Pakistan: do South Africans need a visa?

South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to Pakistan.

Tourist visa: single entry for up to 3 months (GSA).

Visa required before travel. Apply online through Pakistan's official visa portal, visa.nadra.gov.pk. The portal says citizens of all countries except a short excluded list can apply online, and a South African visa agency confirms South Africans use it. The free 'Visa Prior to Arrival' route was suspended from 1 January 2026 (Wikipedia). Parts of Pakistan are under 'do not travel' advice.1 2 3 5 4

Before you travel

Length of stay

Tourist visa: single entry for up to 3 months (GSA).4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Purpose of visit

Online categories include visit (tourism), business, student, official and work visas (visa.nadra.gov.pk).1

Confirmed on an official government source

Passport validity

At least 6 months beyond arrival with 2 blank pages (US State Department). The UK FCDO counts 6 months from the date of the visa application.2 3

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

How to apply

Apply online at visa.nadra.gov.pk. You need a Google account to use the 2FA authenticator (Wikipedia). GSA quotes USD 20 for a tourist visa, paid online by credit or debit card, and 7 to 10 working days processing. Documents: photo, passport scan, accommodation booking. The portal says to plan travel only once you hold a valid visa.1 5 4

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Where South Africans apply

Online at visa.nadra.gov.pk. High Commission of Pakistan, 312 Brooks Street, Menlo Park, Pretoria 0081. Tel 012 362 4072/3. Email pahicpretoria@mofa.gov.pk (GSA).4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Travel insurance

Not published by official sources

Return or onward ticket

Not published by official sources

Proof of funds

Not published by official sources

Accommodation or invitation

Accommodation booking details required with the online application (GSA).4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

Pakistan requires a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from a yellow fever transmission risk country (UK FCDO). Proof of polio vaccination within the last year may be required to leave Pakistan (US State Department). Pakistan is not a yellow fever risk country, so South Africa does not require a yellow fever certificate when you return directly.2 3

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Arrival forms

Make sure your passport is stamped on entry; leaving without an entry stamp causes problems (UK FCDO).2

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Extending your stay and overstaying

Not published by official sources

Transit

Not published by official sources

Travelling with children

Not published by official sources

What changed

22 September 2026UK FCDO advises against all travel to Balochistan, most of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Peshawar, within 10 miles of the Afghan border and of the Line of Control, and all but essential travel to other border and northern areas.

16 June 2026US State Department: Level 3, Reconsider travel; Level 4 Do not travel to Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (including former FATA) and near the Line of Control.

1 January 2026Free 'Visa Prior to Arrival' (usually issued within 48 hours) suspended; travellers use the online visa with 7 to 10 working days processing and fees (Wikipedia).

Sources

Official

The destination's own government

1Pakistan Online Visa System (Ministry of Interior / NADRA) visa.nadra.gov.pk

Other government

Official advice from other governments

2UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office gov.uk
3US Department of State travel.state.gov

Reference

Used to find official sources, never the final word

5Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org

Commercial

Visa agencies, law firms and travel companies

4The GSA (South African visa agency) thegsa.co.za

Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book.