Pakistanis looking to travel abroad on a budget often want to know which countries have the most affordable visa options. With visa fees ranging from $20 to over $200 in some cases, the costs can really add up, especially for a family. For Pakistanis seeking to minimize visa expenses, some of the most economical visas to consider from Pakistan include Georgia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda among others.
Visa Cost Comparison
| Country | Visa Fee for Pakistanis |
|---|---|
| Georgia | $20 |
| Sri Lanka | $20 |
| Nepal | $25 |
| Cambodia | $30 |
| Laos | $35 |
| Vietnam | $50 |
| Thailand | $50 |
| Indonesia | $50 |
| Turkey | $60 |
| Azerbaijan | $63 |
| Kenya | $51 |
| Tanzania | $50 |
| Uganda | $50 |
As shown in the table above, some of the most affordable visa options for Pakistanis include Georgia ($20), Sri Lanka ($20), Nepal ($25), Cambodia ($30), Laos ($35), and then Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda around the $50 mark.
Visa Requirements
When evaluating the overall cost of a visa, it’s important to consider not just the visa fee itself, but also any additional requirements related to the visa application. Some key factors that can affect the total visa cost include:
Document Requirements
Some countries require multiple documents to be submitted with the visa application which can increase the total costs. For example certified bank statements, flight bookings, travel insurance, letters of invitation etc. The more documentation required, the higher the costs may be.
Application Processing
Many visa applications require sending passports and documents via courier to embassies/consulates for processing. The courier fees can often be $50 or more per application.
Letter of Invitation
Some countries require a letter of invitation from a contact in that country to support the visa application. Fees for obtaining these letters ranges from $10 to $100+ in some cases.
Travel Insurance
A number of countries require proof of travel insurance to issue a visa. Purchasing these policies will add to the overall cost.
Flight Bookings
Some visa regimes require confirmed flight bookings as part of the application. This means applicants have to purchase refundable flight tickets temporarily to fulfil this requirement.
So when factoring the total costs, the additional documentation, processing, and requirements can often double or triple the base visa fees in some cases. Countries that have minimal additional requirements will tend to be most affordable overall.
Ease of Application Process
Aside from the direct financial costs, the general ease of the visa application process also has implications for the time and complexity related to obtaining the visa.
Some key factors influencing the smoothness of the process include:
Wait Times
Some embassies/consulates have long processing times for visas, taking weeks in some cases. Others offer more expedited services. The faster the processing, the simpler it is for applicants.
Application Submission
The ability to submit visa applications online, by mail, or in person impacts ease as well. Options like online submissions are most convenient.
Document Requirements
As mentioned earlier, the more documents required, the more cumbersome the process tends to be. Simple requirements simplify the process.
Availability of Appointments
For countries requiring in-person application submissions or biometrics, the availability of appointments also affects the smoothness of the process. More appointments reduce hassle.
So in summary, straightforward documentation requirements, online application options, fast processing, and readily available appointments all contribute to a simpler, more convenient visa application process.
Top 3 Cheapest and Easiest Visas from Pakistan
Taking into consideration the visa fees, additional costs, and application process factors discussed above, here are 3 of the cheapest and easiest visas for Pakistanis to obtain:
1. Georgia E-Visa
Georgia offers an e-visa option that is cheap at only $20 and can be completed entirely online by uploading documents and paying the fees. Processing is fast, taking just 1-3 business days for approval. Very minimal documents are required. Applicants receive an emailed e-visa to print out. For a budget friendly and convenient visa option, Georgia is hard to beat.
2. Sri Lanka ETA
Similarly, Sri Lanka offers an online ETA (electronic travel authorization) for Pakistani citizens at just $20. Documents can be uploaded online and the approval is sent by email within a day or two in most cases. With online convenience and fast processing, Sri Lanka’s visa regime is extremely easy and affordable.
3. Nepal Visa on Arrival
Nepal allows Pakistani passport holders to obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or land borders. The visa costs only $25 and can be obtained quickly on arrival with minimal fuss. No advance paperwork is required and it’s processed on the spot. The combination of low cost and simplicity makes Nepal a top choice.
Tips for Minimizing Visa Costs
To further reduce the financial impact of visas, here are some tips travelers from Pakistan can consider:
Explore Visa Waiver Options
Some countries offer visa waivers or visa exemptions to Pakistani passport holders either unconditionally or under certain circumstances. For example, no visa is required for Pakistanis visiting the Maldives or Jordan for up to 30 days. Checking for visa waiver eligibility can avoid fees entirely.
Apply for Longer Term Visas
For countries you plan to spend extensive time in, applying for longer term tourist or business visas that are valid for up to 1 year can minimize costs compared to getting multiple short term visas.
Combine Visa Runs
When traveling extensively within a region, you can save on courier fees by combining document submissions and embassy runs to apply for multiple visas simultaneously.
Reuse Documents
Bank statements, flight bookings, and other documents that are common across visa applications can often be reused which avoids duplication of paperwork printing/prep costs.
Use Visa Agents Selectively
Visa agents simplify the process but add fees. Use them selectively for complex visas to countries with difficult bureaucracies. Apply directly when feasible.
Conclusion
For Pakistani travelers and families seeking affordable, convenient visas, some of the best options are available within South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and former Soviet countries. Prioritizing electronic visas, visa on arrival options, and minimal documentation requirements will help reduce financial costs as well as hassle. With the right preparation, research and planning, Pakistani citizens have many choices allowing them to minimize the impact of visa expenses and processes on their budgets and schedules. The ideal visa involves low fees, quick approval, online convenience, and minimal paperwork. By focusing application efforts on thesehassle-free visas, the barriers and inconveniences of international travel visas can be greatly reduced.