🇵🇰 Pakistan visa for Brazilians

Pakistani passport holders get 30 days on arrival. Almost nobody else does.

Who gets visa-free entry to Pakistan?

This is where it gets complicated. Most Westerners need a visa before they arrive. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most EU citizens will need to apply for a tourist visa well in advance. Processing times can stretch to 4-6 weeks, so plan ahead. Don't try to wing it.

There's a small bloc of countries that get visa-on-arrival for 30 days. This list changes, but historically it's included places like Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Always check the latest list with the Pakistani embassy in your home country before flying. For the vast majority of digital nomads, assume you need a pre-approved visa.

Then there are the visa-free countries. This is a very short list, often limited to neighbouring countries like China and Iran, and usually for specific purposes, not general tourism. So, unless you're from one of those specific regions, assume you're in the visa-required camp.

How long can you actually stay, and what's the catch?

Standard tourist visas are typically issued for 30 days. This might sound short, but it's manageable if you plan your travel efficiently within Pakistan. The real gotcha isn't usually the initial duration, but what happens if you need to extend or leave.

Exit stamps are critical. Make sure immigration stamps your passport when you leave Pakistan. Missing this can cause headaches later, especially if you plan to re-enter. Double-entry visas are rare for standard tourist stamps; most are single-entry. If you leave, you'll need a new visa to come back.

Overstaying is where fines kick in. The penalty is often a daily rate. Expect to pay around $10 USD per day for overstaying, though this can vary. More importantly, a significant overstay can lead to detention or deportation. It's not worth the risk. Stick to your visa dates.

Can you actually work remotely on a tourist visa?

Officially, no. Working on a tourist visa in Pakistan is a grey area, and the government doesn't have a specific digital nomad visa. The stamp in your passport says "tourism," not "remote work." However, enforcement is spotty. You're unlikely to be questioned by immigration or police simply for having your laptop open in a cafe.

The risk comes if you're trying to conduct business locally, set up an office, or engage in activities that look like employment within Pakistan. If you're just emailing, coding, or attending Zoom calls for a company based elsewhere, you're probably fine. Just don't draw attention to yourself. Authorities are more concerned with illegal employment or business activities. Keep a low profile.

What's new with Pakistan's visa rules?

Pakistan has been making efforts to streamline the process, most notably with the introduction of an eVisa portal. This aims to reduce the need for in-person applications for certain nationalities. However, its rollout has been gradual, and not all countries are eligible yet. Check the official Government of Pakistan eVisa website for the most current list of eligible nationalities and the application process.

Fees have also seen adjustments. While the sticker price might seem low, factor in potential processing fees or the cost of getting your visa rushed if needed. The eVisa fee often reflects the convenience. There have been reports of suspensions or expansions of the eVisa program for specific countries in the past 12-18 months, so verifying eligibility directly on the portal is key. Always cross-reference with the embassy if you're unsure.