---
title: India visa for citizens of Pakistan
description: "Citizens of Pakistan need a visa for India and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 30 days. Fee: $200. Processing: 30–90 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/india/pakistan
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# India visa for citizens of Pakistan

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

- **Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages** (Identity): Original and photocopy of all used and unused pages.
- **Duly filled visa application form (Form VI)** (Identity): Available on the official website of the High Commission.
- **Recent passport-size photographs (white background, 2×2 inches)** (Identity): Two copies; must match guidelines.
- **Invitation letter from an Indian citizen or organization** (Supporting): Notarized and including full details of the inviting party.
- **Confirmed return flight itinerary** (Travel): Must show onward/return travel within 30 days.
- **Hotel booking confirmation or proof of accommodation** (Travel): Covering the entire stay in India.
- **Bank statement (last 6 months)** (Financial): Original with bank seal; sufficient funds proof.
- **Income tax returns (last 3 years)** (Financial): Mandatory for employed/self-employed applicants.
- **Employment or leave approval letter** (Employment): From employer on company letterhead indicating salary and approved leave.
- **Police clearance certificate (recent)** (Supporting): Issued by local police authorities in Pakistan.
- **Copy of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)** (Identity): For Pakistani nationals.
- **Proof of sufficient funds – traveler's checks or credit card copy** (Financial, optional): Optional if bank statement is strong.
- **Medical insurance certificate** (Supporting, optional): Recommended but not mandatory.
- **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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.

## More

- [India visa for every passport](/visa/india)
- [Every destination for Pakistan passport holders](/visa/passport/pakistan)
