Turkey is one of the most popular holidays for Pakistani families — Istanbul's history, Cappadocia's balloons and the Antalya coastline make it an easy favourite. Before you book, though, you need to know which visa route applies to you, because not every Pakistani passport holder can use the e-Visa.
Route 1: The conditional e-Visa
Pakistani citizens can get a Turkish e-Visa online only if they meet certain conditions. The main one is holding a valid visa or residence permit from the USA, UK, Ireland or a Schengen country. Additional conditions can apply, and they change from time to time.
If you qualify:
- Apply only on the official Turkish e-Visa website — avoid look-alike sites that charge extra
- Your passport details must match exactly
- Print the e-Visa and carry your supporting visa or residence permit, as you may be asked for it at check-in or immigration
Tip: The official e-Visa website asks about your eligibility before you pay. If it doesn't offer you an e-Visa, don't try to force it — apply for a sticker visa instead.
Route 2: The sticker visa
If you don't meet the e-Visa conditions, you apply for a sticker visa through Turkey's visa application centre in Pakistan. Typical documents include:
- Passport valid for at least six months, with blank pages
- Completed application form and photographs
- Confirmed hotel bookings and return flight reservation
- Travel insurance
- Six months of bank statements and a maintenance letter
- Employment letter or business documents
- A short cover letter explaining your plan
Apply four to six weeks before travel, especially in summer and around Eid, when demand is high.
Planning your itinerary
A first trip to Turkey usually combines Istanbul with one other region:
- Istanbul + Cappadocia for history and the famous hot-air balloons
- Istanbul + Antalya for beaches and the Mediterranean coast
- Istanbul + Bursa for a shorter trip with mountain views
Make sure your hotel bookings and flight reservation match the itinerary in your application.
Let us plan your Turkey trip
We arrange Turkey tours from Karachi with hotels, domestic flights, transfers and sightseeing — and help with your visa file. See our Turkey packages.