🇿🇦South Africa

🇵🇰PakistanZA-PK

South Africa to Pakistan visa requirements

Q: How much does the Pakistan tourist eVisa cost for South Africans?

The single-entry tourist visit visa fee is approximately USD 20 (about R327), paid online through the POVS portal. Optional agency services add to the cost.

Q: Where do I apply for the Pakistan eVisa?

Apply only through the official Pakistan Online Visa System at visa.nadra.gov.pk, operated by NADRA. Avoid unofficial sites that charge extra.

Q: How long can I stay and how long is the visa valid?

The tourist eVisa is generally valid for 3 months from issue and allows a stay of up to 90 days in Pakistan.

Q: How long does processing take?

Standard processing is about 7-10 business days, but it can take up to 20 business days in busy periods, so apply at least three weeks before departure.

Q: Does the Schengen 90/180 rule or ETIAS apply to Pakistan?

No. Pakistan is not a Schengen country, so neither the Schengen 90/180 short-stay rule nor ETIAS applies. Pakistan uses its own national eVisa.

South African ordinary passport holders need an eVisa for Pakistan. As of 1 January 2026, the free fast-track Visa Prior to Arrival has been withdrawn for South Africa (and 125 other nationalities), so you must now apply and pay through the official Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS) at visa.nadra.gov.pk before you travel. Pakistan requires South African ordinary passport holders to obtain a tourist eVisa in advance through the government's Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS), operated by NADRA at visa.nadra.gov.pk. Between August 2024 and December 2025, South Africans benefited from a free, multiple-entry "Visa Prior to Arrival" (VPA) valid up to 90 days, but this concession ended on 1 January 2026, when Pakistan suspended visa-on-arrival and the free VPA scheme for 126 nationalities. South Africans must now lodge a standard paid online tourist visa application, upload supporting documents, and pay the fee before departure. The single-entry tourist visit visa fee is around USD 20 (roughly R327). The tourist eVisa is generally valid for 3 months and permits a stay of up to 90 days. Standard processing takes 7-20 business days, so apply at least three weeks ahead. Pakistan is not a Schengen state, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Because the no-fee channel has been removed and an advance online authorisation is mandatory, the correct verdict for a short tourist stay is "evisa".

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Tourist eVisa (Pakistan Online Visa System - POVS)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days

per entry

Entries

Single entry (multiple-entry available in some categories)

from issue date

Visa fee

Approx. USD 20 (about R327) single-entry visit visa

consular fee only

Processing time

7-20 business days

standard track

Validity

3 months from issue

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Create a POVS account

Go to the official Pakistan Online Visa System at visa.nadra.gov.pk and register with your email to start a tourist visa application.

· visa.nadra.gov.pk· Official portal

/02

Select tourist visa and South Africa

Choose the Tourist visa category and select South Africa as your country of nationality and current location.

· Tourist category

/03

Complete the application form

Enter your personal, passport, travel and accommodation details, and intended dates of stay (up to 90 days).

· Passport details

/04

Upload supporting documents

Upload a passport scan, a recent white-background photo, proof of accommodation or an invitation letter, and a travel itinerary.

· Scans required

/05

Pay the visa fee online

Pay the tourist visa fee (about USD 20) by card through the secure POVS payment gateway.

· ~USD 20· Card payment

/06

Receive and print the eVisa

Wait 7-20 business days, then download and print the approved eVisa to present on arrival in Pakistan.

· Print copy· Carry on arrival

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items

Personalized checklist

South Africa -> Pakistan · Tourist eVisa (Pakistan Online Visa System - POVS)

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredSouth African passport valid 6+ months beyond travel with two blank pages

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredCompleted online application on visa.nadra.gov.pk

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredRecent passport-style photo, white background, taken within 3 months

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

required

RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel booking) or invitation letter from a Pakistan host

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredConfirmed travel itinerary / return flight booking

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredVisa fee payment (approx. USD 20) by card

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RecommendedBank statements / proof of sufficient funds

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

recommended

RequiredPrinted copy of the approved eVisa for the airline and immigration

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RecommendedTravel/medical insurance for the trip

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

ConditionalHost's CNIC and passport copy if applying on an invitation letter

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

situational

RequiredOfficial application form or online application

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesPakistan Online Visa System (POVS) - NADRA, official portal The South African - Pakistan removes visa-free access for South Africa (new eVisa)Wego - Pakistan e-Visa Guide 2026: Fees, Processing Times, How to Apply

Application link included: Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS) - NADRA, official portal

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Tourist single-entry visit visa fee~USD 20 (about R327)Paid online via POVS for South African nationals

Business eVisa (if applicable)~USD 100 (about R1,635)Single-entry business category, not for tourism

Agency / service fee (optional)Varies (USD 20-60)Only if you use a third-party visa service instead of POVS

Total estimateUSD 20 — USD 80incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard POVS processing

7-10 business days

Typical turnaround on the official portal; apply at least 3 weeks before departure.

Peak / busy period

Up to 20 business days

Processing can extend during high-demand periods or if documents need resubmission.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Free Visa Prior to Arrival withdrawn

From 1 January 2026 Pakistan ended the free VPA scheme for 126 nationalities, including South Africa, so a paid eVisa is now mandatory.

High

/02

No visa-on-arrival for South Africans

South African ordinary passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival and must obtain authorisation before travel.

High

/03

Advance online application required

All tourist entries must be approved through the POVS portal before boarding, with documents and fee submitted online.

High

/04

Pakistan is not in the Schengen area

The Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply; Pakistan operates its own national eVisa system.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30 · major

South Africa to Pakistan route verified

Confirmed that South African ordinary passport holders require a paid Pakistan tourist eVisa via POVS after the free Visa Prior to Arrival scheme ended on 1 January 2026; single-entry fee approx. USD 20, 3-month validity, up to 90-day stay, 7-20 business day processing.

/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can South Africans still enter Pakistan visa-free?—

No. The free Visa Prior to Arrival scheme that South Africans enjoyed from August 2024 ended on 1 January 2026. You must now obtain a paid eVisa in advance.

How much does the Pakistan tourist eVisa cost for South Africans?+

Where do I apply for the Pakistan eVisa?+

How long can I stay and how long is the visa valid?+

How long does processing take?+

Does the Schengen 90/180 rule or ETIAS apply to Pakistan?+

/11 — Passport tools