Pakistan VPA, the free form, and how to spot the sites pretending to be it.

Pakistan has three different tourist routes. Citizens of six GCC countries covered by the exemption need no ETA or visa. DGI&P currently says citizens of 120 countries can use the free Visa Prior to Arrival route. Other travellers must follow the applicable regular visa process.

The VPA and regular visa products share the Pakistan Online Visa System. Choose the product only after checking passport eligibility.

Start here

1. Check exemption and VPA eligibility

Do not submit a paid regular application when the passport qualifies for visa-free entry or the free VPA route. → Read the Visa Prior to Arrival guide

2. Prepare the official application

Eight checks cover the route, category, passport, photographs, uploads and issued notice. → Open the field guide

Fast facts

• Official portal: visa.nadra.gov.pk.
• Policy agency: Directorate General of Immigration & Passports, Ministry of Interior.
• VPA fee: free for eligible applicants.
• Timing: obtain the Visa Grant Notice before travel; no universal processing time is claimed here.
• Output: Visa Grant Notice; read the issued document for entries and permitted stay.
• Regular visa: separate route with reciprocal fees.