Pakistani Passport Holders

Polio Vaccination Requirement for Travelling to India

India Visa from Pakistan

The Indian High Commission follows a streamlined process when considering visa requests from Pakistani passport holders. To help you receive your visa on time, please note that the following steps are taken before the visa application is processed:

Step 1: Get the mandatory documents from India

Step 2: Access the online visa application form

Step 3: Take two printouts of the online visa application form, sign the form, and affix the photo on each application

Step 4: Non-Pakistani Passport Holders

Submit the visa application form along with the mandatory documents, passport, and fee to the nearest TCS Visatronics/Geries International- Visa Drop Box as per the list of available locations in Pakistan.

Step 5: The applications are scrutinized and sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, India for approval

Step 6: After approval, the visa is processed and the passports are handed over to TCS Visatronics/Geries International- Visa Drop Box

Step 7: For passport delivery, TCS Visatronics/Geries International-Visa Drop Box will get in touch with the visa application.

Before applying for a visa please visit the relevant webpage:

Important information for everyone applying for a visa

The visa process for citizens of Pakistan/Pakistan origin may take between 15 and 90 days, depending on the requirement of prior clearance and the time taken to obtain prior clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs of India. An applicant's application will be denied and their passport will be returned if they decide to withdraw it in the interim. The applicant will need to submit a new visa application.

Applicants should seek the return of their passports by contacting TCS/Gerry's Submission Center at least four working days in advance. We will consider only consolidated list of all such requests received from TCS/Gerry's and will require at least two working days to locate and process those applications and hand over the passport. Passports will be returned only to those Pakistani nationals who have submitted visa application at least 30 days in advance. Applicants may wish to keep this in mind before applying for Indian Visa.

All columns in the visa application form must be filled correctly and carefully. Incomplete forms/forms with incorrect details/typos will be rejected outright. After successful completion and submission of online visa application form, printout of the form along with prescribed supporting documents and fee must be submitted at any TCS Visatronics/Gerry's International- Visa Drop Box. More details can be seen under the heading 'Technical Aspects for Visa Processing'.

All required documents must be enclosed with the visa application. Original documents must be shown when called for interview.

Acceptance of visa application does not imply that the visa has been granted. The Indian High Commission reserves the right to delay/reject the visa without assigning any reasons. After several checks and certifications, visas are awarded. Once deposited, the visa cost is not refundable.

A visa will only be accepted with explanation if information is withheld or if fraudulent or misleading claims are made.

Grant of visa does not confer right of entry which is subject to the discretion of the immigration officers.

Canvassing for a visa, concealing facts or submitting forged/false documents is a disqualification. Overstaying the visa or violating visa rules is a disqualification for grant of visa in future.

If a minor is travelling with one of the parents, a no objection letter is required from one of the parents. In cases where one spouse is an Indian citizen and the family is applying for visa for their minor children, if they are comfortable with their children travelling with the Indian national spouse, the NOC should be enclosed by the foreign national spouse.

Please note that the visa process for Pakistani/Pakistani origin citizens is a 100 percent pre-reference process and clearance from India is mandatory. Clearance for Pakistani/Pakistani origin citizens may take up to 90 days, after which the visa process will be initiated.

Pakistani origin means an applicant from a foreign country who is married to a Pakistani citizen or whose parents or grandparents have previously held a Pakistani passport.

Pakistanis holding dual nationality should apply on their Pakistani passport only. Those who have renounced Pakistani nationality or have had their Pakistani passport cancelled must submit documentary proof in this regard. Foreign passport holders of Pakistani origin please submit online visa application form along with copy of foreign passport and valid Pakistani Visa or Pakistan Overseas Card (NICOP) or Renunciation Letter of Citizenship issued by Ministry of Interior of Pakistan.

Restrictions on the use of Thuraya/Iridium and other satellite phones in India.

Satellite telephone services are not permitted in India and hence handsets of Thuraya, Iridium and other such satellite operators are not permitted in India. If any of these sets are found in the hands of foreign tourists visiting India, they will be seized, and the owner may be prosecuted under Sections 6 and 20 of the Indian Wireless Act and the Indian Telegraph Act.

Visa applications of non-resident foreign nationals will be considered only for short-term tourist visa (3 months/single entry) subject to fulfilling all the criteria. They are advised to obtain long-term tourist visa and other categories of visas from their country of origin.

