safe to travel to islamabad

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Is Islamabad Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Pakistan : Safety by City

Islamabad is and has been the capital of Pakistan since 1963.

Islamabad, as compared to other big to medium-sized cities of Pakistan, has still somewhat maintained its reputation of being a quiet and peaceful city.

The weather is pleasant throughout the year.

The traffic is less, as compared to other cities in Pakistan and is also more organized.

People from almost all provinces live here and are friendly.

The suburbs in Islamabad are the same everywhere.

The size of the houses could be different but the shape and look and feel of the surrounding will be more or less the same.

• Warnings & Dangers in Islamabad

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Islamabad is, in general, a safe and calm city. But, with poverty flooding the country, it does have many dangers. Your biggest risks are shootings, bombings, and terrorist attacks.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Tourists are advised to take be extra careful at the airport itself. Avoid all forms of public transportation including taxis and buses: if at all possible, arrange with the people you're staying with to pick you up from the airport.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Petty street crime is somewhat of an issue in Islamabad and tourists are strongly advised against carrying valuables with them while on the streets: passports, bank cards, bags, jewelry, laptops, mobile phones, iPads and anything else you can think of should be left at home.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, Islamabad is susceptible to a couple of them that have hit in the past, like heatwaves, earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis. Monitor the situation and follow the advice from the authorities.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Violent crime rates are pretty low in Islamabad when it comes to armed robbery, robbery, carjacking, kidnappings, home invasion, and even murder. Men can walk safely anywhere in Islamabad, while women can too, but they'll often attract the unwanted attention of men. Apart from that, you're safe.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Islamabad. The biggest threat comes from Tehrik-e Taleban Pakistan, which is an umbrella organization of groups based in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. TTP carry out attacks throughout Pakistan, and the attacks are usually carried out using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), including suicide attacks.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There are scammers in Islamabad trying to take advantage of tourists, and the situation with scams is similar as in any other city. Be wary when handling money and of anyone trying to distract you. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women shouldn't let their guard down in Islamabad. Women walking alone, be it day or night, will attract the unwanted attention of men and passers-by. Apply all precaution measures at all times and avoid dark and empty streets and locations.

• So... How Safe Is Islamabad Really?

Though it has been said that Pakistan as a whole is a very dangerous country, it should be noted that Islamabad is rather safe.

The biggest fear for foreigners in Islamabad, when it comes to safety, is because this country has suffered from several bomb attacks during the last couple of years, and they were aimed against security forces, so-called western institutions.

Most recently, there was an explosion at a fruit market on 9 April 2014 and terrorists attacked a court in the F8 on 3 March 2014.

But the reality is quite different and the city is pretty safe.

You can go outside easily during the late midnight hours and can have a walk alone and of course, you can hang out until midnight.

Women that walk the streets alone will attract male attention, especially in areas of the city not often frequented by westerners.

If you visit these parts of the city, its good to be in a group, and avoid dimly lit streets.

Tourists are also strongly advised against visiting political gatherings, as – though it’s a country filled with friendly people – these gatherings might escalate into a protest that can turn violent and in some cases deadly.

• How Does Islamabad Compare?
• Useful Information

Most countries do need a visa to enter Islamabad. Some travelers can get a visa on arrival if traveling as part of a group tour, or for business. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your stay in Pakistan. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Pakistani embassy for further information.

The Pakistani rupee is the official currency in Islamabad. There are ATMs in Lahore and Islamabad and they accept foreign credit cards. Top-end establishments accept credit cards, but you are advised to bring cash with you.

Islamabad climate can be divided into three seasons: winter, which lasts from November to March, which is warm and affected by sea breezes on the coast, summer that lasts from April to July, with extreme temperatures and the monsoon season that lasts from July to September.

Islamabad International Airport is the main international airport in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital. It is built 20 km outside the twin cities near the Kashmir Highway and Motorway Interchange.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Islamabad, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Islamabad Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Pakistan - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

12 Reviews on Islamabad

Media is all lies.

I am a white female visitor and I have been to Pakistan twice and from my experience Islamabad is an AMAZING city. What the WESTERN MEDIA tells you is UNTRUE. This is an amazing place and there is no terrorism or attacks in Islamabad and people are very friendly and I didn’t feel in danger even ONCE unlike what people had said to me and what it says here. The culture there is to treat every woman as your sister, every man as your brother, the elderly as your parents/grandparents and children as your own and their religion makes them truly amazing and beautiful people, so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT believe people or media who are being islamophobic and if you REALLY want to know what a place is like to tell others go and visit it first. Much Love <3

Better you go there yourself and see it.

SAFEST PLACE ON EARTH.

I am from Islamabad there is no bombings or terrorist attacks SAFEST PLACE ON EARTH.

What the ****. I live in Islamabad.and its the safest city…

What a load of nonsense. I’ve lived in Islamabad my whole life, and have yet to experience a “terrorist attack” that you claim are “very likely.”

All my foreigner friends brothrs and sisters are more than welcome to one of the safest and beautiful city. Media is all crap. It’s much much safer than New York, London and New Delhi.

Lol how he mentioned “tsunamis” when Islamabad is literally far away from the coast makes me wanna slap him how he’s targetting Pakistanis

you are right, this is black face of media

Your wrong description of islamabad

Your input seems to be from one of the 750 fake websites India has established to malign Pakistan as dicovered by the EU lab, European union. Amend your write up on Islamabad otherwise you will suffer creditibality issues. Don’t fall for the Indian anti Pakistan propoganda. I have visited Islamabad, it’s a beautiful city and peaceful. A heaven on earth with wonderful people. Weather is awesome. See lots of tourists there.

Safe-enough.

Hi, I am a resident of Islamabad and I endorse this assessment. I live in one of the safest neighbourhoods, F7, but Islamabad has had its share of issues over the past. Just because security and safety are good right now (April 2021) it doesn’t mean it has been good in the past. I think most people in Islamabad are forgetting what it was like a decade ago when we were facing terrorism throughout the country.

Having said all of that I agree that currently “the reality is quite different and the city is pretty safe.”

They’re right in some and wrong in some. Islamabad has been improving as a city since the past few years, sure there are tons of crimes and terrorists throughout the nation but Islamabad is quite different. And it’s funny how they rated Lahore safer than Islamabad when it’s the opposite. Lahore is crowded and filled with crime while Islamabad is organized and modern.

Want to visit

These reviews are very helpful. I plan to visit Islamabad next year. How safe is it at this time?

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Article Contents

• Islamabad : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Home » Asia » Pakistan » Travel Safety

Is Pakistan Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

Blessed with massive mountain ranges, hospitality that you thought only existed in movies, and more historical sites then you can count, Pakistan is an adventure traveler’s wet dream.

But for those who haven’t been, the name “Pakistan” doesn’t exactly conjure up the wonderland just described. That’s because Pakistan is well known not just for its landscapes and friendly folk, but for terrorist attacks and military campaigns against religious extremists. It’s a lot to take in and, of course, it’s going to leave you wondering: “is Pakistan safe?”

Spoiler alert: it’s definitely not what Western media makes it out to be.

With a year of experience traveling the country independently, I’ve compiled this truly epic insider’s guide on how to stay safe in Pakistan .

From the safety of solo female travelers in Pakistan to whether you could (or should) take your family on a trip to the country, no stone will be left unturned in this Pakistan safety guide.

Ready to dive in? Read on for absolutely everything you need to know about how to stay safe while traveling in Pakistan!

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How Safe is Pakistan? (Our Take)

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Pakistan is  awesome . It’s got all the natural scenery you could ever dream of and a host of rich cultures to learn about. Add A LOT of history and you’ve got yourself a  prime traveling destination.

Backpacking Pakistan is not  really  thought of as safe though – which is undeserving because it’s definitely possible to travel safely. Places like the USA have infinitely more gun violence, yet is never talked about in the same negative light.

Granted, from 2007 – 2012 (i.e. a decade ago) the country did experience peak Taliban activity, and terrorist attacks were frequent.

But after a successful anti-terrorism campaign by the country’s intelligence agency and military, Pakistan’s security situation did a complete 180, and all places tourists actually visit are safe.

On the other hand, there are natural hazards to consider as well. Pakistan is in a major earthquake zone and sometimes monsoons can bring heavy rains, landslides, and   flooding .

Pakistan is a vastly misrepresented country.

The grand majority of Pakistan is very safe for travelers and has been for a while.

Whilst you MIGHT have to travel with an armed police escort in some places, you shouldn’t let that put you off the lure of the mountains, gleaming glaciers, and lush forests.

And the good news is that the majority of Pakistan, including nearly everywhere in Gilgit Baltistan except Fairy Meadows, can be explored independently without forced security. If you’re with an organized adventure tour group , then you will have even more security measures in place.

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of “Is Pakistan Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.

The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.

Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Pakistan. It won’t be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Pakistan.

If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe!

It’s a wild world out there. But it’s pretty damn special too. 🙂

484 pages with cities, towns, parks, and ALL the out-of-the-way places you will WANT to know. If you truly want to discover Pakistan , download this PDF .

The fact is, Pakistan is a difficult country to visit . That’s just how it is. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that Pakistan isn’t safe.

The UK government advises against “all travel” to certain areas.

