Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- The Pakistan High Commission sits at 34-36 Lowndes Square, London SW1X 9JN
- Visa categories include visit, family, student, work, business and transit
- Applications and appointments run through the online portal at phclondon.org
- Processing times vary by category and document completeness
- Confirm current fees on the official website before paying
Address and Contact Details
The Pakistan High Commission in London is the main diplomatic mission for Pakistan in the United Kingdom. The consular and visa office sits in the Knightsbridge area of central London, a short walk from Hyde Park and the surrounding embassy district.
- Address: 34-36 Lowndes Square, London, SW1X 9JN
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7664 9200
- Website: https://www.phclondon.org
The closest London Underground stations are Knightsbridge on the Piccadilly line and Hyde Park Corner. Office and counter hours can shift during Ramadan, Pakistani public holidays and UK bank holidays, so check the website the day before your appointment.
Visa Services Available
The High Commission processes a range of visa categories for travellers heading to Pakistan from the UK:
- Visit Visa: for tourism, sightseeing and short personal visits
- Family Visa: for visiting Pakistani relatives resident in Pakistan
- Student Visa: for enrolled students at recognised Pakistani institutions
- Work Visa: for individuals taking up employment with a Pakistani employer
- Business Visa: for short business trips, meetings and conferences
- Transit Visa: for travellers passing through Pakistan en route to a third country
Some categories may also require a separate clearance such as a No Objection Certificate, depending on nationality and onward travel plans.
How to Book an Appointment
Most visa applications now flow through an online appointment system rather than walk in counters. The general path looks like this:
- Visit https://www.phclondon.org/visa to start a fresh application
- Create an account and complete the online form with personal and travel details
- Upload scanned documents in the required format and file size
- Pay the application fee through the listed payment route
- Book a slot at the High Commission for biometrics or document submission
- Attend on the booked date with your passport and printed confirmation
Same day appointments are rarely available. Slots release in batches, so checking the portal at different times of day can help if your preferred week is fully booked.
Documents and Requirements
Document lists differ by visa type, but most applications need:
- A valid UK passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A second photo ID such as a UK BRP, driving licence or national ID card
- Recent passport sized photographs that meet the specified background and size rules
- Proof of UK address such as a utility bill, bank statement or council tax letter
- Completed visa application form, printed and signed
- Confirmed flight booking or travel itinerary
- For family visits: invitation letter from a Pakistani host plus host CNIC copy
- For business: company letter, contract or conference invitation
- For student visas: enrolment letter or admission confirmation from the Pakistani institution
Applicants of Pakistani origin may also need to show prior Pakistani identity documents or a NICOP. Originals plus photocopies are usually required at the counter.
Processing Times and Fees
Processing times depend on the visa category, document completeness and whether further checks are needed. Visit visas often complete within a working week. Work, business and family categories that need additional verification can take longer. Public holidays in either country can stretch timelines further.
Fees vary by category and the applicant's nationality. The High Commission publishes its current fee schedule on the official website, and amounts can change without notice. Pay only through the official payment routes listed on phclondon.org and keep the payment receipt safe for your records.
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This placement is reserved for a regulated immigration adviser specialising in Pakistan visas. OISC-registered firms only. Enquire about this slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply by post or only in person?
Most Pakistan visa categories now route through the online portal with an in person appointment for biometrics or document submission. Postal applications are limited and depend on the visa type. Check the current rules on phclondon.org before posting any documents to the High Commission.
Do I need to give biometrics for a Pakistan visa?
Biometric data may be required for certain applicants and categories. The portal flags this during the application process. If biometrics are needed, you will be asked to attend the High Commission in person on a booked slot.
How early should I book my appointment before travel?
Allow several weeks where possible. Visit visas often complete within a working week of submission, but slot availability for the in person stage can be tight in busy travel seasons such as summer and Eid. Booking early also leaves time to fix any document gaps.
Can I travel on a Pakistan Origin Card instead of a visa?
Holders of a Pakistan Origin Card or NICOP may not need a separate visa to enter Pakistan, depending on the card type and validity. Always check current entry rules and card validity on the official High Commission and NADRA websites before travel.
What happens if my visa application is refused?
The High Commission will state the reason for refusal in writing or in the portal. You can usually re-apply with corrected documents. There is no formal appeal process for most refusals, but a fresh application addressing the stated reason is possible.
How We Verified This
Information was drawn from the official Pakistan High Commission London website at phclondon.org and the UK government's published list of foreign embassies in the UK on gov.uk. Address and phone details were cross checked against the official site. Embassy details change without notice, so always confirm current information directly with the High Commission before acting on it.