Tourists who plan to enter through Wagah border on motorcycle or car tours may also submit supporting documents/proofs related to their journey by these modes.

Foreign nationals who do not reside in India should be ready for an interview request so that they can clarify the reason for their visit.

When visiting India, foreign nationals employed by diplomatic missions, the UN, or other international organizations must apply for a visa in person at the embassy counter. Their visa application must be accompanied by a Note Verbale stating the date/purpose and location of the visit. It is mandatory to present the passport at the time of submission, thereafter it will be returned immediately. The passport will be required thereafter only for stamping the visa. Visa application for Diplomatic Missions, UN and International Organizations is generally processed within 10 working days. However, for specific cases, we may take longer. Therefore, applicants are not required to provide us with confirmed itinerary and travel tickets. Tentative itinerary with Note Verbale is fine. Technical Aspects for Visa Processing Online Visa Form https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/>> For Regular/Paper Visa by Mission/Post, apply here >> Regular/Paper Visa Application. The online visa form will open. Select Pakistan as the country/territory you are applying for visa from; Select Pakistan-Islamabad as the Indian Mission/Office and your nationality. The maximum number of characters accepted by the website for filling up the online application form in the address field is 50 characters including commas, dashes and spaces. While filling up the online form, please ensure that all the details entered are accurate. The option to edit the form is not available once the form is saved. In such a case, a fresh form has to be filled up with the correct information. Any visa application form with incorrect details will be summarily rejected by the Indian High Commission. Once the data fields are filled in, the applicant will be asked to upload his/her passport size photograph. The technical specifications are given below: Format - JPEG; Size - Minimum 10 KB, Maximum 1 MB; Minimum dimensions are 350 pixels (width) x 350 pixels (height); A recent front-facing photograph with white background and full front face (to be visible from ear to ear) to be uploaded by the applicant; Do not crop the passport image to use as your recent photograph; upload a clear front-facing photograph with a white/light coloured background; if the uploaded photographs are not clear and as per the specification, the application may be rejected. You may use an ink-jet or laser printer to print the complete visa application form after submitting it online.

Version 8.0 and higher of Internet Explorer is recommended for optimal viewing of this website.

Adobe Acrobat Reader version 7.0 or above must also be installed on your computer to download and print the complete application form.

A printout of the complete form signed by the applicant must be submitted. Unsigned forms will be rejected immediately.

It is mandatory to ensure that your photograph of 2 inch x 2 inch (51 mm x 51 mm) size with white background and full face (visible from ear to ear) is pasted on the visa application form before submission. Images that don't fit this requirement won't be approved. The most recent photo of the candidate must be used. The Indian online visa page has comprehensive information regarding photo requirements.

Visitor Visa (including artistes, sportspersons, cultural troupes)

Business Visa

Conference Visa

Pilgrim Visa

Medical/Medical Attendant Visa

Journalist Visa

Student Visa

Transit Visa

Official Visa

Assignment Visa

All visa applicants are requested to contact TCS Visatronics/Geries International- Visa Drop Boxes available in the following cities of Pakistan: Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Mirpur Khas, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Sialkot and Sukkur.

What is the visa fee?

The visa fee for Pakistani passport holders is PKR 100/- for all types of visas.

Can I submit hand-filled visa application forms?

Hand-filled visa application forms are not accepted by the High Commission. You have to complete the online visa application and adhere to the previously given instructions.

Nevertheless, completing the online visa application form is just one step in the procedure.

Only until the High Commission receives your passport (or a copy of it), the necessary paperwork, and the printed, signed online application form will the visa application procedure start.

How long can I travel?

The validity of the visa commences on the day of issuance and not on the date of arrival into India. Additionally, you have to finish your trip, that is, depart India before the visa's stated validity date. This is something that applicants should be aware of when completing the online visa application form. Kindly wait to book your trip to India until securing the necessary visa.

Describe a group case. If I apply in a group, is there a distinct process? In a group, how do we apply our cases?

You can fill out the online visa application form from the following website if you and another person want to travel to India together and will be visiting all of the destinations at the same time: Online Group Case Application Form

This weblink is created for your convenience as it will allow you to fill the online form faster, as this link will allow entering common details in India only once and not having to fill them separately for all applications.

This is useful if you are travelling to India with family, such as for a visit, pilgrimage, conference, medical or business exhibition.

I am having problems filling the online visa application form. Whom should I contact?