These include the former  Federally Administered Tribal Areas , many districts of  Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa like Swat Valley and Lower Dir , the cities of  Peshawar, Quetta,  and  Nawabshah, Swat Valley, the  Lowari Pass that leads to Chitral, and the northern and western areas of  Balochistan .

That being said, if we all listened to the advice of our governments all the time, we would probably never visit anywhere interesting. While I’m not saying to try to make it to restricted areas that might actually be dangerous, I am saying to take Western travel warnings with a massive grain of salt. Peshawar in particular get a bad rep, but it’s the friendliest city in Pakistan and has been stable for years now.

The best parts of Pakistan, the ones that attract the most foreign attention, are very safe for tourists . These include the immediate areas around Lahore, Islamabad, and the northern, mountainous territory of Gilgit-Baltistan, and particularly, Hunza and Skardu Valleys. Nowadays, even Swat Valley is also safe to travel to, and welcoming people is the default.

In fact, there have been ZERO terrorist attacks in Hunza and Skardu. So if you’re traveling to Pakistan for the mountains, which is 99% of tourists, then you are generally much more secure.

As a team, we have spent a combined several YEARS exploring Pakistan, including some of the “no go” zones. In many places, Pakistan is no different from India in terms of the hustle and bustle.

But personally, I find Pakistan easier to travel in than India; there are virtually no scammers, significantly fewer people, and much cleaner surroundings. Obviously, there ARE some risks. In certain parts of Karachi, there are moderate levels of street crime but nothing compared to, say, any city in South America.

Be aware of the risks, do your research, and it will be safe to visit Pakistan .

When choosing where you’ll be staying in Pakistan, a bit of research and caution is essential, especially if you’re a solo female traveler . To help you out, I’ve listed the safest areas to visit in Pakistan below.

One of the best cities in Pakistan is also the safest, and unlike Islamabad which is beautiful but a bit stale, Lahore is bursting at the seams with culture and history.

Lahore’s security scene is very stable, and while you will stand out, foreigners visit Lahore all the time. You shouldn’t experience any issues with security.

However, do MAKE SURE the hotel you choose accepts foreigners before you arrive as not all have the permitted registration to do so.

As Lahore is home to nearly 11 million people, big city safety measures should be taken. However, Lahore is far safer than you might think. This assessment also takes into account solo female travelers.

Islamabad is easily the safest city in Pakistan and somewhere I believe virtually anyone could travel to.

Honestly, Islamabad is even safer than cities like Miami. The modern, glistening capital was built in the 1970s and was meticulously planned, leading to a very clean and green, if not a bit boring vibe.

I explored the city as a solo female traveler and felt completely comfortable. While of course, that’s just one anecdote, any traveler to Pakistan will tell you it’s the easiest place to begin your trip.

Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley is undoubtedly the safest place in all of Pakistan. Even during unstable times in the past, Hunza has always remained at peace.

This breathtaking mountainous region of Gilgit Baltistan is blessed with some of the best hikes in Pakistan , and is home to extremely welcoming and tolerant people.

The people of Hunza speak different languages and have different traditions and foods than other parts of Pakistan. Hunzokutz are also Ismaili, which is known to be the most liberal sect of Islam, and the region has the highest literacy rate in the entire country.

Hunza is also the absolute safest place in Pakistan for solo female travelers , and you can expect the least amount of staring or harassment here.

Aside from folks’ hospitable nature, Hunza is also blessed with natural beauty that can keep you busy for months, especially in peak summer weather.

Security officials are also very familiar with foreign tourists in Hunza compared to other areas of Pakistan, making for the least amount of hassle.

I personally LOVE Ghizer and have been lucky to spend several weeks there. The district, which is also in Gilgit Baltistan, is very similar to Hunza sans all the tourists.

You can expect friendly people, stunning nature, and some of the bluest lakes in all of Pakistan. Ghizer is massive, so plan to spend the majority of your time in Phander and Yasin.

Pretty much everything said about Hunza can also apply to Ghizer, except that foreign tourism, in particular, is newer. If you have your own camping equipment , a clear night spent aside the Phander Lake can’t be missed.

Places to Avoid in Pakistan

As mentioned above, there are areas in Pakistan that aren’t super safe. To help you plan a successful trip, I’ve listed the no-go areas below: 

• Former Tribal Agencies, aka FATA which lie along the Afghanistan border in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
• Interior portions of the Balochistan Province including Quetta.
• Areas of the Sindh Province north of Nawabshah .
• Kashmir/ Indian LOC (Line of Control aka the border).

These areas are in a state of unrest and often see random violence. Targets for crime may be anyone of virtually any nationality, race, or religion – for just about any reason.

So it’s not just travelers that should be incredibly careful, but locals as well.

But as a foreign tourist, you will NEVER accidentally end up in these places. There are numerous checkpoints that will not allow you to enter without an NOC (No-Objection-Certificate) , something that is nearly impossible to obtain for these regions without connections.

Pakistani officials are very overprotective of foreigners and often will not even allow you into areas that are technically safe but are too close to certain borders – with the exception of the Wagah Border crossing which is by far the most chill and accessible.

Neelum Valley is one such example. While extremely safe and popular with all kinds of domestic tourists, it’s banned for foreigners due to tensions with Indian-Occupied Kashmir.

The Makran Coastal Highway is yet another example. While not as locked down as Neelum, foreigners can’t stay in any hotels in this region without an NOC, despite it being popular with Pakistanis and quite safe.

This is another reason why Pakistan is even safer than you might think!

Pakistan Travel Insurance

Do you need Travel Insurance for your trip? ABSOLUTELY . Even if you’re only going for a few days, that’s more than enough time to get smoked by wrathful angels.

Have fun in Pakistan, but take it from us: overseas medical care and cancelled flights can be seriously expensive. Insurance can, therefore, be a life-saver.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Pakistan doesn’t SOUND safe, but that’s just the media. You can absolutely visit Pakistan safely.

Of course, there are some risks involved  with traveling to somewhere like Pakistan, but this is true for just about every country in the world these days.

Knowing about said risks, doing your research, preparing yourself to   travel smart; all this sort of stuff is going really going to help  in the long run. W ith that said, here are some of our top tips for traveling safely in Pakistan.

• Keep an eye on LOCAL media  – Definitely note down these media sources: Dawn , Pamir Times , and the Express Tribune . They stay on top of landslides, protests, or other events that might affect your Pakistan travel plans. It’s a crucial resposibility that you stay attuned to current events while in Pakistan: you are responsible for your safety!
• Ask the locals  – If you want advice on WHERE is safe to travel, just ask! You can do this both in person and on facebook groups like Backpacking Pakistan or The Karakoram Club.
• Steer clear of protests  – Usually, they’re peaceful, but these can quickly descend into mobs.
• Don’t get involved in politics, at all  – It’s a sticky issue and all too easy to cause offence.
• Avoid talking about Israel – Pakistan and Israel are not on good terms.
• Don’t get swept up in minority religious events  – These can also be targets for sectarian violence. However, I’ve also had fantastic times time Sufi festivals for example. I made sure to attend with a Pakistani just in case.
• Respect local customs  –  Especially during Ramadan.  Pakistan is a Muslim country, so be sensitive.
• Dress modestly  – Cover your shoulders and legs, and for ladies: your bum! Even shorts and T-shirts for men here will make you stand out like a sore thumb.
• Whilst you’re at it, don’t wear flashy things  – You’ll stand out ANYWAY, but seeming rich is going to really put you at risk. Keep your cash in a money belt , if you feel the need.
• Homosexuality is taboo – Keep in mind that queer culture and LGBT travel is very much underground in Pakistan. Certainly, public displays of affection between gay couples should be avoided. This will only draw heaps of unwanted attention.
• Travelling as a couple ? Just say you’re married  – When checking into hotels, I’ve found it to be easier to just say that you are married to the opposite sex person you are traveling with, even if you are just friends.
• Don’t carry drugs around  – Possession is illegal. Trafficking anything substantial can lead to serious repercussions. Keep it in the underground clubs. Smoking hash is no problem, but as with blazing it in 99.9% of the world, keep it lowkey.
• Know about the No-Objection-Certificate – You’ll need this if you’re going into military-controlled areas like Balochistan and Broghil Valley . Note that some areas could still be randomly closed to foreigners, even with an NOC.
• Do NOT take pictures of any military structure  – This actually includes dams, airports, anything big and civic.
• Protect against mosquitoes   – There have been outbreaks of dengue fever, but also malaria is a thing here, too. This is mostly an issue in the Punjab and Sindh provinces only.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecasts  – Landslide risks, roads getting washed away; these can all happen (and do happen), especially in the hills and mountains.
• Comply with the police  – This will make you A LOT safer. Police escorts and checkpoints are more for your safety than anything else.
• Learn some Urdu  – A lot of people speak English, but even some Urdu words and phrases will help you look more legit in the locals’ eyes.
• Register yourself with the local authorities at certain checkpoints – To speed up this process, have a shitton of passport copies to give them. Bonus: Have copies of visa as well, though for some reason they usually only want the passport.
• Get to know Pakistan’s currency  – This will help you not get scammed when you’re in the cities.
• You’ll need special permits for certain treks  – Some of Pakistan’s most famous treks, like the K2 Base Camp Trek, are located in a restricted zone and being a part of them will require a special permit. You’ll need to organize these a few months before you travel , which is best done through a travel agency.
• Always keep a cool head  – Don’t cause arguments or debate politics with people. More importantly NEVER, EVER say anything negative about Islam. In fact, do not even comment on religion unless you are 100% certain you’re with likeminded people.
• Be very mindful of hydration – It’s really frickin’ hot in Pakistan and dehydration is a serious problem. If you’re trekking at high altitudes, you’ll need to drink even more water as well. Never forget a water bottle.

