Visa Requirement for Pakistani Passport Holders & Citizens:
India, being Pakistan’s neighboring country, has a complex visa process for its citizens. The relationship between the two nations has historically posed challenges for travel. Pakistani citizens can apply for an Indian visa through the Indian Embassy in Islamabad. Applications can be submitted without visiting the embassy in person, by using TCS Visatronics or Gerry’s International – Visa Drop Box.
If you’re planning to visit India for tourism or business in 2024, this guide outlines the visa requirements, application process, fees, documents required, and processing times.
Visa Types Available for Pakistani Passport Holders
Pakistani citizens can apply for several types of visas to visit India, including:
- Assignment Visa
- Business Visa
- Conference Visa
- Journalist Visa
- Medical Visa / Medical Attendant Visa
- Official Visa
- Pilgrim Visa
- Student Visa
- Transit Visa
- Visitor Visa
Required Information
To apply for an Indian visa, you will need to provide the following information:
- Current and previous passports
- Details of any prior Indian visas (visa number, issue date, category, etc.)
- NADRA ID Card
- State of visit in India and respective locations
- Name, address, and contact number of a host or business associate in India
- Address of your stay in India
Make sure to fill in all fields of the application form, marking ‘N/A’ for any irrelevant sections.
How to Fill Out the Visa Application Form
- Complete the online visa application form.
- Print two copies of the filled form and sign both.
- Attach two passport-size photographs to the application forms, one each, and include the required documents and your passport.
- Submit your visa application to the High Commission of India through TCS Visatronics/Gerry’s International – Visa Drop Box.
Passport Specifications
- Pakistani nationals with dual nationality must apply using their Pakistani passports.
- Foreign nationals of Pakistani origin must submit their foreign passport along with a valid Pakistani visa or a copy of the Pakistani Overseas Card.
Visa Fees
- The visa fee for Pakistani citizens is PKR 100 for all visa categories, as per the Visa Agreement signed between India and Pakistan on September 8, 2012.
- Fees are non-refundable regardless of visa approval status.
Important Considerations While Applying for an Indian Visa
- Visa processing times can vary between 15 to 90 days, depending on clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs in India.
- Applicants can retrieve their passports through TCS/Gerry’s with at least 4 days’ notice.
- Complete and accurate forms are crucial; any discrepancies may lead to rejection.
- Approval of a visa application does not guarantee entry into India, which remains at the discretion of immigration authorities.
Specific Visa Types and Their Requirements
Assignment Visa
- Documents Required:
- Passport and photocopies
- Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad
- Printed and signed online visa application
- Two photographs
Business Visa
- Documents Required:
- Invitation letter from an Indian company
- Passport or address proof documents (electricity bill, ration card, etc.)
- Financial documents proving annual income or business turnover
- Optional: Recommendation letter from the Chamber of Commerce, etc.
Conference Visa
- Documents Required:
- Invitation letter from event organizers
- Address proof documents
- Notarized NADRA ID card copy
- Valid Polio vaccination certificate
Journalist Visa
- Documents Required:
- Invitation letter from Indian media
- Address proof documents
- Introduction letter from the media house
- Valid Polio vaccination certificate
Medical Visa / Medical Attendant Visa
- Documents Required:
- Appointment letter from an Indian hospital
- Medical records from Pakistan
- Notarized NADRA ID card copy
- Valid Polio vaccination certificate
Technical Aspects of the Application Process
- Applicants can complete the online application at Indian Visa Online.
- Ensure accuracy when filling out the form; incorrect submissions can lead to rejections.
- Upload a passport-size photograph meeting specified requirements.