Pakistan entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 an e-visa to enter Pakistan. The process is entirely online, and you'll need to apply before you travel. As of 2026, the e-visa is the standard route for tourism and business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan eVisaYou cannot enter Pakistan without an approved eVisa. Apply online before travel | South African passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Pakistan Online Visa System, select the appropriate visa category, and receive approval before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months remaining | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Pakistan. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or damaged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready to show if asked. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Pakistan before your visa expires. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids problems at entry. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Pakistan. | Recommended |
| Visa fee paymentYour application is not processed until the fee is paid. Paid during application | The eVisa application requires payment of the visa processing fee. Keep the payment receipt as proof. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for South African passport holders entering Pakistan. | Not required |
Apply early
Processing can take up to 10 working days, and the system occasionally glitches. Don't leave it to the last minute.
Check your passport now
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your arrival date. If it's close, renew it before applying — a rejected visa costs money and time.
What happens at the border
1
Apply online
Go to the Pakistan Online Visa System (visa.nadra.gov.pk) and create an account. Fill in the application form, upload your documents, and pay the fee. The system is straightforward, but keep your application reference number.
2
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 7-10 working days, but it can be longer during peak seasons. You'll receive email updates. Check your spam folder regularly.
3
Receive your e-visa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your e-visa PDF. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
4
Arrive in Pakistan
At the airport (e.g., Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore), head to the immigration counter. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and any supporting documents if asked. The officer will stamp your passport and you're in.
Download Pakistan Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$150
Multiple entry; requires invitation from Pakistani company
Student visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$100
Requires admission letter from Pakistani institution
Work visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200
Requires employment contract and NOC from Pakistani ministry
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 e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard processing; non-refundable | $35 |
| Tourist e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)For longer stays | $60 |
| Tourist e-Visa (multiple entry, 1 year)Multiple entries allowed | $100 |
| Business e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Requires invitation letter | $50 |
| Business e-Visa (multiple entry, 1 year)Multiple entries allowed | $150 |
| Visa extension (per 3 months)Apply at local immigration office | $30 |
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 African passport holders require a transit visa even for airside transit, unless they have a valid Pakistani visa or are exempt.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with a valid visa for Pakistan
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 24 hours may be eligible for a transit visa on arrival at some airports (check with airline)
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
The e-visa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. Check your approval letter for exact dates.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and reapply.
The fee varies by nationality and visa type. For South Africans, it's around $60 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the official portal for the current fee.
Typically 7-10 working days, but it can take longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
No, the entire process is online. You don't need to go to an embassy or consulate.
You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is non-refundable.
Yes, the e-visa is valid for entry at all international airports in Pakistan, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.