Pakistan is an undiscovered gem. Anybody looking for a REAL adventure will really, really like Pakistan.

Traveling in Pakistan might be difficult at times. But thanks to great sources of support, like some very friendly local people, and even police escorts, Pakistan is definitely safer than you think.

In my opinion, what really makes travel in Pakistan a bit difficult is the various security agencies you’ll inevitably have to deal with.

Some of these instances are expected, such as on the trek to Fairy Meadows and the overland journey from the Taftan Border through Balochistan. But most are random, annoying, and honestly unnecessary .

So what can you expect? If you’re traveling with a tour group, practically nothing. But if you’re backpacking Pakistan independently, it can be a whole different kettle of fish.

Pakistan is still catching up on how to interact with tourists, especially those of us that are into long-term, independent, slow travel . And this can lead to harassment, interrogations, and being asked for the same documents 1 million times .

If you’re traveling with a Pakistani, you can expect them to receive these calls. And if they’re Pakistani and male, then it’s unlikely anyone will actually speak to you directly if you’re female.

While you should remain polite and respectful, it’s definitely okay to let them know you’re feeling bothered and do not want extra security . You may have to get increasingly firm about this – which is why speaking some Urdu will come in handy. In the worst-case scenario, you can always contact your embassy for assistance.

Keep in mind that this WILL NOT be an everyday occurrence and each traveler’s experience will vary wildly. Even my experiences with security officials in 2019 vs. 2021 have been completely different. Nevertheless, it’s essential to be prepared in advance so you’re not too surprised.

It sounds a little intimidating, but really, it’s normal protocol at the moment and has improved a LOT. Beforehand, you couldn’t even visit the Kalash Valleys without armed guards and now it’s wide open for independent travel.

We love progress, don’t we?

Additionally, remember that these situations do not mean Pakistan is unsafe or there are any issues. The country is simply still getting used to foreign backpackers. What speaks to their high level of safety consciousness better than that?

I dig solo travel. Taking yourself out of your comfort zone, gaining confidence, learning a language , giving yourself some time for you: there are a lot of pros when it comes to solo travel. But there are quite a few cons at the same time.

Traveling solo in Pakistan can be difficult; the bus rides are gruelling, the bureaucracy is frustrating, and the services aren’t really catered to single occupants.

If you’re short on time and don’t have much experience in the region, solo travel in Pakistan can be tough. But with a more fluid schedule – and a desire for adventure – it can give you the best experiences of your life.

Ultimately, Pakistan is safe for solo travelers . And part of the reason for this is because of Pakistanis themselves. You’ll never really be alone in this country, even if you arrive without knowing a single soul.

Here are a few more tips for a successful solo adventure to Pakistan:

Traveling to Pakistan Alone – Tips and Pointers

• First things first, you’re going to have to be respectful . It’s not just in how you dress – it’s also being sensitive to people’s beliefs, religion, language, customs, way of life; pretty much everything it is to be a Pakistani. People here are proud of their country, so be open-minded and you’ll get to learn a lot more. That’s why you’re here, right?
• Get a SIM card ASAP, and make sure it has both data and calling credit. You always want to be able to make a call if you need to. In major cities, ZONG and Jazz are top choices while SCOM operates in Gilgit Baltistan.
• Get yourself a  map  app . An offline app like  Maps.me  is good but an online one, like  Google Maps, is better. You should still have a rough, a real, physical map with you as well as these never run out of batteries. You’ll need to learn how to read a map if you want to be a real mountaineer though.
• Try out  couchsurfing .  This is a good way to save money on accommodation, of course, but is an even better way to meet and get to know a few locals. Not as scary as it sounds, especially if you’ve done it before.
• If you fancy meeting some other  travelers in Pakistan, then I highly recommend joining the  Backpacking Pakistan  Facebook group. Even if you don’t intend on meeting anybody, it’s a good place for travel tips and a treasure trove of trekking information, amongst other things.
• Get chatting to locals . People here are SO friendly. You never know where an invite into somebody’s house for a cup of chai will lead! (I mean this in a GOOD WAY.)
• Don’t go off the grid for weeks at a time. It’s always a good idea to keep in touch with people back home. Let family and friends know where you’re going.
• With that in mind, if you DO go off trekking or hiking by yourself,  tell someone where you’re going.  If you get into trouble, people will know where to find you.
• Don’t push yourself too hard and  know your limits physically. Traveling in Pakistan is tiring as it is, but mountain trekking can honestly take it out of you. If you’re feeling ill, not up to it… anything – either head back or tell your partner .
• And finally…  research, research, research!  In this unpredictable country, knowing things in advance is really going to pay off.

I’m not gonna to lie:  Pakistan isn’t the easiest place to travel,  but it’s FAR from the most difficult. One of these involves getting yourself on a tour, which is an option I’ll cover soon.  Simply  make sure you’re prepared, for trekking, for new cultures, for potential danger, etc. Pre-planning is the key here, for sure.

You might not think that “solo female traveler” and “Pakistan” even go in the same sentence – unless it’s a negative one.

But that’s where you’re  wrong.  It’s definitely not for the faint of hearted, or first-timers, but Pakistan is generally safe for solo female travelers. This does NOT mean there are no concerns though– in 2022, a foreign traveler was a victim of gang rape –by two friends she knew and had spent a lot of time with.

As a woman traveling solo in Pakistan , you will have to be extra cautious of who you trust when it comes to men. Luckily, such horrific incidents involving foreign women are rare, but general harassment from men?

Not so much.

Here are some of the best ways to keep yourself safe in Pakistan as a solo female traveler:

Travelling to Pakistan as a Woman – Tips and Pointers

• Traditionally,  women cover-up.   So basically, the more covered up you are, the more respect you’ll get. A  shalwar kameez is one of the best things to wear in Pakistan anyways. (It’s   hella comfy !)
• With that in mind,  dress appropriately in religious places of worship.  Definitely, no shoulders or legs showing, and long-sleeved are also a must. And, of course, your head HAS to be covered as a rule.
• Carry a shawl, pashmina, or large scarf around with you wherever you go. You never know when you’ll have to cover up more than you already are .
• Try to avoid being completely alone with a man (or men) without a woman or another traveler present. Always make sure that someone knows where you are at all times, even if that person is abroad.
• Pakistan is a  patriarchal society,  absolutely, but people will look out for you as a solo female traveler in Pakistan. In fact, a lot of the time, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
• As a woman, Pakistan can really be a culture shock. In some places,  men might just ignore women.  If you’re with a male, for example, a guy might just talk to you through him. In fact, this happens  a lot.
• You  might  be physically or verbally harassed. This typically tend to happen in big cities or other crowded areas. If or when this happens,  just ignore it  and then discuss the incident with a tour guide or chaperone; they’ll know what to do.
• However,  Northern Pakistan  is much more laid-back and it’s actually normal to see women walking around and doing things on their own. It’s literally a refreshing place in that sense (being in the mountains, and all).
• You will be stared at, especially if you have lighter or red hair. Preparing yourself for the staring of a lifetime will put you in good stead to not be surprised when you’re  gawked at  by men as you walk past them. It will happen very often and the best option is to ignore. Many people may have never seen a foreigner before and will be genuinely surprised.
• When you first meet a man,  don’t be too friendly.  It might be taken the wrong way. Just a normal meeting, with fewer smiles is fine.
• Don’t walk around by yourself pretty much anywhere in big cities at night time. Alleyways and deserted streets are a  definite  no-go, as with anywhere in the world.
• If a man asks for selfies with you (this happens a fair bit),  make sure there’s a distance between you.  Don’t let them touch you. Definitely no arms around you or anything.
• Before you even head off on your Pakistan backpacking adventure, make a few friends.  Join the Facebook group  Female Pakistan Travelers – a collection of (you guessed it) Pakistan-loving travelers, from both Pakistan and abroad, who can offer advice. Try to recruit a traveling buddy or two.
• If you get a taxi,  don’t sit in the front seat unless it’s a shared vehicle with others present.   The same goes for buses (there’s a woman-only area).
• When it comes to emergencies, keep handy numbers and important contacts high up in your phone – put a bit of punctuation before the name so they’ll always show up first.

Being a solo female traveler in Pakistan isn’t going to be straightforward. But just because you’re a female  doesn’t mean that Pakistan is off-limits to you.  It might not be simple, but it’s doable.

So, Pakistan is safe for solo female travelers . It can be unsafe, of course, but so can anywhere. There’s nothing stopping you from discovering this incredible country.

On Solo Female Travel in Pakistan…

Hear from another member of The Broke Backpacker Team – Samantha – about her extensive travels in Pakistan.

I’ve now spent nearly 8 months solo traveling in Pakistan after arriving by myself in April 2021. To be honest, I had never traveled solo ANYWHERE before embarking on this journey; though I had spent 4 months traveling with another person in Pakistan in 2019.

