United States entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 24, 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 must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States for any purpose, including tourism, business, or transit. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option, so you need to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Start the process early, as interview appointments can be limited and processing times vary.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US VisaYou cannot enter the U.S. without a valid visa stamped in your passport. Nonimmigrant visa (B1/B2) required | Pakistani citizens must obtain a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2) from a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. The eVisa program is not available for Pakistani passport holders. Apply well in advance, as interview wait times can be long. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiration date – it must not expire within 6 months of your planned departure from the U.S. Valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa officer and border officer need a clean page to affix stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa page for the U.S. visa and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and border officers will check that you intend to leave the U.S. after your visit. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than the U.S. before boarding your flight. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of funds helps demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient financial means | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay and return travel, such as bank statements or sponsor letters. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou will complete a customs declaration electronically or on paper upon arrival. Customs and Border Protection form | No separate arrival declaration is required for Pakistani citizens; the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) electronic system is used for all travelers. | Not required |
No Visa-Free or e-Visa Options
Pakistani citizens cannot use the U.S. Visa Waiver Program or any electronic travel authorization (ESTA). You must apply for a full visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. There are no exceptions for transit or short visits.
Interview Wait Times Can Be Long
In 2026, appointment availability at U.S. embassies in Pakistan can be limited. Check the U.S. Visa Information Service website for current wait times and book your interview as soon as you decide to travel. Some applicants report waits of several weeks to months.
Visa Denials Are Common — Prepare Thoroughly
U.S. visitor visa applications from Pakistan have a high denial rate. The officer must be convinced you'll return home. Provide clear evidence of employment, family, property, and financial stability. A well-prepared application significantly improves your chances.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the U.S. Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center website. Fill out the form accurately, upload your photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for your appointment.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee. In Pakistan, you can pay online via the U.S. Visa Information Service website or at designated bank branches (e.g., Habib Bank, United Bank). Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
3
Schedule your interview
Create an account on the U.S. Visa Information Service website, select your preferred embassy (Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore), and book an appointment. Wait times can be several weeks, so book as early as possible.
4
Attend the visa interview
Arrive at the embassy 15-30 minutes early. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. Expect security screening — no electronics or bags are allowed inside. The interview is usually short (2-5 minutes) and focuses on your travel plans and ties to Pakistan.
5
Wait for visa processing and passport return
After approval, your passport will be held for visa printing. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but can take longer. You'll receive an email when your passport is ready for pickup at the courier location you chose, or it will be delivered to your address.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months, not extendable without I-539
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. PKR 44,800)
Standard visa for tourism and business visits; must apply at US embassy.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry, not extendable without I-539
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. PKR 44,800)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study program + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of program
Cost$160 USD (approx. PKR 44,800) + SEVIS fee $350
For full-time academic study; requires I-20 from US institution.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initial
Cost$190 USD (approx. PKR 53,200) + other fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study program + 60 days grace
$160 USD application + $350 SEVIS fee
For full-time academic study at accredited US institutions. Requires I-20 from school and proof of financial support. Allows part-time on-campus work.
Apply work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6
$190 USD application + employer fees
For professionals in specialty fields requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer must sponsor and file petition. Subject to annual lottery cap.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas) + legal fees
For individuals investing in a US business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Apply exchange visitor
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years)
$220 USD application + program fees
For approved exchange programs including research, teaching, or training. Requires sponsorship from a designated US organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (approx. PKR 44,800) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Pakistani applicants. | $160 USD (approx. PKR 44,800) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. PKR 103,600) |
| Overstay fineOverstay can lead to bars on re-entry; avoid at all costs. | Varies; typically no fixed daily fine but may affect future visas |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home country35%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
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 States
Transit visa required
Pakistani passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change flights in the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of valid US visas or Green Cards.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid US Green Card may transit without a visa.
- Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), but Pakistan is not included.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare in most tourist areas; risk increases in rural or southern regions during summer.
Food and waterborne illnessesLow risk
Generally safe tap water and food hygiene; risk minimal for travelers.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Only relevant for high-altitude destinations like Denver or mountain parks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) file by mail; no walk-in service for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for most services; extensions handled by mail.
Practical information for PK travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to passport return — typically takes 4-8 weeks, but can be longer due to interview wait times. Check the current wait time on the U.S. Visa Information Service website for Pakistan. It's best to apply at least 3 months before your planned travel.
The application fee (MRV fee) is $185 (approximately PKR 51,000, depending on exchange rate). This is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied. There are no additional fees for the interview or visa stamping.
No, you cannot get a U.S. visa entirely online. You must complete the DS-160 form online, but you must also attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. There is no e-visa or electronic travel authorization for Pakistani passport holders.
Dress professionally and conservatively — business casual is fine. Avoid casual wear like shorts or flip-flops. The goal is to make a good impression and show you're a serious traveler.
The visa itself is valid for multiple entries, usually for 10 years for Pakistani citizens, but the duration of each stay is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. Typically, you'll be granted up to 6 months per visit, but it's not guaranteed.
If denied, you'll receive a refusal letter citing the relevant section of U.S. law (usually 214(b) for immigrant intent). You can reapply at any time, but you must pay the fee again and schedule a new interview. It's wise to address the reasons for denial in your next application.
Yes, even for a layover or transit, you need a valid U.S. visa (like a C-1 transit visa or a B1/B2). There is no visa-free transit for Pakistani passport holders. Apply for the appropriate visa well in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.