A Pakistani’s Guide To An Indian Visa

Getting an Indian visa as a Pakistani citizen requires a unique set of procedures and considerations, in large part because of the delicate status of bilateral relations. In contrast to most nations where citizens can easily apply for an Indian e-Tourist Visa, Pakistanis are required to undergo a conventional paper visa application process, complete with comprehensive background checks and lengthy waiting times.

This thorough guide will simplify the process, detailing the visa options and steps involved.

Read on to find out the 2025 Update.

General Considerations for Pakistani Nationals Seeking an Indian Visa (Under Normal Circumstances)

It is important to realize the special requirements and issues prior to undertaking the application process.

No Eligibility for E-Visa

Pakistani passport holders are not entitled to apply for an Indian e-Tourist Visa, or other e-visa categories, including the 5-Year e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, or e-Medical Visa.

The same goes for foreign passport holders of Pakistani origin if their parents or grandparents were born in, or settled permanently in, Pakistan. Such applicants will need to apply for a normal paper visa.

Mandatory Prior Reference Process

Each visa application by a Pakistani citizen, or someone of Pakistani origin, goes through a "prior reference process."

The application is subject to mandatory clearance by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India. This process is a major contributor to the overall processing time.

Applicants must be prepared to face significant delays, since this clearance could take 15 to 90 days, or even more in some cases.

Sponsorship Certificate Requirement

For most visa categories, including visitor visas, a sponsorship certificate issued by an Indian host is a required document.

The certificate should be properly attested by an authorized Indian officer. This can include a District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, or a Group 'A' officer of the Central or State Government. The host in India should arrange this attestation and get the original document transmitted to the applicant.

Entry and Exit Points

In general, Pakistani nationals need to enter India as well as exit India from the same specified immigration check post.

Dual Nationality

If the applicant is a dual national (Pakistani and another country), he/she should apply for the Indian visa on his/her Pakistani passport alone. If Pakistani citizenship has been renounced, documentary evidence of renunciation should be furnished.

Categories of Visas Available to Pakistani Nationals

Although a facility for availing an e-visa is not available to Pakistanis, various ordinary visa categories are available for various purposes of travel:

Visitor Visa

• Purpose

This visa is given for non-business purposes, usually for recreation, sightseeing, or to meet friends and relatives.

It disallows any business or working purposes.

• Validity and Restrictions

Normally given for a brief stay, usually not exceeding three months, and normally for a one-way entry.

There are limitations on the number of cities to be visited in India, typically not more than five designated places.

A standard rule prescribes a gap of two months between two visits on a visitor visa from one's date of departure from India.

Important Requirements

• A thorough list of documents, such as a properly completed online visa application form.
• Original valid passport for a minimum period of six months after the stay of intended duration, having a minimum of two blank pages.
• White background passport-size recent photographs (51mm x 51mm, frontal view, clear features).
• A photocopy of the National Identity Card (CNIC) with English translation.
• Residence proof (e.g., utility bill, tenancy agreement).
• The original Indian host's Sponsorship Certificate, certified by a designated Indian authority, and a photocopy of the host's Indian ID/passport.
• Documentary evidence of the intended purpose of travel, for instance, a wedding invitation if traveling to join a wedding.

Business Visa

• Purpose

Applied to individuals coming to India for bona fide business activities, such as establishing ventures, exploring business opportunities, or carrying on commercial transactions.

• Validity and Restrictions

Permits travel to more than five destinations in India, providing greater flexibility compared to a visitor visa.

The duration of validity can vary, generally provided for a maximum period of one year or, in special cases, even three years for established businessmen.

Distinct Requirements

• An original invitation letter from the Indian business organization to be attested by a Chamber of Commerce in India.
• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the applicant's local employer/company in Pakistan.
• Valid Trade License copy of the Pakistani company.
• Company bank statements and audit reports.

Medical Visa

• Purpose

Specifically for foreign nationals for treatment at recognized specialized hospitals or treatment centers in India.

• Validity and Restrictions

Typically, a three-month single-entry visa. Extensions such as these, however, might be considered depending on the treatment duration.

Triple entry might be approved in the event of follow-up treatments.

The Key Requirements are

• Detailed medical reports from a reputable Pakistani medical center, which would deem the treatment to be undertaken in India.
• An appointing letter from an Indian hospital scheduling an appointment, which would confirm the nature and the estimated duration of the treatment.
• Financial proof of capability to pay for living and medical costs.
• Two family members or attendants of the patient are eligible to apply for a Medical Attendant e-Visa (or regular Medical Attendant Visa) to accompany the patient. Their visa validity shall match that of the patient's medical visa.

Other Visas

Student Visa

For studying in India on a long-term basis at recognized institutions of education in India. This requires an admission letter and proof of funding.

Transit Visa

For transiting India to a third country, typically valid for a time not to exceed 15 days, with the longest stay of 3 days.

Journalist Visa

This is meant for journalists and photographers.

Diplomatic/Official Visas

This is for diplomatic or official passport holders on official visits.

Application Process

Gather Documents

Begin by compiling all documents required, specifically the Sponsorship Certificate, which needs to be obtained from India first.

Fill Online Form

Go to the official Indian Visa Online website (indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/) and select "Regular/Paper Visa by Mission/Post, apply here." Fill out the form carefully with all the information correctly and according to your documents.

Print and Sign

Take two printouts of the completed application form, affix your photograph on each, and sign them at the designated places.

Resubmit Application

Submit the printed forms, original passport, supporting documents, and applicable visa fee to the designated visa application center (e.g., TCS Visatronics / Gerry's International- Visa Drop Box in Pakistan) or the Indian Mission/Consulate for submission overseas.

Wait Processing

The application will thereafter be forwarded for the pre-reference process to the New Delhi Ministry of Home Affairs. Anticipate the longer processing times (15 to 90 days).

Get Passport

Your passport with the visa will thereafter be sent for return to the submission center after clearance and processing. Keep in mind that visa fees are non-refundable either way.

It is strongly recommended not to make final travel reservations or irreversible arrangements until your visa is issued and your passport is returned to you. The High Commission of India maintains the discretion to hold up or deny a visa without issuing any particular reasons.

Important- 2025 Update: Status of Current Visa Services

The applicants must remain informed about the latest happenings. India suspended most of the visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect from April 2025. New visa applications for most categories are therefore not being accepted at the moment. In addition, all previously valid visas given to Pakistani citizens by India (except long-term visas granted to Hindu Pakistani citizens and diplomatic/official visas) were revoked as of April 27, 2025.

Medical visas granted to Pakistani citizens were valid only up to April 29, 2025. Pakistani citizens already present in India on other types of revoked visas were asked to depart by designated deadlines in late April. Applicants are requested to please visit the official website of the High Commission of India in Islamabad or the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the latest status before pursuing any visa application process.