What prepared me the most for this as a literal first-time solo female traveler (the longest flight I had ever taken alone had been 3 hours to my university lol) was undoubtedly extensive research.

What helped me out even more was learning Urdu, Pakistan’s national language, before hitting the road.

Being able to give taxi drivers directions, haggle when necessary, and most importantly, having the ability to communicate with those who DON’T speak English has made the experience so much easier and more immersive.

But even if you don’t have time to learn any Urdu, you can still absolutely enjoy Pakistan as a solo female traveler. First off, it’s INCREDIBLY easy to meet people, and that’s especially true about locals.

All of my best memories and experiences in Pakistan have been because of the kindness or friendship of a Pakistani.

There are a couple of major rules you should follow: never giving out your phone number to men you don’t know, dressing modestly (!), and sitting in the women-only areas on buses and other transport.

If using Couchsurfing, only select hosts with prior reviews from SOLO FEMALES. Stellar recommendations from men, unfortunately, cannot always be trusted.

Tryna travel by hitchhiking ? Pakistan is an extremely easy place to do so; just try to only get in cars where a woman in present. If the vibe is off, stay put.

Overall, Pakistan is significantly easier to travel in than it’s made out to be. To ease into things, start your adventure in Islamabad and try to get to the mountains as soon as possible.

It’s 100% facts that Gilgit Baltistan is the easiest place to travel in, making it a fantastic place for solo female travelers to begin.

I also recommend checking out the Female Pakistan Travelers Facebook group to meet both fellow foreign travelers and local Pakistani ladies. Men are NOT allowed to join so it’s a safe space to ask and open up about anything.

You can read more about Samantha’s adventures in Pakistan on her blog Intentional Detours . 

I’ve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. Let’s get into it.

Is Pakistan Safe to Travel for Families?

It’s ok if you’re concerned about traveling to Pakistan with family. But Pakistan is a cultural goldmine  and is going to totally open up your children’s minds.

There’s so much history and heritage to soak up here. One, amongst literally so many, is  Lahore Fort.  This is a monumental place to explore; a time machine that your kids will love running around.

And that’s just ONE (amazing) thing.

To be honest, I wouldn’t exactly recommend taking  small children  to Pakistan. There’s too much of a lack of facilities for toddlers and babies that it’s just not worth it. Stressful doesn’t even begin to cover it!

If you are going to bring small children, you’ll find milk formula, nappies, wipes, all that baby stuff in big cities. Outside of the cities – no chance.

Older children? Of course. They’ll love it.

Traveling to Pakistan for anybody means a lot of planning and logistics . This goes double, if not ten times, if you’re traveling to Pakistan with your family. There are some things to make sure of:

• Everyone’s up to date with vaccines.
• To bring insect repellent.
• Your children aren’t in the sun for too long.
• Everyone covers up with suncream AND clothes. (Sun hats are always a good shout, too.)
• They wash their hands, especially. Their mitts can get PRETTY grubby; not a good precursor to lunchtime.
• You’re stocked up on snacks – biscuits, crisps, nuts… which luckily can be found anywhere in Pakistan.
• You get a Letter of Invitation from a reputable tourist company that can assist you if need be even if you’re travelling independetly.

Other than that, Pakistan is actually safe to travel for families. And in the future, it will probably (I hope) be A LOT easier.

Is it Safe to Drive in Pakistan?

Sometimes it’s safe to drive in Pakistan and sometimes it’s NOT safe to drive in Pakistan; it really depends on the time and place you’re in.

The latter mainly applies to the cities because they are a mess of traffic.  There’s a lot of  dodgy driving, a lot of horns blaring, and a lot of negligence with the rules of the road. 

But away from all the hustle and bustle of the cities, Pakistan has some quite literally  amazing driving experiences  on offer – especially on a motorbike .

There are still things to be aware of though. Locals can drive erratically and some road conditions can be bad. The roads are often  unlit at nighttime . So I do not advise driving after dark.

And what’s the point of driving at night anyway?  You’ll miss all the scenery.

I would recommend driving in Pakistan for confident, experienced drivers. But wow oh wow –  what a way to see a country.  Pakistan really is a stunner of a place for a road trip.

Is Uber Safe in Pakistan?

Uber is safe in Pakistan and makes it easy to get around since you won’t have to rely on  taxis. 

The benefits of Uber, in general,   apply here. There’s also the security of knowing who will pick you up, the ability to pay in-app rather than use cash, being able to read the drivers’ reviews, knowing the number plate and make of the car arriving for you, being able to track your journey…

And there are even  different options  to suit your budget and needs.

There’s the usual standard Uber ( UberGO ) and the fancier UberX, but there’s also  UberMINI  (smaller cars), and even  UberAUTO  which are tuk-tuks!

And  UberMOTO  – motorbike taxis. Both of the latter options are MUCH quicker ways of getting around. And cheaper. And amazing.

Pakistan also has its own version of Uber called Careem. I highly recommend downloading the app, as Careem often has cheaper prices than Uber and might be more prevalent in certain areas.

While both services eliminate some of the hassles that come with bargaining with taxis, there are still some important things to know.

With Uber, you CAN pay by the credit card attached to your account, but many drivers will try to say they can only accept cash. Sometimes this is true, but it can also be a scam to get paid twice. Before starting the ride, discuss your payment method.

Careem, on the other hand, doesn’t accept foreign-issued cards so you should be prepared to pay in PKR.

Note that  Uber and Careem mainly operate in  Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi and other cities around Pakistan.

Are Taxis Safe in Pakistan?

Taxis anywhere in the world often come with a whole LOAD of hassle and the taxis in Pakistan  are no different .   Generally, taxis  are  safe in Pakistan, but there are some things you should do to make sure you’re extra safe.

First and foremost you should try to  avoid hailing a taxi from the street . If you hail a cab they’ll most likely refuse   to use the meter, tell you it’s broken, whatever, and try to make you pay a fare that will be much higher  than you’d usually pay for the journey.

Use radio taxis instead . Finding a good radio taxi company can be as simple as asking your accommodation to recommend one.

The taxis are usually black or yellow in Pakistan. If you’re unsure of anything, take a photo of the car number plate or the driver’s ID. This will be handy if anything goes wrong.

If you’re a woman, in Pakistan you can actually use a special  women-only taxi service . These cars are  pink and are actually driven by women too.

The name of the company is easy to remember as well:  Pink Taxi. These are a safe way for female travelers to get around the city, but, unfortunately, only operate in  Karachi .

On the whole, taxis are safe in Pakistan. They’re just sly and sometimes like to scam riders, like every other taxi  all over the world.

Is Public Transportation in Pakistan Safe?

Public transportation in Pakistan is safe depending on what you use and where . 

Tuk-tuks (called moto rickshaws in Pakistan) are the main way that the general public get around. You will have to negotiate a price before you get in and chug around those congested streets. But they’re cheap and efficient . And it means not having to deal with the buses.

Buses are all over the place in cities. They’re normally pretty small and  very crowded.  However, there are womens-only sections even on metro buses which makes them safe for women.

Buses can be  very slow.  They take a long time to get around, so you’ll have to be  patient . When it comes to rush hour, avoid buses completely.

Good old long-distance buses are the main ways to travel between towns, to different provinces, and across the country. You may have to change a few times or wait for them to deal with hassles on the road, like a popped tire or obstruction.

Then there’s  rail travel.  A relic of the British colonial era, it’s still in operation thanks to  Pakistan Railways.  It’s pretty huge – 228 trains PER DAY carrying 65 million passengers annually.

There are plenty of overnight trains in Pakistan – you can get an air-conditioned sleeper OR a first-class sleeper if you’re feeling rich. But in the daytime, you may as well just sit in the “parlor car”.

Is the Food and Water in Pakistan Safe?

Let’s start with the bad news: tap water is not safe to drink in MOST places. However, there are exceptions, water in pretty much all remote, mountainous areas like Hunza Valley is safe to drink.

But outside of that? You’re going to have to bring a filtered water bottle with you. You will have a hard time finding one in the country.

Pakistani food on the other hand is AMAZING, people. It is one of the best reasons to travel to Pakistan .

It’s all about the  karahis  – cooking pots that utilize a whole host of simmering, tomato-based goodness with tender chunks of meat and onions and  ghee  thrown in for good measure. SUPER delicious.

Add to that the greasy but amazing  puris , and being able to wash it all down with a  lassi , and you’ll honestly be in  foodie heaven  when you arrive.

But tasty doesn’t always mean it’s safe. Just to make sure, I’ve got some tips for you to safely eat your way around Pakistan.

