Effective January 1, 2026, Pakistan has suspended its free Visa on Arrival (VPA) program, which allowed citizens of 126 countries to obtain a quick and free visa for short stays. Instead, travelers are now required to apply for an e-Visa in advance.
The countries affected by the change include:
- Most EU and Schengen countries, as well as the UK, Norway, and Switzerland
- Asia-Pacific countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand
- Many South Asian and African countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Kenya
- North and South American countries, such as Canada, the US, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico
- Select countries in the Middle East and the Gulf, along with separate visa-on-arrival facilities for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries
The visa-on-arrival program typically allowed for approval within 24 to 48 hours. Now, Pakistani authorities indicate that processing e-Visa applications may take up to 7 business days.
Pakistan sets visa fees, which can vary significantly depending on nationality and visa type. Travelers should check the specific fees within the online system before applying.
Travelers can follow the Reach Immigration Passport Index to get the latest passport rankings and find out which countries require a visa or not, helping them plan their travel faster and more accurately.
