India Transit Visa for Pakistani Passport Holders
Fee Breakdown
Key Requirements
- ✓ Transit visa is required for Pakistani nationals transiting through Indian airports even if not leaving the transit zone in many cases
- ✓ Applicant must have a confirmed onward ticket to the final destination
- ✓ Valid visa for the final destination country must be presented
- ✓ Pakistani nationals cannot avail of airside transit without visa facilities at Indian airports
- ✓ All applications are subject to mandatory security clearance by Indian authorities
- ✓ Transit must be through designated airports only including Delhi and Mumbai
- ✓ e-Arrival registration is required if leaving the airside transit zone
Documents Required
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Confirm that you actually need to transit through India and check if there are alternative routing options, as obtaining a transit visa for Pakistani nationals is very difficult
Step 2: Obtain a valid visa for your final destination country before applying for the Indian transit visa
Step 3: Complete the Indian visa application form available from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad
Step 4: Gather all required documents including onward ticket, final destination visa, and supporting identity documents
Step 5: Submit the application in person at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad
Step 6: Pay the applicable transit visa fee
Step 7: Wait for security clearance and visa decision, which typically takes 30 to 90 days
Step 8: If approved, collect your passport and ensure the visa dates align with your transit itinerary
Step 9: Upon arrival in India, complete e-Arrival registration if required
⚠️ Important Notes
Pakistani passport holders are strongly advised to avoid routing international travel through India due to the extreme difficulty of obtaining any category of Indian visa. Transit visas are subject to the same lengthy security clearance process as tourist and business visas. Considering alternative transit hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, or Doha is highly recommended for Pakistani travelers. Attempting to transit without the required visa will result in detention and deportation.
Common Rejection Reasons
- ✗ Security clearance not granted
- ✗ Lack of valid visa for final destination at the time of application
- ✗ No confirmed onward flight or itinerary
- ✗ Diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan
- ✗ Prior visa refusals or immigration violations
- ✗ Incomplete documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Pakistani passport holders are not exempt from transit visa requirements at Indian airports. Even for airside transit, Pakistani nationals generally require a transit visa and must apply in advance at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
Transit visa processing is subject to the same mandatory security clearance as other visa types. The process can take 30 to 90 days which makes routing through India impractical for urgent travel. Pakistani travelers are advised to consider alternative routing to avoid Indian transit altogether.
No. Pakistani passport holders do not benefit from the Transit Without Visa exemption at Indian airports. A valid transit visa is required even for airside transit at Indian airports. This is a strict requirement and there are no exceptions for Pakistani nationals.
Ready to Apply?
Apply through the official portal. Always use official government/embassy websites.
Apply for India Transit Visa →