• Pakistani fruit is delicious but you will have to make sure that you choose the right stuff. We’re talking fruits that can be  peeled yourself.  Anything else, like strawberries, make sure you wash them yourself in  boiled water. (Not boiling water. That would ruin them.)
• Steer clear of salads and water when you’re out. This sort of stuff can’t ALWAYS be trusted and is often the kind of thing that’s going to give you a bad stomach.
• Similarly, you should avoid  ice  in drinks for the same water-related reason, obviously.
• You will be drinking A LOT of chai so get used to it. If you’re a fan of tea like Earl Grey, then you’re already halfway (ish) to the flavor of chai anyway.
• Be warned that there is so much oil used in Pakistani food; a lot of stuff is just straight up deep-fried.  There is also a whole lot of fat, too.
• Definitely avoid food stalls where the food looks as though it’s been  sitting around all day without a cover.  Avoid them even more if this food has flies having a party on it.
• If you’re in the midst of a bad tummy in Pakistan already, then head to places that are  busy with locals.  This will mean two things. One: that it’s pretty amazing in terms of tastiness. Two: that it’s got decent enough hygiene levels. No one would go back to the place that made them super ill, would they?
• Pakistani food can be spicy, like, really fiery. So maybe don’t go in too hard as soon as you arrive. Don’t eat it too quickly either, especially if you’re not used to this sort of food. You could get acid reflux or just a bad case of a dodgy stomach.
• WASH YOUR HANDS: a top tip and literally the  simplest one.  Your hands will get dirty traveling around Pakistan.
• And on that note, adopt the left-hand-is-dirty rule of the Muslim world. You know what I mean 😉

Just go steady: don’t eat loads, go where the locals go, make sure that you wash your hands. There’s no point completely missing out on what Pakistani cuisine has to offer.

And even if you’re used to spicy foods, be sure to take Immodium, Gas X, and heartburn medication with you to start out!

Is Pakistan Safe to Live?

You can live in Pakistan and a lot of people do. Besides the 200 or so million Pakistani people, there are a few thousand ex-pats too.

That’s not to say it’s easy for a foreigner in Pakistan. There aren’t a lot of ex-pats living in Pakistan and it’s still quite rare to see anybody foreign on the streets. This means often being seen as an outsider and being stared at is the norm.

You MAY even be safer as a woman.  Harming a foreign female would be a triple no-no for a local in terms of societal norms: they’d be harming a living creature, harming a guest, and harming a woman.

As much as Pakistan is cool to visit, it’s cool to live there too. You could spend your time eating biriyani and a lot of other tasty food, for one thing. That’s not even mentioning the incredible scenery and history that will be open to you if you actually live here.

WHERE to live is another story…

• Hunza Valley and other parts of Gilgit Baltistan are definitely the safest and best places to live in the country. Really, they’re like another country all together. Many of the problems you find in the cities do not exist here, and the people are absolutely unbelievable.
• Lahore  is a good option. This has better public transport – an upcoming metro system (fingers crossed) – better infrastructure, is cleaner than other cities, and also boasts  lower crime rates . This city is also blessed with  green spaces  which is always a good thing.
• Islamabad is another great choice, especially since it benefits from lush greenery, plenty of Western restaurants, and is home to the beautiful Margalla Hills.

Basically, it’s important to remember that these are still  uncertain times  for Pakistan. Terrorist attacks come without warning and can be relatively frequent. Vigilance, as well as watching the news, will really help you stay safe.

Expats can usually afford a bubble away from the local life; this means cooks, cleaners, a gated community, social clubs, bodyguards.

If that’s not your scene,  try to blend in – dress like a local and maybe learn some Urdu.

It has its unique circumstances, but, at the end of the day, it’s safe to live in Pakistan. Whether you want to live in a gated community or with the rest of the population, it’s up to you.

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An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Is it Safe to Rent an Airbnb in Pakistan?

Without a doubt, renting an Airbnb in Pakistan is very safe. You’ve got a world-class booking system, a reliable review and rating platform and you’re even protected through the website while booking.

Unfortunately, you can only find Airbnbs in the major cities. But the ones that are available are kept at an incredibly high standard, with some of the nicest and kindest hosts you’ll ever meet.

Planning a safe trip to Pakistan can get quite overwhelming. That’s why I’ve compiled (and answered) the most frequently asked questions about safety in Pakistan.

Is Pakistan safe for female tourists?

Pakistan is very safe and welcoming towards female travellers. We’d still recommend travelling with a bit of caution and keeping your eyes open at all times.

How dangerous is Pakistan?

As long as you stay aware of your surroundings, Pakistan is not a dangerous country to travel to. Unless you’re actively looking for trouble, you should have a great time.

What should you avoid in Pakistan?

These are the things you should avoid in Pakistan: – Stay away from protests – Don’t disrespect local culture and religion – Don’t talk about Israel – Avoid wearing flashy things

Is Pakistan safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

No, homosexuality is still a very clear taboo in Pakistan. To stay safe, keep any sort of affection with your partner behind closed doors.

Is Pakistan safe to travel alone?

Yes, Pakistan is safe to travel alone and in fact, solo travelers will receive even more help and assistance.

Is Pakistan safe for U.S Citizens?

YES. Any Anti-American sentiment is directed towards the government, not average citizens. Americans will treated just as nicely as any other national, even in places like Swat Valley.

Is there weed in Pakistan?

While the delish devil’s lettuce is a bit hard to find in Pakistan, the country makes up for it by having the best hashish on the planet. While technically illegal, the attitude towards charas as its often called is super chill, and it’s more accepted than alcohol in most places.

Pakistan is a tricky one. On one hand, it’s terrorism is still an issue and violent events do occur.

On the other hand, these events are rare these days and are almost never directed at tourists. Most acts of violence in Pakistan have a familial or political motive.

It’s a beautiful, PEACEFUL country populated by unbelievably friendly people; strangers who will fill you with  chai  for hours. It’s all about contrasts. Swanky cars next to rickshaws, mad cities, laid back rural settlements, very nice people, and very nasty people.

But for the most part, you WILL be able to avoid the more dangerous elements.

Where you go has a big impact on this. To be honest, the cities aren’t always great . Especially in summers where 40+ C temperatures make exploring anything seem like a chore.

Basically: It’s all about the North.  This is where you’ll find incredible trekking opportunities, chilled-out villages, former colonial hill stations, a whole host of history, and LOADS of different cultures existing together. 

Visiting this region is quite literally life-changing, and is sure to give you glimpses of scenery you didn’t even think possible.

Some parts of Pakistan are not suitable for you; the BEST parts of Pakistan are there for the taking though. As long as you do your research, travel smart, and follow the rules, it should be fine. MORE than fine: EPIC.

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

Updated December 2021 by Samantha at Intentional Detours .

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No way! Pakistan people gathered and have burned an innocent Sri Lankan yesterday 3/12 so pakistan is not a safe country for people in other religions.

Yes we did read about that horrific and barbaric incident but it does not alter or advise on visiting Pakistan in any way.

Great Information shared. Thanks for sharing your amazing words to the entire world about how safe this country for travellers. I love reading this article. Hope you will continue sharing such amazing information. As it’s a dire need to promote Pakistan tourism.

I went twice in 1997 for a month then over two months. What a great country, such friendly people but upper swat can be hard and less welcoming. I spent much time in nwfp Peshawar and especially Chitral which I found so beautiful but for me what really made the travel so special is the wonderful people who I am still so grateful to after all these years.god bless them.

If you’re intending on an overland trip throughout Asia, you have to be passing from the no-go areas such as Quetta. Because it’s the only way of entry through Iran. Basically from the border you’re hauled to Quetta with an escort, stay at one designated hotel there (pricey but they allow tents in their courtyard), then again hauled off to Lahore on a train. That was what I had read in all the travel sites-blogs-etc. during my research for my backpacking trip through Asia from Turkey to Japan. During the planning stage I was split between two ideas: going overland from Iran, with quick stints in Quetta and Lahore, then on to India from the famous border crossing with that extravagant ceremony….and taking the ferry from Iran to Oman (Qeshm-Khasab) then fly to India (there are many flights). And then there was this HOSPITAL BOMBING in Quetta, that made me instantly choose the Iran-Oman route. I did the trip in 2017 BTW (just the ferry ticketing agency on Qeshm did not know the visa rules and refused to sell a ticket to me and I had to fly to Muscat from Bandar Abbas).

Interesting and informative article. I recently visited Pakistan for the first time, albeit I was staying with family, so that made a huge difference. I also had certain apprehensions prior to visiting, but as stated in the article, its all about location. Knowing which areas are safe to venture into certainly helps. Much like India, I could certainly see where the country might feel abit intimidating to a first time traveller, but again, it you take the right precautions, use common sense, and stay in the right places with the right people, then most likely you should be fine.

I completely agree to your thoughts that foreigners mostly think that Pakistan is one of the most unsafe place on this planet. The reason behind this is the media portraying the image of Pakistan in a very negative way. They just show the negative side of Pakistan not the postive one.

“The UK government advises against “all travel” to certain areas. These include the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, many districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the cities of Peshawar, Quetta, and Nawabshah, the Lowari Pass, and the northern and western areas of Balochistan.

But, here’s the thing – none of these places really offer anything to tourists. You can visit them if you like but you’ll probably just find dusty roads.”

I am surprised to read something like this on a backpacker blog… Peshawar not offering anything for tourists? Really? Have you been there?

You’re right. Peshawar is an interesting place to visit as is Balochistan. We changed the language to reflect this. But please understand that sometimes certain areas are just too hairy to visit. People can certainly visit anywhere in Pakistan that they want but if somewhere is embroiled in a conflict at the moment, it may be better to visit later.

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Pakistan Traveler View

Pakistani authorities have begun random COVID-19 testing of two percent of all travelers entering Pakistan through all points of entry. Those testing positive for COVID-19 will be given home isolation instructions. For more details, see Health Alert .

