Pakistan passport → India

India visa for citizens of Pakistan

Embassy / VFSTourist Visa (Category S)

Citizens of Pakistan need a visa for India and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Tourist Visa (Category S)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Visa validity	365 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	30–90 days
Government fee	$200
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statement of last 6 months; minimum ~$1,000 per month of stay.

How to apply

1
Determine visa category and confirm eligibility
Only specific purposes (business, medical, sports, cultural, pilgrimage, etc.) are allowed for Pakistani nationals; pure tourism is not permitted.
2
Complete the online visa application form (Form VI)
Available on the official website of the High Commission of India in Pakistan.
3
Gather all required documents as per the checklist
Ensure originals and photocopies are ready.
4
Book an appointment at the High Commission of India (Islamabad) or Consulates (Karachi, Lahore)
Appointments are mandatory; walk-ins are not accepted.
5
Attend the in-person appointment for document submission and biometric enrollment
Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) are taken; an interview may be conducted.
6
Pay the visa fee at the designated bank or online
Fee is approximately $200 USD equivalent; receipt must be submitted.
7
Wait for processing — typically 30 to 90 days
Due to thorough background checks and inter-agency verification.
8
Collect the passport either in person or via registered post
If approved, the visa is stamped on the passport.
9
Travel to India within the prescribed entry window
Validity is one year from issue date, but stay is limited to 30 days.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages
Original and photocopy of all used and unused pages.
Duly filled visa application form (Form VI)
Available on the official website of the High Commission.
Recent passport-size photographs (white background, 2×2 inches)
Two copies; must match guidelines.
Copy of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
For Pakistani nationals.

Travel

Confirmed return flight itinerary
Must show onward/return travel within 30 days.
Hotel booking confirmation or proof of accommodation
Covering the entire stay in India.

Financial

Bank statement (last 6 months)
Original with bank seal; sufficient funds proof.
Income tax returns (last 3 years)
Mandatory for employed/self-employed applicants.
Proof of sufficient funds – traveler's checks or credit card copy
Optional
Optional if bank statement is strong.

Employment

Employment or leave approval letter
From employer on company letterhead indicating salary and approved leave.

Supporting

Invitation letter from an Indian citizen or organization
Notarized and including full details of the inviting party.
Police clearance certificate (recent)
Issued by local police authorities in Pakistan.
Medical insurance certificate
Optional
Recommended but not mandatory.
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
Optional
To accompany the application.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover stay (approx. $1,000 USD per month)

Bank statement (last 6 months)
Income tax returns (3 years)
Traveler's checks
Credit card copy

Detailed financial documents are required to demonstrate ability to fund stay.

Good to know

No tourist visa is available for Pakistani nationals; applications are only accepted for specific permitted purposes.
Processing can take up to 3 months due to heightened security scrutiny.
Invitation from an Indian resident or organization is mandatory; friend's private invitation may not suffice without notarization.
Consulates may impose additional local requirements; always reconfirm before applying.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unclear supporting documents (e.g., missing invitation letter)

Double-check the checklist and ensure all documents are complete and notarized as required.

Suspected intentions inconsistent with permitted purpose

Provide a clear cover letter and specific evidence of the event/business/medical need.

Previous overstay or visa violations in India or other countries

Disclose all travel history truthfully; obtain a police clearance certificate.

Inaccurate or incomplete application form

Review entries carefully and avoid any omissions or false statements.

FAQ

Do citizens of Pakistan need a visa for India?

Citizens of Pakistan need a visa for India and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist Visa (Category S).

How long can citizens of Pakistan stay in India?

Up to 30 days.

How much does the India visa cost for citizens of Pakistan?

Government fee: $200.

How long does India visa processing take?

Typically 30–90 days.

What documents do citizens of Pakistan need for India?

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages; Duly filled visa application form (Form VI); Recent passport-size photographs (white background, 2×2 inches); Invitation letter from an Indian citizen or organization; Confirmed return flight itinerary; Hotel booking confirmation or proof of accommodation; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for India?

At least 6 months.

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