UK entry requirements for travellers from Pakistan
Visa requirement summary
Pakistani passport holders need a visa to visit the UK. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option for Pakistani nationals — you must apply and receive approval before you travel.
For tourism, visiting family or friends, or short business trips, the right visa is the Standard Visitor visa. It covers stays of up to 6 months and applies across the whole of the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The Standard Visitor visa costs £115 and is applied for online through the UK government’s visa service. Once approved, it is issued as an eVisa — a digital record linked to your passport — rather than a physical sticker.
How long you can stay
A Standard Visitor visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit.
If you travel to the UK regularly, a long-term visitor visa valid for 2, 5, or 10 years may be worth considering. These allow multiple trips without reapplying each time, though each individual stay is still capped at 6 months. You cannot use back-to-back visits to effectively live in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. There is no requirement for additional validity beyond your departure date, but a comfortable margin — several months beyond your return date — is advisable, as a nearly expired passport can cause problems at check-in.
Proof of funds and financial requirements
You must be able to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your visit. There is no published minimum amount, but you should have enough to cover accommodation, daily expenses, and your return journey — or provide evidence that someone else is covering these costs on your behalf.
Bank statements are the most commonly requested document during the visa application and at the UK border on arrival.
Onward or return travel
You must show that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your stay. A confirmed return or onward travel booking is the most straightforward way to demonstrate this. UK border officers may ask about your travel plans, so having your itinerary to hand is sensible.
Applying for the visa
Applications must be submitted online through the UK government’s visa application service before you travel. You will need to attend a visa application centre in Pakistan to provide your biometric information — fingerprints and a photograph.
Once approved, your visa is issued as an eVisa linked to your UKVI account. Set up your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa, and ensure it is linked to the passport you intend to travel with. Carry that passport when you travel, as airlines and border officers verify immigration status electronically.
Health requirements
There are no vaccination requirements for routine travel from Pakistan to the UK. You do not need to present proof of any specific vaccination to enter.
Transit through the UK
Pakistani passport holders require a visa even when transiting through a UK airport. If you are transiting airside without passing through border control, a Visitor in Transit visa (£64) is available. If passing through border control, a Standard Visitor visa is required.
FAQs
Do Pakistani passport holders need a visa for the UK?
Yes. Pakistani nationals must apply for and receive a Standard Visitor visa before travelling. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangement.
How much does a UK visitor visa cost for Pakistani nationals?
The Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months) costs £115. Long-term visitor visas for 2, 5, or 10 years are also available at higher fees, with each stay capped at 6 months.
How long can I stay in the UK on a visitor visa?
Up to 6 months per visit. You cannot extend a Standard Visitor visa or use repeated trips to live in the UK long-term.
Is there a physical visa sticker in my passport?
No. UK visas are issued as eVisas — digital records linked to your UKVI account and passport. You will not receive a sticker or stamp before travel.
Can I transit through the UK without a visa?
No. Pakistani passport holders require a visa for airside transit through UK airports. A Visitor in Transit visa (£64) is available if you are only changing flights and will not pass through immigration.