PakistanUnited States

United States visa for Pakistani citizens

Entry requirement

Visa required

Pakistani citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.

Where to apply
5 missions

Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at islamabad.usembassy.gov

Which United States visa?

B-2 visitor visa (tourism)

Key facts

Maximum stay
Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
Fee
US$185
Processing time
Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed

All visa types for the United States

The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.

US missions in Pakistan

All missions of the United States in Pakistan

The United States has 5 missions in Pakistan, with its embassy in Islamabad. Consulates: Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi.

US visas issued to citizens of Pakistan

Visas issuedFY 2024FY 2025
Visitor (B)108,00174,159
Student (F, M)5,2104,863
Exchange (J)3,1852,633
Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…)5,0574,801
Transit and crew (C, D)575391
Diplomatic and official (A, G)1,7281,664
Fiancé(e) (K)430484
Other1223
Total124,19889,018
B visa refusal rate (adjusted)45.6%52.3%

In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 89,018 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Pakistan, the 16th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 83%, student visas 5% and work and treaty visas 5%. That is 28% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (124,198).

From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Pakistan received 20,898, 56% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.

For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 52.3% for citizens of Pakistan in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 45.6%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.

These figures count visas issued to citizens of Pakistan anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Pakistan.

Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made

US citizens travelling to Pakistan

United StatesPakistan e-Visa Pakistan visa for citizens of the United States

Travel advice for the United States

  • UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
  • German Foreign Office No travel warning

What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.

Pakistani citizens planning a trip to the United States can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).

Good to know

How long Pakistani citizens can stay in the United States

How long Pakistani citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.

How Pakistani citizens apply

In Pakistan, applications go to the US embassy in Islamabad and the consulates in Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.

The United States’ neighbours for Pakistani citizens

Canada, Mexico and Cuba require Pakistani citizens to obtain a visa in advance.

US citizens travelling to Pakistan

US citizens need an e-Visa for Pakistan, applied for online before travel and valid for up to 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for the United States?

Pakistani citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.

Where is the US embassy in Pakistan?

The US embassy in Pakistan is in Islamabad; there are also consulates in Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi.

How much does the United States tourist visa cost?

The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.

Do US citizens need a visa for Pakistan?

US citizens need an e-Visa for Pakistan, applied for online before travel and valid for up to 30 days.

Can Pakistani citizens enter the United States visa-free?

No; Pakistani citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.

Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.