My Experience with UAE Visa Biometric Process in Islamabad: A Simple Guide for Pakistanis

Hey everyone! I recently went through the UAE visa biometric process in Islamabad. If you're a Pakistani planning to visit or work in the UAE, this can feel a bit confusing at first, but it's not too bad once you know the steps. I'll share my own story and a step-by-step guide in simple English, based on what I did. This is for tourist visas, but it's similar for work visas too (just with some extra papers like medical reports). Let's get started!

Step 1: Get Your Pre-Approval and Appointment First

Before anything, you need to apply online for UAE visa pre-approval through their official website or your sponsor. Once approved, book an appointment at the UAE Visa Center in Islamabad. – it's easy, just follow the instructions on the site.

Step 2: Handle the Fee Payment

You have to pay a biometric fee of $69 in US dollars. Here's how I did it:

- Go to a money exchange like Ravi Exchange (or any reliable one near you) and buy $69. Check the current exchange rate – I paid based on that day's rate.

- Deposit the dollars into Bank Alfalah. Not every branch accepts dollar deposits, so if one says no, they'll point you to a nearby one that does.

  

The account details for deposit:

- Account Title: Embassy of UAE, Islamabad (Visa Center)

- Account No: 0035-1007493698

- IBAN No: PK62ALFH0035001007493698

- Currency: US Dollars

Make sure to bring the original bank receipt on appointment day – it's super important!

I suggest deposit 69 $  2-3 days before your appointment to avoid last-minute rush.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all your papers and make 2-3 copies of each. Better to have extras than run around later! Here's the checklist I used:

1. Pre-approval visa document.

2. Last 6 months bank statement (signed and stamped) from you, your parents, or sponsor. It must show at least $5,000 or equivalent in PKR. (orignal no copies need)

3. Hotel booking, or home documents if staying with friends/relatives.

4. Confirmed return air tickets.

5. Colored copy of your passport.

6. Colored copy of your CNIC (National Identity Card).

7. Original passport (valid for at least 6 months).

8. Original CNIC (valid for at least 6 months).

9. Security photo: Just print a passport-size photo on the corner of a blank page. (You can print this and your CNIC copy on the same paper.)

Special notes for kids:

- Ages 0-5: No need to visit the center. Just send a passport-size photo with white background (no glasses, sitting properly).

- Ages 6-15: Must visit, but no photo needed – they'll take it there.

- Ages 15+: Same as adults, full process.

For work visas, you'll need more like medical fitness certificates, but the biometric part is similar.

Step 4: On the Day of Your Appointment

I had my appointment on 25 Feb 2026 (7th Ramadan) at the UAE Visa Center in Islamabad. Try to arrive early – I got there at 7:45 AM and there was already a queue! But 8-9 AM is fine; don't go too early.

- At the entrance: Show your appointment letter and bank receipt. They'll check if you've paid the fee (which you should have done before).

- Inside: They'll verify your name on the day's list and give you a visitor card.

- Before the shuttle: Leave your phone, wallet, etc., with the free locker service or someone accompanying you. No need to carry extras.

- At reception: Submit your appointment copy, CNIC copy, and security photo. Then, buy a shuttle ticket for 1500 PKR per person. Yeah, it's expensive for just 1 km to the embassy, but everyone complains about it – no choice!

- At the embassy entrance: Security will guide you. You only need the bank receipt, pre-approval visa copy, and passport inside. But like I said, keep extra copies of everything handy.

The whole process took me a couple of hours. They take your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

That's my full experience! If you follow this, it should be smooth. Have you done this before? Share in comments if you have tips. Safe travels to UAE! 🇵🇰✈️🇦🇪