Everything International Trekkers Need to Know About Visiting Pakistan
Pakistan has made visiting easier than ever for international travellers. Most nationalities can now apply for a tourist e-Visa online, receive a Letter of Invitation from their tour operator, and enter the country within days of approval. This guide covers everything you need to know about visas, permits, and entry requirements for trekking in Pakistan in 2027. Eligibility for the Pakistan e visa changes by nationality, and the current list of who can apply online and who still needs a sticker is kept in the visa policy of Pakistan.
The Pakistan e-Visa
Citizens of most countries — including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, most EU countries, Japan, South Korea, and many more — can apply for a Pakistan tourist e-Visa online at visa.nadra.gov.pk. Processing usually takes 7 to 10 working days.
To apply, you will need: a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, a recent passport photograph, your flight itinerary or confirmed booking details, a hotel booking or Letter of Invitation from your tour operator, and a bank statement showing sufficient funds.
The Letter of Invitation (LOI)
Most e-Visa applicants include a Letter of Invitation from a registered Pakistani tour operator. The LOI confirms your trek or tour dates, your guide and operator details, and provides the immigration authorities with confidence about your itinerary. At Karakoram Venture, we issue LOIs within 2 business days of receiving your deposit payment. This is included in all our packages at no additional charge.
Trekking Permits for Restricted Zones
All treks in the Baltoro Glacier restricted zone — which includes the approach routes to K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and II, and the Gondogoro La — require official trekking permits issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Tourism and the Gilgit-Baltistan Council. These are mandatory for all trekkers, both foreign nationals and Pakistani citizens.
Permit applications must be submitted by a licensed tour operator on behalf of the trekker. All trekking permits are included in the price of every Karakoram Venture package — K2 Base Camp Trek, Gondogoro La, Snow Lake Hispar La, the Great Karakoram Traverse, and all others. You pay once; we handle all permit paperwork. See our full package list for details.
Visa Fees
Pakistan e-Visa fees vary by nationality — typically between $20 and $60 depending on your passport. Check the official NADRA portal (visa.nadra.gov.pk) for your country’s specific fee. Visa fees are not included in our package prices as they are paid directly to the Pakistan government portal.
Visa on Arrival: don’t plan on it
Pakistan suspended its Visa on Arrival and Visa Prior to Arrival schemes on 1 January 2026. The e-Visa above is now the route for almost every traveller, and Gulf-state passports are the one reported exception. These lists have changed before and may change again, so confirm your own case on the NADRA portal — and have your approval in hand before you book non-refundable flights.
Travel Insurance Requirement
Travel insurance is mandatory for all trekkers on Karakoram Venture expeditions. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking to at least 6,000 m, emergency helicopter evacuation, and medical expenses. We recommend World Nomads or True Traveller for adventure travel coverage. See our FAQ section for full details on insurance requirements.
Have questions about visas or permits? Check our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us directly — we help all our clients through the visa and permit process.