Travel Health Notices

Vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Pakistan. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

• Global Polio May 23, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles May 21, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia
• XDR Typhoid Fever in Pakistan June 16, 2023 An outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid fever in Pakistan is ongoing. Extensively drug-resistant infections do not respond to most antibiotics.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Cholera is  presumed to be present  in Pakistan. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera. Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Pakistan.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Pakistan. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Pakistan.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Pakistan take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Pakistan.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

In Pakistan poliovirus has been identified in the past year.

Travelers to Pakistan are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.

Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Pakistan who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an  accelerated vaccination schedule .

Polio - CDC Yellow Book

Polio: For Travelers

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Pakistan. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Pakistan, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Pakistan. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to "adventurous eating." A significant proportion of Salmonella Typhi strains found in Pakistan a re extensively drug resistant but remain susceptible to azithromycin and carbapenems ( more information ).

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Pakistan, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Pakistan. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Pakistan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Pakistan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Pakistan. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Pakistan may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Pakistan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Pakistan.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Pakistan for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Safety and security

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad . 

Terrorism in Pakistan

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Pakistan.

There is a high threat of terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan. Read our advice on regional risks in Pakistan for more information.  

Terrorist groups operating in Pakistan include: 

• Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) 
• Tehreek-e Jihad Pakistan (TJP)  
• Balochistan separatists 
• Islamic Sate Khorasan Province (ISKP)  

Terrorist groups mainly target Government of Pakistan security forces. Areas of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, suffer regular terrorist attacks. However, terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning, including in popular destinations frequented by foreign nationals. 

While terrorist attacks are mainly directed against the Pakistani state, attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning, including in places visited by foreigners, such as: 

• Pakistani government personnel and institutions 
• security and police force locations
• political rallies, events and demonstrations  
• places of worship, including churches and religious sites, and religious processions 
• infrastructure projects
• hotels, restaurants and shopping areas
• courts and diplomatic premises
• airports and public transport 
• schools and educational institutions 
• hiking trails
• sports and live music events
• densely populated and unsecured areas 

Take particular care during periods of national or religious significance, including the month of Ramadan, and during election periods. 

Advice for travellers 

There may be increases in security force presence and restrictions on movement may be put in place at short notice. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. You should: 

• keep a low profile 
• minimise your exposure to areas and events that post a higher risk  
• avoid large organised gatherings, such as public protests, religious gatherings and processions, and political rallies 
• vary your routes and timings if you make regular journeys 
• limit movements on Friday afternoons 
• avoid large crowds of people and public events 
• be prepared to change your plans as necessary  

Terrorist kidnap 

There is a threat of kidnap throughout Pakistan, particularly within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. However, terrorist groups are unlikely to prioritise the kidnap of Westerners in Pakistan. Any kidnap of a foreigner by terrorist groups in Pakistan would likely be opportunistic. 

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.  

The long-standing policy of the British government policy is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Political situation

Nationwide elections were held on 8 February. Although campaigning has taken place, political rallies and demonstrations may take place across the country. Previous experience shows that these have the potential to turn violent and could lead to clashes with law enforcement authorities. During previous elections, terrorists have targeted security forces, political events, rallies, government buildings and polling stations.

You should:

• avoid all political demonstrations, large crowds of people and public events  
• be prepared to change your plans as necessary 
• keep track of the local news 

Public demonstrations are common. Protests can occur with little warning. Most are peaceful, but they can turn violent quickly.  

Travelling around Pakistan 

Pakistan authorities advise all foreigners (including diplomats) not to move out of their place of residence without proper security and co-ordination with the law enforcement agency. This is not rigorously enforced, but consider telling local authorities about any travel plans. There are a number of prohibited areas across the country. Officials could stop you and ask you to turn back. 

When travelling in Pakistan, you or your travel company should contact the local authorities of your destination in advance to check the local security situation. They may arrange police protection. They will also tell you if you need a No Objection Certificate from the Pakistani Ministry of Interior. 

Take safety precautions, keep a low profile and choose your accommodation carefully.

Protecting your belongings 

Street crime is a risk. Take sensible measures to protect yourself and your belongings, particularly on public transport, in crowded areas and when travelling to and from the airport.  

Be cautious when moving around urban areas at night, especially when on foot. 

British nationals of Pakistani origin have been targeted by criminals, including kidnappers, as they are often perceived as being wealthier than locals. 

There is an active black market in forged and stolen passports. Credit card fraud is common. Be aware of scams.

Lawlessness  

Much of Balochistan, northern Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have a high level of lawlessness.

Laws and cultural differences  

Pakistan is a Muslim country. Respect the local traditions, customs and laws. Make sure your actions do not cause offence. 

Standards of public behaviour differ between the UK and Pakistan. Behaviour that might be acceptable in the UK can cause offence in Pakistan. Being considerate of others is important in Pakistani culture. Loud or rowdy behaviour in public is likely to attract a negative response.

Personal ID 

You may be asked to show photo ID. You are advised to carry some form of photo ID at all times. 

Ramadan, also called Ramazan in Pakistan, is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:  

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car  
• play loud music or dance  
• swear in public  

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.  

You should also:  

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants  
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens  
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time  
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness  
• be aware that driving may be unpredictable, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk  
• be patient and show tolerance 

Dress modestly. Men and women should cover their shoulders and legs in public. Women should cover their heads when entering mosques and holy places, and in rural areas. 

Insulting or showing disrespect or contempt of religion, religious beliefs or anything considered sacred (blasphemy) is illegal. Blasphemy has a broad definition in Pakistani law. It includes public and private comments in any form, including on social media.

There are significant criminal penalties, including the death penalty. Those accused of blasphemy are at significant risk of violence from the public. Both Muslims and religious minorities have been victims of blasphemy accusations and violence, including killings.  

Be sensitive to religious beliefs and behave appropriately.  

Death penalty 

The death penalty is used for crimes including blasphemy, murder, rape and drug trafficking. 

Alcohol laws and bans 

Drinking alcohol is illegal for Muslims. Non-Muslims are allowed to drink in Pakistan, but you must get a licence from the authorities. It is also illegal for non-Muslims to supply alcohol to Muslims. Public drinking and drunkenness are illegal and can lead to detention. 

Illegal drugs and prison sentences 

You can be imprisoned for possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs. British nationals have been arrested on drug trafficking charges and have been detained for long periods while their case is in the Pakistan legal system. The death penalty can be used for drug trafficking. 

Photography 

Do not take photographs at military establishments, airports or any infrastructure (including bridges and dams) or from aircraft. British nationals have been arrested on suspicion of ‘spying’. Check with officials if you’re not sure whether you can take a photo.  

You should not take photos of people without seeking prior permission. 

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex relationships are illegal . Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers . 

Relationships 

It is illegal for unmarried couples to live together. 

Dual nationals  

If you or your parents were born in Pakistan, you might be considered a Pakistani national by the local authorities even if you do not hold a Pakistani passport. In this case, the British government may not be able to provide full consular assistance if you need it.

The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) and Smart National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (SNICOP) are issued to citizens of Pakistan who are not resident in Pakistan. If you hold either, you will be recognised as a citizen of Pakistan.

If you are a dual British and Pakistani national living or travelling in the country of your other nationality, we would not normally support you or get involved in dealings between you and that country’s authorities. Read more about  who the  FCDO  can support abroad , including information for dual nationals.

Transport risks  

Road travel  .

If you are planning to drive in Pakistan, see information on driving abroad . 

You need either a 1968 international driving permit ( IDP )  or a UK driving licence to drive in Pakistan. The 1926 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Road safety 

Outside of the major motorways, the quality of roads is variable. Road conditions can be poor and there is a risk of carjacking. Local driving standards are erratic, especially at night. Take care on long road journeys and when travelling cross-country.  

The north of Pakistan is mountainous. Many roads, including the N15 highway between Chilas and Babusar in Gilgit Baltistan, are inaccessible at some times of the year due to extreme weather conditions. Many roads in these remote areas are of very poor quality with uneven surfaces. Landslides frequently block or destroy roads. Use experienced local drivers when travelling these routes and only in clear weather conditions. 

Avoid using street or e-taxis. Only use taxis from reputable, licensed companies where you call for a taxi and the operator contacts a taxi driver. 

Public transport 

Due to the level of crime, avoid using public transport, including the Metro Bus between Rawalpindi and Islamabad. 

Air travel 

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Pakistan that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority .

Flights to and from the mountainous areas in the north of Pakistan are frequently delayed or cancelled due to extreme weather.  

Rail travel 

Avoid using the railway network due to the risk of terrorist attacks and derailments. 

Sea travel 

The threat from piracy within Pakistan’s territorial waters is low. There is a significant threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and other parts of the Indian Ocean. Mariners should follow shipping industry guidelines on precautions to take.

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Monitor local and international weather updates from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and see weather advisories from the National Disaster Management Authority .

The monsoon season in Pakistan is from late June to early October. Heavy rains can cause severe flooding, particularly in Sindh and Punjab provinces. 

Landslides 

Check local forecasts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and be aware of the risk of landslides and road blockages, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions. Take extreme care crossing swollen rivers. 

Pakistan recently experienced flooding and landslides. Roads and bridges have been damaged or destroyed, affecting travel in many parts of the country. More information is available from the National Disaster Management Authority . 

Earthquakes 

Earth tremors are common. Read advice on what to do before, during and after an earthquake from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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Latest update

Reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan overall due to the volatile security situation and threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Pakistan (PDF 899.15 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

All emergencies, fire and rescue services.

