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Pakistan Visa Processing Time – How Long It Takes & How to Avoid Delays (2026)

If you’re planning travel to Pakistan, the most common question is simple: how long will the visa take? This guide explains the usual timelines, what can slow your application, and exactly what to do if your status shows “Review”.

Pakistan visas are processed through the official online system at visa.nadra.gov.pk. Your final decision time depends on your visa category, your documents, and whether additional checks are required.

Important: Visa processing time is never guaranteed. Apply early and avoid buying non-refundable tickets until your visa is approved.

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Quick Answer: Typical Pakistan Visa Processing Time

  • Average: around 7–10 working days after successful submission and payment.
  • Sometimes faster: straightforward cases may be decided in about 5–7 business days.
  • Sometimes longer: if your application is placed in Review, needs verification, or requires additional checks.

“Working days” usually means business days (not weekends/holidays), but timelines can still vary by mission and workload.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application?

  1. Submission + Payment: Your timeline generally starts after a successful submission and payment confirmation.
  2. Initial screening: The system reviews your form and uploaded documents for clarity and completeness.
  3. Verification (if needed): Some cases require extra checks (invitation, sponsor, previous travel, etc.).
  4. Decision: Once approved, you download your e-visa/ETA from the portal.
Helpful tip: Most delays happen due to unclear uploads, missing supporting proof, or name/passport detail mismatches.

Visa Processing Time by Category (Practical Estimates)

These are common ranges travellers typically experience. Your exact time may differ based on nationality, documents, and checks.

Tourist Visa Common

  • Typical: 2–5 working days
  • Can take longer if: hotel/invitation is unclear or travel plan looks incomplete

Family / Pakistan Origin Often Faster

  • Typical: 5–10 working days
  • Can take longer if: CNIC/NICOP/POC or relationship proof is missing/unclear

Business Visa

  • Typical: 6–14 working days
  • Can take longer if: invitation/company documents need verification

Visitor Visa

  • Typical: 7–15 working days
  • Can take longer if: sponsor affidavit, CNIC, or address proof is not strong

Student Visa

  • Typical: 10–20 working days
  • Can take longer if: NOC/approvals or police clearance are required

Medical Visa

  • Typical: 7–12 working days
  • Can take longer if: hospital appointment/treatment letters are incomplete

ETA / Visa on Arrival (Eligible Nationalities)

For eligible travellers, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is issued through the same online portal. In many cases this can be faster, but it still depends on your documents and checks.

  • Typical: 2–10 working days (varies widely)
  • Apply early: don’t rely on last-minute approvals

Top Reasons Pakistan Visa Applications Get Delayed

  • Blurry scans or cropped documents: passport biodata page or photos not readable.
  • Name format issues: Given Name / Surname not matching the passport.
  • Missing relationship proof: for family/spouse/child applications.
  • Weak travel plan: no hotel, no sponsor letter, no clear itinerary.
  • Invitation problems: sponsor CNIC missing, affidavit incomplete, or details don’t match.
  • Slow response to “Review”: late re-submission can push you back in the queue.
  • Peak travel seasons: higher workload can extend timelines.

How to Get Your Visa Faster (Realistic, Safe Tips)

Before You Apply

  • Use a clear passport scan (colour, full page, no glare).
  • Upload a proper photo with white background (not a selfie, not cropped).
  • Prepare strong supporting proof: hotel booking or sponsor invitation + CNIC copy.
  • Double-check your passport number and date of birth.

After You Apply

  • Check the portal regularly for status updates.
  • If you see Review, upload what they asked for immediately.
  • Keep every upload clear, readable, and correctly named.
  • Avoid duplicate applications unless your old one is cancelled/expired.
Urgent travel: If it’s a genuine emergency (medical/compassionate), you can prepare proof (hospital letter, urgency evidence, and flight booking) and follow the official portal instructions for contacting the relevant mission/authority. Approval of urgent handling is always discretionary.

Understanding Visa Status (Submitted, Review, Approved, etc.)

Status Meanings (Simple Explanation)

  • Submitted / In Process: your application is in the queue for checks and decision.
  • Review: something is missing or needs clarification; upload documents and re-submit within the allowed time.
  • Approved / Granted: download your e-visa/ETA and print it.
  • Cancelled / Expired: usually happens if you don’t respond to Review in time or the application times out.

Tip: Keep screenshots or PDF copies of uploads and confirmations in case you need to re-submit quickly.

Fast Checklist: What to Keep Ready (Most Common)

  • Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
  • Passport photo (white background)
  • Hotel booking OR invitation letter + sponsor CNIC/NICOP copy
  • Proof of residence (ID/permit/driver’s licence if required)
  • Extra supporting proof (optional but helpful): bank statement, itinerary, prior visas

Pakistan Visa Processing Time FAQs

How long does Pakistan online visa processing usually take?

Most applications are processed in around 7–10 working days after successful submission and payment. Straightforward Tourist or Family cases can sometimes be decided in about 5–7 business days, but delays are possible.

Do weekends and public holidays count in visa processing time?

Processing time is commonly counted in working/business days. Weekends and public holidays may not be counted, and they can slow timelines. Always apply early to avoid last-minute stress.

What does “Review” mean and how do I fix it?

Review usually means the portal needs more information or clearer documents. Log in, read the notes carefully, upload the requested files, and re-submit as soon as possible. Late response can lead to cancellation and you may have to apply again with a new fee.

Can I speed up Pakistan visa processing?

You can’t force a faster decision, but you can reduce delays by uploading clear documents, providing strong supporting proof, and responding quickly if the status changes to Review. For genuine emergencies, some cases may be considered faster at the discretion of authorities.

Should I buy tickets before my Pakistan visa is approved?

It’s safer to avoid non-refundable tickets until your visa is granted. If you must book, choose a flexible option so you don’t lose money if processing takes longer.

Apply for Pakistan Online Visa

This page is a general guide to help travellers understand typical timelines and avoid common mistakes. Requirements and timelines can vary by nationality, category, and policy updates. Always follow the instructions shown on the official Pakistan Online Visa portal.