Address: 34 Lowndes Square, London SW1X 9JN
Telephone: +44 20 7664 9200
Consular Section: +44 20 7664 9264
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line) or Sloane Square (District & Circle Lines)
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Consular Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM (submissions), 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (collections)
The High Commission for Pakistan in London is the main diplomatic mission representing the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the United Kingdom. Located in the elegant Lowndes Square in Knightsbridge, one of London's most prestigious diplomatic quarters, the High Commission serves the substantial Pakistani diaspora in the UK, estimated at over 1.2 million people, making it one of the busiest Pakistani diplomatic missions worldwide.
The High Commission provides a comprehensive range of consular services including visa issuance, passport processing, NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis) applications, document attestation, and general consular assistance. For Pakistani citizens in the UK, it is the primary point of contact for maintaining their documentation and connection with Pakistani governmental services.
Foreign nationals wishing to travel to Pakistan need to obtain a visa in advance. The Pakistan High Commission issues several categories of visa depending on the purpose of travel:
The most common visa for British citizens of Pakistani heritage visiting family, or for other nationalities visiting for tourism or personal reasons. Available as single entry (up to 3 months stay), multiple entry (3 months, 6 months, or 12 months), and extended multiple entry for up to 5 years for British citizens of Pakistani origin. You will need a letter of invitation from your host in Pakistan, proof of relationship (for family visits), your UK residence documents, and recent passport photographs.
For individuals travelling to Pakistan for business meetings, trade, investment discussions, or commercial activities. Requires a letter from your UK company and an invitation from the Pakistani business partner. Available for single or multiple entries with varying validity periods.
For foreign nationals taking up employment in Pakistan. The Pakistani employer must provide a letter of employment and relevant approvals from the Board of Investment or relevant ministry. Processing can take 4-6 weeks.
For individuals accepted into educational institutions in Pakistan. Requires a confirmed admission letter from the institution and evidence of financial support for the duration of study.
Foreign journalists and media professionals visiting Pakistan for professional purposes require a specific journalist visa. This requires approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and can take longer to process.
Online visa facility: Pakistan now offers an online visa application system (visa.nadra.gov.pk) for citizens of many countries. British citizens can apply for an e-Visa for tourism and business purposes. The online system can be faster and more convenient than applying in person at the High Commission.
The NICOP is one of the most important documents for Pakistanis living abroad. Issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the NICOP serves as proof of Pakistani citizenship and can be used in lieu of a visa for travel to Pakistan. It also enables Pakistanis abroad to maintain their legal rights in Pakistan, including property ownership and banking.
NICOP applications can be submitted at the NADRA desk within the High Commission or through the NADRA online portal (id.nadra.gov.pk). The application requires your existing CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card) number or Form B, your Pakistani passport, proof of UK residence, and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph taken at the High Commission). Processing typically takes 3-6 weeks for normal service. An urgent service is available for an additional fee.
Pakistani citizens in the UK can apply for new passports or renew existing ones through the High Commission. Pakistan issues both standard (36-page) and jumbo (72-page) passports, with validity periods of 5 or 10 years.
Requirements for passport renewal include:
Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks, though delays can occur. An urgent or express service may be available at additional cost for genuine emergency travel situations.
Children born in the UK to Pakistani parents can obtain a Pakistani passport. You will need the child's UK birth certificate, both parents' Pakistani passports and NICOPs, the parents' marriage certificate (Nikah Nama), and a letter confirming the child's Pakistani nationality. Both parents must attend the appointment with the child.
Pakistani citizens living in the UK are encouraged to register with the High Commission. Registration provides a consular record that can be useful for various services and for receiving emergency notifications. You can register in person at the consular section with your Pakistani passport, NICOP, and proof of UK address.
The High Commission provides attestation services for documents that need to be used in Pakistan. Common documents requiring attestation include:
Documents must generally be notarised by a UK solicitor or notary public and then apostilled by the FCDO Legalisation Office before being submitted for attestation at the High Commission. The attestation fee and processing time vary by document type. For more on the apostille process, see our apostille and legalisation guide.
Pakistani pensioners living in the UK can obtain a life certificate from the High Commission, which is required to continue receiving their pension from Pakistan. The certificate must be renewed periodically.
If you wish to formally renounce your Pakistani citizenship, the process is handled through the High Commission. This may be required when acquiring citizenship of certain countries. You will need to submit a written application, your Pakistani passport, and supporting documents.
In the unfortunate event of a death, the High Commission can assist with the repatriation of mortal remains to Pakistan. This involves coordinating documentation, death certificate attestation, and liaison with funeral directors and airlines.