India Ziyarat Visa Guide for Muslims – Pakistan Passport Holders

India is home to many important Islamic heritage sites, including mosques, shrines, and historical landmarks connected to the Mughal era. Many Muslims wish to visit India for religious purposes such as Ziyarat of dargahs, mosques, and other sacred places. If you hold a Pakistan passport, visiting India requires following specific visa procedures and regulations set by the Indian government.

Types of India Visas for Muslims (Pakistan Passport Holders)

1. Religious Visa (Ziyarat Visa)

   • Issued for visiting Islamic shrines and mosques in India.

   • Valid for a short period, usually 15 to 45 days.

   • Travel is often restricted to specific cities mentioned in the visa.

2. Visit Visa

   • For visiting relatives or friends.

   • May also include permission for religious activities.

3. Tourist Visa (Not Generally Issued to Pakistan Passport Holders)

   • Pakistanis are usually not eligible for tourist visas for India, except in special cases.

Required Documents for India Ziyarat Visa

• Valid Pakistan Passport (minimum 6 months validity)

• Completed India Visa Application Form

• Invitation Letter from the shrine management or a host in India

• NOC from Ministry of Interior, Pakistan

• Passport-sized photographs (as per Indian visa requirements)

• Proof of return ticket booking

• Visa fee (if applicable)

Application Process

1. Submit Application to Pakistan Ministry of Interior

   • Pakistanis must first get security clearance from the Ministry of Interior before applying for an Indian visa.

2. Approval and Forwarding to Indian High Commission

   • Once cleared, the Ministry forwards your application to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

3. Visa Issuance

   • If approved, your visa will include specific travel cities and dates.

Important Rules for Pakistan Passport Holders

• Travel is allowed only to the cities listed in your visa.

• Must report to local police (FRO – Foreigners Registration Office) upon arrival and before departure.

• Stay is usually short-term (15–45 days), and overstay is strictly prohibited.

• Visa extensions are rarely granted.

Famous Ziyarat Places for Muslims in India

• Dargah Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti – Ajmer Sharif, Rajasthan

• Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya – Delhi

• Jama Masjid – Delhi

• Charminar & Makkah Masjid – Hyderabad

• Taj Mahal – Agra (Islamic Mughal heritage site)

Final Advice

If you are a Pakistan passport holder planning to visit India for Islamic Ziyarat, start the process early, as obtaining an Indian visa can take weeks or months due to security clearances. Always follow the permitted travel plan and comply with both Pakistani and Indian regulations.