Call 1122 or 16.

Medical emergencies

Call 1122 or 115, or go to the nearest hospital.

Call 15 or visit the nearest police station.

Advice levels

Reconsider your need to travel  to Pakistan overall.

Reconsider your need to travel  to Pakistan overall due to the volatile security situation and threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.

See Safety .

Do not travel  to Balochistan or Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (excluding Chitral, Abbottabad and Haripur districts). 

Do not travel to:

• Balochistan
• Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (excluding Chitral, Abbottabad and Haripur districts)

due to the poor security situation and high risk of kidnapping.

Do not travel to border areas with Afghanistan and India (excluding Lahore, Wagah, Kasur, Narowal and Sialkot).

Do not travel to border areas with Afghanistan and India (excluding Lahore, Wagah, Kasur, Narowal and Sialkot) due to the volatile security situation.

• Frequent and large-scale demonstrations and protests can occur. Protests can turn violent quickly. Avoid large groups of people, demonstrations and protests. The security situation is evolving and remains unpredictable. Monitor media for information on the latest developments and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Terrorist groups hostile to foreign interests operate in Pakistan. The threat of attack remains very high. Do not travel to Balochistan or Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (except the Chitral, Abbottabad and Haripur districts). The risk of attack is highest in these locations. If you travel to other parts of Pakistan, be cautious, including in major cities. Avoid crowded places and possible targets. Always have an exit plan.
• Reports continue to identify the potential for attacks in Islamabad. In response, heightened security arrangements are in place, including increased security forces, additional checkpoints and temporary road closures. Terrorists may also target places frequented by foreigners, transport infrastructure, including trains and airports, and places of worship. Australian officials in Islamabad have been advised to maintain vigilance. You should exercise heightened vigilance, review your personal security plans and monitor the media for the latest updates.
• Violent crime, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking and kidnapping, occurs across Pakistan. The risk of kidnapping is very high in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. If you travel to these areas, get professional security advice. If you must go to the Chitral district or Gilgit Baltistan, travel by commercial aircraft and not by road.
• Political protest action has increased in recent months. This can impact travel and can turn violent. Religious protests are common. Political, sectarian and gang violence often occurs in Karachi. Avoid large public gatherings. If you're caught in a rally, find a safe place and stay indoors.
• The Afghanistan border area is volatile. The Government of Pakistan does not allow foreigners to travel within 50km of the Afghanistan border in Gilgit Baltistan or within 15km of the Kashmir Line of Control or the entire border with India except at official crossings. If you're in an area close to the border, consider leaving.
• Firing guns into the air in celebration is illegal but common. People have died as a result. Be careful of celebratory gunfire, especially around major holidays, weddings, celebrations and after sporting victories.
• Earthquakes are common. Flooding, landslides and tsunamis can occur. Some areas of Pakistan experience extreme heat, with temperatures recorded above 50 degrees Celsius. The risk of disease can increase during the monsoon season (July to September). Follow the advice of local authorities.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Insect-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, occur. Drug-resistant strains of malaria have been reported. Consider taking anti-malarial medication. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent. Consider getting vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis.
• HIV/AIDS is common. Take precautions if you engage in high-risk activities.
• Polio is endemic. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date. If you're staying longer than 4 weeks, carry evidence of your polio vaccination.
• Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic, and other infectious diseases are prevalent. They include typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and measles. Drink only boiled or bottled water listed as 'safe' by the  Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources . Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• Facilities at some clinics and hospitals in major cities are reasonable but not to Australian standards. Medical facilities are extremely limited in most towns and rural and remote areas. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include the death penalty, large fines and lengthy prison sentences.
• Domestic violence against women is common in Pakistan. Standards of domestic violence support are far lower than similar services available in Australia. You should consider these risks if you're planning to travel to Pakistan.
• Corporal punishment applies for some offences, including robbery, public drunkenness, and drinking alcohol if you're Muslim. Be aware of religious sensitivities. It's illegal to import alcohol or pork products. It's illegal to try to convert a Muslim or encourage them to abandon their religion.
• Same-sex relations are illegal. It's also illegal for unmarried heterosexual couples to live together.
• Blasphemy can attract the death penalty. Those charged with blasphemy can spend years in prison, undergo lengthy trial processes and are in constant danger from members of the public or prisoners. If you have made public comments, including on social media, that may be construed as blasphemous, you should not travel to Pakistan.
• Strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour exist in Pakistan. Avoid wearing shorts or short-sleeved clothes. Avoid physical contact between men and women in public. Women may be harassed, especially if they're alone.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• You'll need to get a visa in advance to enter Pakistan. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate for the latest details.
• Some land borders with neighbouring countries are open but could close with little or no notice. You'll need to check if land borders are open before travelling.
• Contact the  Pakistan High Commission in Canberra  for details. 
• Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever. You may need it to enter Pakistan.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.
• For consular help, contact the  Australian High Commission in Islamabad . The High Commission will close to the public at short notice if there are security threats.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Former federally administered tribal areas (fata).

In 2018, all agencies and tribal regions consisting of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) became part of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province. All recommendations in this travel advice for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa include these former regions of FATA.

Terrorist groups hostile to foreign interests operate in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Counter-terrorism operations occur across the country.  The threat of attack remains very high, especially in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) provinces, which suffer regular and sometimes large-scale terrorist attacks. If you travel to Pakistan, you should remain cautious and vigilant, including in major cities.

Reporting continues to identify the potential for attacks in Islamabad. In response, heightened security arrangements are in place, including an increased security force presence and additional checkpoints. Terrorists may also target places frequented by foreigners, transport infrastructure (including trains and airports) and places of worship. Some public events have been banned. Australian officials in Islamabad have been advised to maintain vigilance, review personal security plans, and monitor the media for the latest updates.

Previous attacks have included the use of grenades, firearms, and bombing, including suicide bombs. Some terrorist attacks in Pakistan have involved multiple explosions, one after the other, combined with small-arms fire.

Security officials may cut mobile phone services when the threat of an attack is imminent or directly after an incident.

If you go to Chitral district or Gilgit Baltistan, travel by commercial aircraft, not by road, as the safety and security risks are significant.

In the past, terror attacks have targeted Pakistan's government, military and police, including:

• buildings and government symbols
• military and security forces
• judicial buildings such as courts
• police stations and checkpoints

Terror attacks have also targeted:

• international hotels
• embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic interests
• places of worship, such as mosques, shrines, and churches
• shopping centres, banks, hospitals, cinemas, markets (markaz) and bazaars
• humanitarian workers
• foreign aid agencies
• public transport and transport infrastructure, including trains and airports
• religious sites and processions, especially during religious festivals
• demonstrations and political events
• rallies and polling stations during elections

Terrorists may target places associated with foreigners, including:

• tourist areas
• clubs, restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets and other places foreigners tend to visit
• foreign businesses and other Western symbols
• foreign non-government organisations (NGOs)
• universities and international schools
• convention centres, outdoor sporting and recreation events

Times when attacks may occur

Militants may mount attacks in the days leading up to and on days of national or commemorative significance. These include: 

• Pakistan National Day (23 March)
• the storming of the Red Mosque in Islamabad by government troops (10 July)
• Independence Day (14 August)
• the Islamic month of Muharram (particularly on the Day of Ashura)

Diplomatic security measures

Terrorist groups hostile to foreign interests operate in Pakistan. The threat of attack remains very high. Australian officials in Pakistan always use enhanced security measures and are urged to maintain vigilance. The Australian Government has a 'no children at post' policy for Islamabad.

The Australian Government has also advised staff to:

• limit restaurant use
• not linger in shopping areas
• be cautious when walking in Islamabad

For the same reasons, the British High Commission and the US Embassy sometimes restrict the movement of their staff in Pakistan.

These restrictions may be applied at short notice. Areas put 'out of bounds' tend to include markets, shopping centres, restaurants, and hotels.

Staying safe

Ensure you have a security plan in place. Discuss security issues with tour providers before travelling.

Ask about safety from local business partners and universities before travelling to Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi for business or academic reasons. Take security precautions.

If, despite the risks, you travel to Pakistan, be very cautious and avoid:

• public gatherings
• crowded places
• places of worship
• places that foreigners tend to go
• other places terrorists tend to target

When you plan your activities, receive updates on the level of security at venues and your route to them.

• Wherever you go, have a clear exit plan in case there's a security incident or attack.
• leave the area straight away if it's safe to do so and avoid the affected area straight after the attack because of the risk of secondary attacks
• follow the advice of local authorities

Subscribe to this travel advice to stay up to date on new terror threats, and monitor:

• the media and other sources
• the UK Foreign Travel Advice for Pakistan
• British High Commission Islamabad 
• US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan Alerts and Messages

Those websites will also contain updates on restrictions on movement that apply to their diplomatic staff.

Check flight status and airport operations before each of your flights. 

More information:

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime. 

The overall kidnapping risk in Pakistan is high. Criminal gangs, armed groups and terrorist groups are known to kidnap for financial gain. 

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:  

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings  
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk  
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures  
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone  
• notify family or friends of planned travel, and share your location  
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs  
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours  
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone  

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.  

Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

Civil unrest and political tension

The security situation in Pakistan is volatile. It could get worse at short notice.