You can get in touch with the relevant Visa Drop Box Center if you need any help completing the online visa application form. If you experience any technical difficulties completing the application, send an email to ssit.islamabad@mea.gov.in.

Can I submit my application without the supporting paperwork?

Document submission is required, and the submitted materials must be readable and clear. Since the documents to be submitted depend on the type of visa applied for, please refer to the respective webpage for the visa type to see the list of required documents.

The documents must be submitted along with the visa application form and passport (or copy thereof) to the High Commission to process the visa request.

If you are not in a position to submit the required documents, the visa application by TCS Visatronics/Geries International- Visa Drop Box will not be accepted

Why am I being called for an interview?

On being contacted you may be requested to come for a personal interview at the visa counter of the High Commission, Islamabad.

Please ensure that the correct contact number is mentioned in your application. The time and date of such interviews will be decided in consultation with the applicant.

The High Commission may arrange for you to come in for an interview in order to personally verify the reason for your visit and to check the documentation you have submitted.

Why is there a delay in issuing visas?

Once the High Commission receives the visa application, all applications are scrutinized and sent electronically to the Foreigners Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, India for necessary approvals.

Once approved, the visa is endorsed and sent to you through the TCS Visatronics/Geries International- Visa Drop Box you use.

The average visa processing time for each application is 60 working days from the day of receipt by the High Commission.

Make appropriate plans for your visit.

Can I submit the passport for visa endorsement later?

If you wish to travel and need your passport, you can simply submit a copy of your valid passport while submitting your visa application at TCS Visatronics/Geries International- Visa Drop Box.

You can submit your passport when you are informed that approval has been issued for issuance of visa through TCS/Geries.

Please note that the High Commission will reject all visa applications that are older than 3 months and/or submitted after that period without a passport.

Why am I being asked to name the cities I want to visit in India?

Pakistani nationals are granted city-specific visas, which are often only good for trips to five (five) locations each trip.

Why was my visa sent with two immigration sheets?

Two immigration sheets—one for arrival and one for exit—are also provided with the visa; you must present them to the Indian immigration officer when you visit the country.

Why did I receive a different visa than what I had asked for?

The merits of each case decide the kind, duration, and issue of the visa.

How long can I travel? How long is my visa valid?

The visa is valid from the date of issue, not from the date of entry into India.

You must complete your journey, i.e. leave India before the visa expiry date as written on it.

When completing the online visa application form, applicants need to take these factors into account. Kindly wait to finalize your travel plans to India before acquiring the necessary visa.

Where is the Indian High Commission located in Islamabad? If I want to submit a medical or family emergency visa application, how can I reach there?

All visa applications can be submitted only through TCS/Gerry’s. Only visa applications accompanied by Note Verbale from the host government/resident diplomatic representation, the United Nations and special bodies are received at the High Commission counter from Monday to Friday from 9am to 12:45pm.

The High Commission of India, Diplomatic Enclave, Street 3, Sector G-5, Islamabad is where you can find the Visa Section. Using the Diplomatic Shuttle from the Islamabad Convention Center, you can get to the Visa Section.

Who do I contact if I have a complaint against TCS Visatronics or Gerry’s International – Visa Drop Box?

You can file a complaint by getting in touch with either Shri Mukesh Kumar Soni at ssit.islamabad@mea.gov.in or Shri Venkateswarlu Sridhar, First Secretary, at cons.islamabad@mea.gov.in. The High Commission will take appropriate action against the parties involved and treats all complaints seriously.

Is there any separate procedure for visiting restricted/protected areas in India?

A proper permission is required for foreign visitors to enter restricted or protected places; entrance visas alone do not grant access to certain locations.

Do I need any vaccination certificate before coming to India?

All applicants applying for visa to Pakistan require polio certification.

Foreign nationals arriving from or passing through nations affected by yellow fever are required to present a current immunization record. All applicants are also advised to check the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding COVID 19 and carry the necessary certificate of vaccination/COVID-testing.

Can I buy or receive any wildlife or wildlife products such as ivory, fur or animal skin in India?

The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 prohibits all forms of wildlife trade. Violation of the provisions of the Act is punishable by heavy fines and imprisonment. Foreigners are therefore advised not to purchase any wildlife or wildlife products or derivatives - particularly ivory items, fur and skin items obtained from wild animals such as shahtoosh.

Is possession of narcotic or antipsychotic drugs illegal?

