pakistan, keep in mind that you also need a work visa. This visa allows its holder to stay in Pakistan for 1 year and take up employment within the country. During this period, you can exit and re-enter the country. Also, you can extend your work visa every year.
How to apply for a work visa in Pakistan
Your work visa application will be first sent to the Directorate General of Immigration and later to the Ministry of Interior for authorization.
When applying you also need a corporate sponsor for the letter of approval to the immigration authorities. It usually takes up to 3-4 weeks to get ahold of a work visa in Pakistan and you will receive it at your closest Pakistan embassy abroad.
Short-term visas in Pakistan
Visa on Arrival for businessmen in the Business Friendly List
Visa on Arrival is another alternative for businessmen from countries in the Business Friendly List. It takes less time to obtain, however, this visa is valid for 30 days only.
You can get this visa upon the production of the following documents:
- Recommendation letter from CC&I of the respective country of the foreigner
- Invitation letter from Business organization duly recommended by the concerned Trade Organization/Association in Pakistan
- Recommendation letter by Honorary Investment Counselor of BOI/Commercial Attached posted at Missions abroad
Visa on Arrival for tourists
Tourists from the following 24 Tourist Friendly Countries (TFC) can also enter Pakistan with a Visa on Arrival.
Among countries who are part of the Tourist Friendly Countries (TFC) are: Austria, France, Singapore, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Canada, Greece, Malaysia, Sweden, China, Iceland, Netherlands, Thailand, Denmark, Italy, Norway, U.K., Finland, Japan, Portugal, U.S.A.
Visa on Arrival will be valid for 30 days and allows multiple entries. Designated Tour Operators will oversee all the tourist activities in Pakistan. These tour operators will also make sure that the tourist will not overstay beyond the validity of the visa.
Also, tour operators will apply for an extension before the expiry of visa, if required. Moreover, tour operators will have to confirm the departure of the tourists before they actually leave the country.
In addition, all business visas except for VOA takes 3-4 weeks to process. However, visa application by Indian Nationals can take up to 8 weeks.
Additional registration
Most foreign nationals are exempted from further registrations. However, citizens of the following countries must keep in mind that they need to register their stay in Pakistan with the police as well:
- Bhutan
- Bangladesh
- India
- Nigeria
- Palestine Liberation Organization (P.L.O.)
- Israel (Israeli citizens cannot travel on an Israeli passport)
- Somalia
However, nationals of these listed countries who are holding a work visa in the managerial category are exempted from Police registration, except for Indians and foreigners of Indian origin.
Planning on doing business in Pakistan?
Contact Emerhub via the form below and we can help you choose the right visa for your visit.
