United Kingdom entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Pakistani passport holders need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. You must apply and get approval before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for Pakistani nationals as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UK visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to the UK. Apply online at gov.uk/apply-uk-visa, pay the fee (varies by visa type, typically £115–£1,048), and attend a biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in Pakistan. Processing takes 3–8 weeks depending on the visa type.Apply for UK visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by UK law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Border officers will ask for proof of onward travel — a return ticket to Pakistan or a ticket to a third country. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have your hotel booking or host's address and contact details ready. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a first-time visitor. A simple booking confirmation email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself. UK border officers rarely ask for specific amounts, but having £1,000–£2,000 available per week of stay is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
UK visa processing from Pakistan can take up to 6 weeks during peak seasons (summer, Christmas). Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel date to avoid delays.
Biometric appointment locations
You must attend a biometric appointment in person at one of these UK Visa Application Centres in Pakistan: Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, or Mirpur. Choose the one closest to you when booking.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a UK visa online
Go to gov.uk/apply-uk-visa and complete the online application form. You'll need to choose the correct visa type (e.g., Standard Visitor visa for tourism). Pay the fee online.
2
Book and attend a biometric appointment
After submitting your application, book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in Pakistan (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, or Mirpur). Bring your passport, appointment confirmation, and any supporting documents. They'll take your photo and fingerprints.
3
Submit your passport and documents
At the appointment, submit your passport and all required documents (bank statements, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, etc.). The centre will forward everything to UK Visas and Immigration.
4
Wait for a decision
Standard processing takes 3 to 6 weeks. You can track your application online. If approved, the visa vignette will be stuck into your passport.
5
Travel to the UK
On arrival at a UK airport (e.g., Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham), go to the 'Other Passports' queue. The Border Force officer will check your passport, visa, and may ask about your trip. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor Visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from issue
Cost£115 (~$145 USD)
For tourism, family visits, or short business trips.
Standard Visitor Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per visit
ValidityUp to 10 years (depending on visa granted)
Cost£115 (~$145 USD) for 6-month; £432 for 2-year; £771 for 5-year; £963 for 10-year
Multiple entries allowed; validity depends on visa type.
Student Visa (Tier 4)
Max stayDuration of course + up to 4 months
ValidityCourse length + extra time
Cost£490 (~$620 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For full-time study at a licensed institution.
Work Visa (Skilled Worker)
Max stayUp to 5 years
ValidityUp to 5 years, renewable
Cost£719 (~$910 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
Requires a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence.
work visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
£719 (~$910 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For individuals with a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence. Requires meeting skill and salary thresholds. Can lead to settlement.
Apply student visa
Student Visa (Tier 4)
Duration of course + up to 4 months
£490 (~$620 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For full-time study at a licensed UK institution. Allows part-time work during term and full-time during holidays. Can switch to work visa after graduation.
Apply investor visa
Innovator Visa
3 years, renewable
£1,277 (~$1,615 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For entrepreneurs with a viable business idea endorsed by an approved body. Requires at least £50,000 investment. Can lead to settlement.
Apply family visa
Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)
2.5 years, renewable
£1,523 (~$1,925 USD) plus Immigration Health Surcharge
For partners of UK citizens or settled persons. Requires meeting financial and English language requirements. Can lead to indefinite leave to remain.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa (single entry)For tourism, family visits, or business trips up to 6 months. | £115 (~$145 USD) |
| Standard Visitor Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity. | £115 (~$145 USD) |
| Long-term Visitor Visa (2 years)For frequent travellers; multiple entries allowed. | £432 (~$545 USD) |
| Long-term Visitor Visa (5 years)Requires strong travel history and justification. | £771 (~$975 USD) |
| Long-term Visitor Visa (10 years)For very frequent travellers; subject to strict checks. | £963 (~$1,220 USD) |
| Priority Visa ServiceFaster processing (5 working days) at select centres. | £500 (~$630 USD) additional |
| Super Priority Visa ServiceNext working day decision at some locations. | £1,000 (~$1,260 USD) additional |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Weak home ties25%
Incomplete documentation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United Kingdom
Transit visa required
Pakistan passport holders need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) to transit through the UK unless they hold a valid UK visa, a common travel area visa, or a visa for certain other countries.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid UK visa, EEA family permit, or a visa for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA may transit without a DATV.
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa (with a confirmed onward ticket) may transit without a DATV in some cases.
Transit hubsLondon Heathrow (LHR) · London Gatwick (LGW) · Manchester (MAN)
Health & vaccines for United Kingdom
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common during winter months; vaccination recommended.
Ticks and Lyme diseaseLow risk
Risk in rural areas, especially in long grass; use repellent and check for ticks.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban areas may have moderate air pollution; generally not a major concern for short visits.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
London
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – London
Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa applications and enquiries; appointments required.
Sheffield
UKVI Sheffield
Vulcan House, 6 Millsands, Sheffield S3 8NU
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa applications and some in-country services.
Practical information for PK travellers
Country basics
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.75 GBP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G — unique 3-pin UK plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water. Safe everywhere in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Kingdom — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing takes 3 to 6 weeks. You can pay extra for priority service (5 working days) or super priority service (next working day) if available at your application centre.
No. Standard Visitor visas cannot be extended. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before your current one ends.
As of 2026, the Standard Visitor visa fee is £115 (approximately PKR 40,000). Fees change periodically — check gov.uk for the latest amount.
Yes. You need to show bank statements or payslips covering the last 3-6 months proving you can support yourself during your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount — it depends on your travel plans.
No. A UK visa is separate from Schengen or US visas. You must apply for a UK visa regardless of other visas you hold.
You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reasons for rejection. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to Pakistan. You can also request an administrative review within 28 days of the decision.
Yes, in most cases. Pakistani passport holders usually need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) to change flights at a UK airport without passing through immigration. Check gov.uk for exceptions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.