Please be forewarned that buying, selling, using or possessing antipsychotic drugs or any other narcotic drug while in India is a cognizable offence punishable with imprisonment under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

What does my visa mean by "police reporting"? Does my family have to report to the police as a whole? Can I have someone else report for me? Do medical patients have to notify the police as well?

In person registration is required at the closest police station, Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO), or Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) within 24 hours of arriving at the assigned place of stay for all Pakistani citizens, with the exception of those possessing Indian visas with "exemption from police reporting".

You must also make a similar report to the nearest police station/Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO)/Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) 24 hours before the scheduled time/date of departure from each of your places of stay.

Also, please note the following:

If you are only visiting a particular city and are not going to stay overnight, you do not need to register at the police station.

If you do not visit a particular city that has been endorsed on your visa, you do not need to report to the police in that city.

You do not need to report to the police in the order in which the locations have been endorsed on your visa.

If you are travelling with family, only one family member needs to appear before the registration authority to register on behalf of the family.

If you are a medical visa holder, patients as well as their accompanying attendants need to register at the respective FRRO/FRO within 7 days of arrival. Your accompanying attendants can also register on your behalf with the required document from the respective hospital where you are admitted for treatment.

If you are a bona fide businessman visiting India on a business visit, you may report to the police in person for registration or appoint an authorised representative to report your arrival in writing to the nearest police station/ Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO)/ Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) within 24 hours of your arrival at the designated place. The authorised representative shall also make a similar report on your behalf 24 hours before your intended departure from each place of your stay. If you hold a transit visa valid for a period exceeding 36 hours, you are required to register only at the immigration point of entry. What do I do if there is a mistake in my visa or I need to change some specifications of my visa? On receipt of the visa and immigration leaflets, please verify all the details on the visa. In case of any discrepancy, please contact the High Commission immediately before commencing the journey. The High Commission shall not be responsible for any inconvenience caused to you due to discrepancies in the visa which have not been brought to the notice of the High Commission. The High Commission takes every reasonable precaution while handling passports, applications as well as documents of applicants and shall not be liable in any manner whatsoever to the applicant for any loss in transit, accident, fire, theft, natural calamities or any other cause beyond the control of the High Commission.

Can I carry out any commercial activity such as sale purchase or signing of any contract while on a visitor visa?

Any misrepresentation in India or carrying out activities incompatible with the visa category may result in immediate cancellation of the visa and deportation from India. For example, if you have been granted a visitor visa and you carry out activities which are of commercial nature, you may be deported from India and denied visa for subsequent entry into India.

Why was I not granted a visa?

Applications with incomplete or incorrect information will be returned without being processed by the High Commission. This includes incorrect photographs (full face should be visible from ear to ear), absence of signature or attached documents, incorrect name or birth details of mother/father.

In addition, the High Commission reserves the right to reject/reject any application without assigning any reasons.

How much money can I carry with me while travelling to India? Can I carry Indian currency with me?

You may bring any amount of foreign currency into India, provided it is declared in a currency declaration form to the Customs authorities on arrival. If the foreign currency (in the form of currency notes, bank notes, traveller's cheques etc.) exceeds US$ 10,000 or its equivalent and/or the total value of foreign currency notes exceeds US$ 5,000 or its equivalent, then the declaration form is required to be filled.

Bringing Indian currency into India by any foreign national is prohibited and punishable under Indian law. If you are found to be in possession of Indian currency, you may be arrested or deported immediately from the point of entry itself. Therefore, please do not convert foreign currency into Indian currency in Pakistan for carrying into India.

Traveler's cheques in US dollars and pounds can be easily exchanged and ATMs are available in major Indian cities. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and big stores. If you are carrying any foreign currency notes, take them to India and get them exchanged for Indian Rupees in India itself.

What rules of surrogacy arrangements should I be aware of?

Any person seeking a visa to travel to India for the purpose of entering into a surrogacy arrangement should check with the relevant authorities in Pakistan beforehand to find out whether surrogacy will be permitted by law and provide the appropriate travel documents to accompany the surrogate parents to Pakistan for the child. Entering into a surrogacy arrangement without prior notice that the travel is for this purpose is punishable under Indian law.

When was the information on the website last updated?

The terms and conditions stated on this website are subject to alteration, modification, cancellation, or withdrawal by the High Commission at any moment and without previous notice.

To find out when there was last an update, please look at the date listed at the bottom of each webpage.

Regarding the correctness, comprehensiveness, or utility of any information mentioned on this website, the High Commission disclaims all liability.