UK citizens can travel to the Pakistan at any time of the year, but they must first obtain a Pakistan visa. The Pakistan visa is a legal document that grants British citizens access to the country. If you have plans to visit Pakistan, then you need to read this post to the end to get valuable information about how to apply for a visa. You can also apply online for one via VisaHQ.
Do British Citizens Need A Visa To Enter Pakistan?
Yes, British citizens need a visa to enter Pakistan as the UK is not on the list of visa exempt countries. The government of Pakistan has a visa waiver list containing countries whose citizens can enter the country without a visa, only their passports. However, the UK is not on the list, so its citizens must first obtain a visa; otherwise, they will not be allowed to enter Pakistan.
Despite the visa requirement, the process to obtain one is very straightforward. Depending on the nature or purpose of the trip, you can obtain a visa by visiting the Pakistan embassy in London or any of its consulates to submit your visa application, or you can apply for an online visa.
Types of Pakistan Visa For UK Citizens
There are different types of visas British citizens can apply for, and we review some of them below.
E Visa
The Pakistan e-visa is a special Pakistan online visa system solely issued to tourists or those coming for business engagements. The e-visa is available online; all you need to do is fill out the application form and attach copies of your documents to it before submitting it for approval. The e-visa is valid for 90 days and allows the holder to stay in the country for that long. E visas are largely single entry, so they can only be used once. You can simply apply for one by visiting VisaHQ.
Normal Tourist Visa
The normal Pakistan tourist visa is the same as an e-visa but only issued by Pakistani embassies and consulates; it is the physical version of the e-visa. It is for those looking to visit Pakistan for tourism and is valid for 90 days.
Business Visa
A business visa is issued to UK citizens who wish to visit Pakistan to attend a business meeting, conference, event, or any other business-related activity. There are 30 day and 90 day business visas depending on the one you apply for. This visa is not the same as a work visa so working with it is an immigration violation.
Study Visa
Any UK who wishes to visit Pakistan to undergo a short course can apply for a study visa. However, they must first secure admission from the institution before they can apply for the visa. Study visas have different durations depending on how long the course will last.
Work Visa
This one is for UK citizens who have secured employment with an organization, multinational company, or any business entity in the UK. The visa grants the holder a work permit once they arrive in Pakistan, including a residency permit. Work visas may last for 2 years or more and are renewable.
Family Visa
Family visit visas are issued to those with family or friends in Pakistan. They may or may not be relatives of Pakistan citizens or residents, but they have to provide a signed invitation letter sent to them inviting them to the country. The letter must also state the purpose of the visit.
How To Apply For A Visa To Pakistan From UK
There are two ways to apply for a Pakistan visa from the UK.
Embassy Application: You can visit the embassy or any consular office in London or any major city close to you to submit physical copies of your documents and the signed and completed application form. The embassy will schedule an interview you must attend, bringing original copies of your documents for review.
After the interview, a message will be sent to your email informing you of the Status of your application. If you are successful, you will be invited back to pick up your visa and passport.
Online Application: The easiest method open to United Kingdom passport holders is to apply for an online e-visa if they wish to visit for only a short time for business or tourism. E visas are issued within 10 days or less after submitting your application form. Here are the simple steps to take to apply for an e-visa.
Visit VisaHQ.
Choose Pakistan as your destination
Choose the UK as your country of citizenship
Select the valid visa you want
Complete the application form
Scan and attach all required documents
Pay the visa application fee with a credit or debit card
Submit for approval
Supporting Documents Required For Pakistan Visa Application Process
UK passport with at least 6 months validity
2 passport-sized photographs
Proof of funds
Proof of accommodation
Return flight ticket
Invitation letter (where applicable)
Cover Letter stating the purpose of the trip
These are some of the more important documents, but others may be required when applying for a Pakistan visa from UK.