Pakistan entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders need a visa to enter Pakistan in 2026. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for South Africans. Processing can take a week or more, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | South African passport holders need a visa to enter Pakistan. Apply online through the Pakistan eVisa portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk. Processing takes 7–10 working days for most tourist visas.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Pakistan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Pakistani airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Pakistan. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you are a first-time visitor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry enough cash (USD or PKR) or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but having $200–$300 equivalent available avoids problems if questioned. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
South African passport holders cannot enter Pakistan without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa on arrival, no e-visa for last-minute travel. Apply well in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Pakistan, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to visa.nadra.gov.pk and fill out the application. Upload your passport photo, passport scan, and supporting documents. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 5–10 business days.
2
Receive your visa approval
You'll get an email with your visa approval. Print it or save a copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airport check-in counter.
3
Arrive at a Pakistani airport
At Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore airport, go to the immigration counter. Hand over your passport and visa approval. The officer will stamp you in. Have your return ticket and accommodation confirmation ready if asked.
4
Get your passport stamped
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed stay. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the dates are correct.
Download Pakistan Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostPKR 8,000 (~$28 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostPKR 12,000 (~$42 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
CostPKR 15,000 (~$52 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Pakistani company.
work visa
Pakistan Work Visa
1 year, renewable
PKR 20,000 (~$70 USD) plus processing
For foreign nationals employed by a Pakistani company. Requires job offer and approval from Ministry of Interior.
student visa
Pakistan Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
PKR 10,000 (~$35 USD) plus processing
For enrolled students at recognized Pakistani institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Pakistan Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
PKR 50,000 (~$175 USD) plus processing
For investors with minimum investment of $500,000 in Pakistan. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa. | PKR 8,000 (~$28 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | PKR 12,000 (~$42 USD) |
| Visa extension (per month)Extension possible for up to 3 months at immigration office. | PKR 6,000 (~$21 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of PKR 50,000 (~$175 USD). | PKR 500 (~$1.75 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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 Pakistan
Transit visa required
South Africa passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Pakistan, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
Transit hubsJinnah International Airport (KHI) · Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) · Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
Health & vaccines for Pakistan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheriaRecommended
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon.
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in many parts of the country, especially in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food and water; practice strict hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in most areas, especially rural Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Prophylaxis recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Islamabad
Directorate General of Immigration & Passports
Saddar Road, Rawalpindi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Karachi
Regional Passport Office
Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions for southern region.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalIslamabad
LanguageUrdu, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 6 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyPakistani Rupee (PKR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 277.9 PKR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10h
vs Los Angeles+13h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,DType C (two round pins) and Type D (three round pins, old British standard)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply online at visa.nadra.gov.pk before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to be safe. Rush processing is not always available.
The fee varies by visa type and duration. Expect around $60–$100 USD for a tourist visa. Check the NADRA website for the exact amount at the time of application.
Yes. Immigration officers often ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. It proves you intend to leave Pakistan before your visa expires.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the local immigration office. The process can take several days and costs extra. It's easier to apply for a longer visa upfront.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
It's not a standard requirement, but immigration may ask if they suspect you can't support yourself. Having a bank statement or credit card handy is a good idea.
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.