Pakistan Entry Hub 2026

Irish citizens must apply for a visa before traveling to Pakistan via the official NADRA portal.

• No Passport Cards: You MUST use a standard Irish passport valid for at least **6 months**. Irish Passport Cards are not accepted for entry.
• Digital Process: Applications are 100% online. You receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email.
• Supporting Docs: Requires a hotel booking or a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a registered tour operator in Pakistan.
• Processing: Tourist visas typically take **24-48 hours** but can take longer during peak trekking seasons.

Effective 2026, all international arrivals must submit travel and health data through the digital portal.

• Submission: You must register your details via the **Pass Track** mobile app or website before boarding your flight from Ireland.
• QR Code: Upon submission, you receive a QR code which is mandatory for immigration clearance in Pakistan.
• Health Screening: In 2026, Pass Track also serves as the primary currency and health declaration tool for inbound travelers.

For Irish climbers heading to Gilgit-Baltistan or the Karakoram range, specific 2026 royalty fees apply.

• Trekking Visa: A separate "Mountaineering & Trekking" visa category exists. This visa often serves as your primary permit for open zones.
• 2026 Royalty Fees: Royalty fees for peaks like K2 or Nanga Parbat vary by season. Summer (April-Sept) fees for K2 are currently around **USD 3,500** per person.
• Restricted Areas: Trekking in restricted zones (near borders) requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and a licensed guide.
• Environmental Fee: A mandatory waste management fee (approx. **USD 190**) is now required for expeditions in the Central Karakoram National Park.

Pakistan Customs and the PTA enforce strict transparency for electronics and currency in 2026.

• PTA DIRBS: If staying for more than 60 days, you must register your Irish mobile phone's IMEI with the **PTA** system. After 60 days, taxes apply to keep the local SIM working.
• Currency: You must declare cash or monetary instruments exceeding **USD 10,000** (approx. €9,500) upon entry or exit.
• Tobacco & Alcohol: Duty-free allowance is **200 cigarettes**. Importing alcohol is generally prohibited for non-Muslims but can be purchased at licensed international hotels.
• Drones: Carrying drones requires a special permit from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). Unregistered drones may be confiscated at the airport.