About Author Karakoram Venture
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 2026.
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 typically takes 5 to 15 working days, though many nationalities receive approval within 48 to 72 hours.
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 USD 20 and USD 75. 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
Some nationalities are eligible for Visa on Arrival at Islamabad International Airport. The current list of eligible nationalities changes periodically — check the NADRA portal or the Pakistani embassy in your country for the most current information before travelling.
Travel Insurance Requirement
Travel insurance is mandatory for all trekkers on Karakoram Venture expeditions. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking to at least 6,000m, 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.
