Big news for travelers planning to visit Pakistan in 2026.
Pakistan has officially suspended its free Visa Prior Approval (VPA) program for citizens of 126 countries.
This means that if you were planning to get a free Pakistani visa online, you will now have to pay.
According to the new update, the e-Visa fee for Pakistan in 2026 ranges between $35 and $60 USD depending on your visa type.
The government made this change to improve tracking through its new Digital Integrated Dashboard and to align with global visa policies.
In this article, I will break down everything you need to know about the Pakistani eVisa suspension news 2026.
We will cover which countries are affected, the new visa fees, how to apply online step by step, required documents, and processing time.
If you are coming to Pakistan for tourism, business, or family visit, read this guide before you apply.
Why Did Pakistan Suspend Free eVisa in 2026?
Pakistan offered free Visa Prior Approval (VPA) to 126 countries earlier in 2026. But now the government has suspended it. Here are the 3 main reasons behind this decision:
1. Digital Integrated Dashboard Launch
Last year Pakistan introduced a new Digital Integrated Dashboard to track passport applications and visa processing in real time. The government wants all foreign visitors to go through the paid e-Visa system so data can be tracked properly and processing becomes faster.
2. Security and Background Checks
Free VPA made it easy for travelers to enter, but it was hard to do proper screening. With a paid e-Visa, every applicant must submit documents and pay fees. This helps authorities verify identity and travel purpose before approval.
3. Revenue and Policy Alignment
Most countries charge visa fees. By introducing a $35 to $60 fee, Pakistan is aligning with global standards. The revenue will also help improve consular services and visa processing centers both in Pakistan and abroad.
Bottom line: The suspension is not permanent ban. It is a policy update. Travelers from 126 countries can still apply online, but now they have to pay the fee.
Updated Pakistan Visa Fees 2026: $35 to $60
After the suspension of free VPA, Pakistan has set new fees for e-Visa in 2026. The fee depends on your visa type and how long you want to stay.
Here is the updated fee structure for foreigners:
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa – Single Entry | 3 Months | $35 |
| Tourist Visa – Multiple Entry | 1 Year | $60 |
| Business Visa | 3 Months to 1 Year | $60 |
| Religious Tourism Visa | 3 Months | $35 |
Important Notes:
- Payment: Fee is paid online through debit/credit card during application.
- Non-refundable: Once paid, the fee will not be refunded even if your visa is rejected.
- Processing: Regular processing takes 7-10 working days. No express option yet.
Compared to last year, this is the first time Pakistan has charged all 126 countries. Before Feb 2026, the VPA was completely free.
How to Apply Pakistan eVisa Online 2026: Step by Step
Applying for Pakistan eVisa in 2026 is still online. But now you have to pay the fee. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Follow these 6 steps:
Step 1: Go to Official eVisa Portal
Open visa.nadra.gov.pk. This is the only official website. Avoid agents and third-party sites.
Step 2: Create an Account
Click on “Apply Online” and make an account with your email. You will get a verification code.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Select your visa type: Tourist, Business, or Religious. Fill your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and address in Pakistan.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Scan and upload: Passport copy, passport size photo, hotel booking or invitation letter, return ticket. File size should be less than 2MB.
Step 5: Pay Visa Fee $35 to $60
After submitting the form, you will be asked to pay online. You can use Visa, MasterCard, or debit card. Fee is non-refundable.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
Processing time is 7 to 10 working days. You will get the eVisa on your email as a PDF. Print it and carry it when traveling to Pakistan.
Pro Tip: Apply at least 3 weeks before your travel date. During summer and holidays, it can take longer.
List of 126 Countries Affected by eVisa Suspension
Pakistan has suspended free VPA for 126 countries. If you hold a passport from any of these countries, you now have to pay $35 to $60 for eVisa.
Here are some of the major countries on the list:
From Middle East & Gulf:
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman
From Europe:
UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway
From Asia:
China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore
From Americas:
USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina
From Africa & Oceania:
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Australia, New Zealand
Note: This is not the full list. The complete list of 126 countries is available on the official NADRA eVisa website. If your country is not mentioned above, check the portal before applying.
Earlier in January 2026, citizens of these countries could get free Visa Prior Approval. Now everyone has to pay.
Required Documents for Pakistan eVisa 2026
Keep these documents ready before you start the online application. Without them, your application will be delayed.
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from travel date. Scan the bio page.
- Photo: Recent passport size photo with white background. JPG format, less than 1MB.
- Return Ticket: Confirmed air ticket booking to and from Pakistan.
- Hotel Booking / Invitation Letter: If visiting friends or family, upload invitation letter with host CNIC copy.
- Bank Statement: Last 3 months statement. Not always asked but keep it ready.
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt: You will get this after paying $35 to $60 online.
Tip: Name on all documents must match your passport exactly. Small spelling mistakes cause rejection.
FAQs: Pakistani eVisa Suspension 2026
Q1: Is Pakistan eVisa still available in 2026?
Yes. eVisa is still available. Only the free VPA has been suspended. Now you have to pay $35 to $60.
Q2: How long does Pakistan eVisa take to process?
Normal processing time is 7 to 10 working days. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel.
Q3: Is the visa fee refundable if rejected?
No. The $35 to $60 fee is non-refundable even if your visa is rejected.
Q4: Can I extend my eVisa after entering Pakistan?
Tourist eVisa can be extended from the nearest FRRO office in Pakistan. You need to apply before your visa expires.
Q5: Where do I apply for Pakistan eVisa?
Only apply on the official website: visa.nadra.gov.pk. Do not use agents.
Final Words
Pakistan has suspended free eVisa for 126 countries in 2026. Now travelers must pay between $35 and $60 depending on visa type.
The process is still online and simple. Just make sure you apply early, upload correct documents, and pay the fee on the official NADRA portal.
If you found this update helpful, share it with someone planning to visit Pakistan this year.
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