General elections occurred on 8 February. Large-scale demonstrations and protests occurred, though not to the level expected. Further protests related to the elections are possible. 

Demonstrations and protests

Protests in Pakistan can turn violent quickly, particularly during election periods or in response to Quran burnings overseas. Avoid large groups of people, demonstrations and protests. The security situation is evolving and remains unpredictable. Monitor media for information on the latest developments and follow the instructions of local authorities.

In response, authorities may suspend internet and mobile phone networks and close roads and highways at short notice.

To stay safe during a period of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations and large-scale public gatherings
• avoid areas where people congregate after Friday prayers
• monitor the media and other sources for possible unrest and avoid those areas
• if you're near an affected area, find a safe place, stay indoors and seek local advice
• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violence in Karachi

Political, sectarian and gang violence often occurs in Karachi. Many people have died as a result of this violence.

There's a higher level of public security across much of the city, with police and paramilitary rangers conducting counter-terrorism operations in the city from time to time.

Reprisal attacks by militants or criminals can occur anywhere.

Border with Afghanistan

Cross-border tensions increase security risks in the regions bordering Afghanistan.

The Pakistani military has ongoing operations in these border areas.

Foreigners are prohibited from travelling within 50km of the border with Afghanistan in Gilgit Baltistan. However, it is legal to cross the border at official crossings.

Attacks against government, security and military interests in Balochistan are very likely. Attacks are also likely against infrastructure for:

• oil and natural gas
• communications
• transport, including the railway network

Border with India

There's continuing tension between Pakistan and India over the disputed region of Kashmir. This follows air force incidents over border areas of Kashmir in February 2019 and the announcement by the Government of India on 5 August 2019 of constitutional changes that will affect the internal political status of Kashmir.

If tensions between Pakistan and India rise again, airspace restrictions may be imposed with little or no warning. This may impact an airline's ability to operate flights and your ability to leave the country quickly.

Higher security is in place where Pakistan borders India. This reflects the volatile security situation. 

Foreigners are prohibited from travelling within 15km of the Kashmir Line of Control and the entire border with India. However, it is legal to cross the border at official crossings. 

The situation is more stable in the border region cities of:

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs in many parts of Pakistan, particularly in major cities. This includes:

• armed robbery

Incidents can increase around major religious holidays.

Incidents have occurred with people posing as police officers with fake police ID cards. This has occurred in cities across Pakistan, including Islamabad.

Petty crime

Petty crime is common. It can include pickpocketing and theft of mobile phones.

Sexual harassment of women occurs. Travelling alone can pose more of a risk.

Be aware of celebratory gun fire (firing guns into the air in celebration). Although illegal, it's common across Pakistan and tends to occur on major holidays, at weddings, other celebrations, and following sporting victories. Although the likelihood of being struck is remote, falling rounds can cause injury or death.

Be alert to your surroundings. Pay attention to your safety and security and:

• keep car doors locked, windows up, and valuables out of sight, even when moving
• lock your accommodation doors and windows against intruders

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information: 

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Climate and natural disasters

Pakistan experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• landslides and avalanches
• earthquakes

The  Pakistan Meteorological Department  offers weather warnings.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media
• register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive alerts on major disasters
• keep friends and family up to date about your welfare

Flooding and landslides

The monsoon season is from July to September. During this time, flooding and landslides can occur. They can happen with little warning.

During floods, fresh drinking water and food can be in short supply.

The risk of contracting a waterborne disease stays high after flood waters recede.

Floods often hinder services and transport.

Avalanches and glacial lake outbursts occur in mountainous regions of Pakistan. People have died in them in recent years. When you're travelling in these areas, monitor local weather and safety conditions, particularly during severe weather and follow the advice of local authorities.

Cyclones and storms can disrupt key services, including:

• emergency and medical care
• telecommunications
• food and water supplies

If there's a cyclone or storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Pakistan is in an active seismic zone and experiences  earthquakes .

Coastal areas are also at risk of tsunamis. Be alert to warnings. A tsunami could quickly follow a tremor or earthquake.

If near the coast, move to high ground straight away if:

• local authorities advise you to
• you feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• you feel a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• you see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• you hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media and weather services.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up   
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Pakistan. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Typhoid fever.

To reduce your risks of contracting  typhoid :

• ask your doctor about getting vaccinated
• take care to avoid anyone who's sick or has recently been sick

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria  is common in Pakistan, except in areas above 2,000m. Chloroquine- and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-resistant strains of malaria have been reported.

Other insect-borne diseases occur, including:

• Japanese encephalitis
• Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF)

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. In late 2019, there was a severe outbreak of dengue.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is mosquito-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS  is common. Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the risk of infection.

Many Pakistanis, including children, have recently been reported as HIV+ in interior areas of Sindh Province.

Polio (poliomyelitis)  is endemic.

In March 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) agreed that the risk of international spread of polio remains a 'public health emergency of international concern'. WHO extended its  temporary recommendations .

Before you travel, make sure your polio vaccinations are up to date. This includes getting a booster dose, as per the  Australian Immunisation Handbook .

Rabies  is endemic in Pakistan. Stray dog bites cause most infections. There are thousands of cases of dog bites and deaths by rabies each year. Avoid contact with stray dogs. If you're planning an extended stay or work assignments in remote or rural areas, we recommend you have pre-exposure rabies vaccinations before travelling to Pakistan.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other  infectious diseases  are common. They include:

• tuberculosis
• measles  

More severe outbreaks occur from time to time.

There have been periodic reports of  cholera  cases in Sindh.

Reports of skin infections, acute diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections usually increase after flooding.

Some bottled water may be contaminated.

The  Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources  produces reports that list safe and unsafe bottled water brand names. Reports are available under the publications and information tab.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids that are  listed as safe
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Air pollution

Air pollution is an environmental health risk in Pakistan. The risk is higher during winter, particularly in much of Punjab.

Take precautions when increased levels are recorded.

• Pakistan environmental health (WHO)
• Pakistan air quality index (Airvisual)

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities at a small number of clinics and hospitals in major cities are reasonable but not to Australian standards. However, facilities are extremely limited in most towns and rural and remote areas.

Before they'll admit you, hospitals in Pakistan usually require you to either:

• pay up-front
• confirm insurance cover
• guarantee payment 

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to evacuate to somewhere with more suitable facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

If you have an accident while hiking or undertaking other adventure activities in the north of Pakistan, medical evacuation can take days and requires your insurance company to guarantee the payment of the flights.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.

Penalties for small amounts of drugs include:

• long jail sentences
• large fines
• deportation
• Carrying or using drugs

Family laws

Domestic violence against women, from partners or male relatives, is common in Pakistan. Standards of support services, including legal and police protection for those affected by domestic violence, are far lower than similar services available in Australia. You should consider these risks if you're planning to travel to Pakistan.

Australian parents of Pakistani origin, especially women, sometimes have trouble leaving Pakistan with their children. This happens when one parent refuses to let the children return to Australia. If that parent withholds the children's passports, the other parent can't bring the children back to Australia. Plan carefully if you think this could happen to you. Before you leave Australia:

• think about the risk of not being able to return to Australia with your children
• speak to a lawyer to identify and resolve any child custody or other family law issues
• make sure you know your legal rights and limits on those rights

Serious crime

The death penalty can apply to crimes including terrorism, murder, rape, blasphemy and unlawful assembly.

Those charged with blasphemy can spend years in prison, undergo lengthy trial processes and are in constant danger from members of the public or prisoners. Australians who have made public comments, including on social media that may be construed as blasphemous should not travel to Pakistan.

Corporal punishment is rare but can be a penalty for some offences. These include:

• public drunkenness
• drinking alcohol if you're Muslim

Other activities that are illegal in Pakistan include:

• same-sex sexual acts
• unmarried heterosexual couples living together
• importing alcohol
• importing pork products
• taking photos of airports, military or government buildings or installations
• flying unregistered drones 

Be careful about religious sensitivities. It's illegal to:

• try to convert a Muslim
• encourage a Muslim to abandon their religion
• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Kite flying

Some provinces have banned kite flying. This ban is due to fortified kite strings that injure or kill people.

These types of strings are used for flying kites in kite-fighting competitions. Competitors coat their kite strings with metal, crushed glass or chemicals to help cut opponents' kite strings.  These strings can fall across roads, cutting motorcycle riders' throats or contact power lines, causing electrocution.

There's also a ban on the sale of kite equipment and the use of premises to fly kites.

Don't bring kites with you or fly kites in Pakistan.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs
• Forced marriage

Dual citizenship

Pakistan recognises dual citizenship.

If you or your father were born in Pakistan, authorities may consider you to be a Pakistani national. This applies even if you don't hold a Pakistani passport.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the  consular services  we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your  Australian passport .

• Dual nationals

Local customs

There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Pakistan.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice. Also:

• avoid wearing shorts or short-sleeved clothes
• avoid physical contact between men and women in public

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Pakistan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Visa conditions

You'll need a visa to enter Pakistan.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the  Pakistan High Commission  for details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

To exit Pakistan, you must have either:

• a valid visa
• a Pakistani national identity card
• a valid Pakistani passport

Authorities may stop you from boarding your flight if your visa has expired. You could also face heavy penalties, including fines and detention.

Take care not to overstay your visa.

If your visa has expired, contact the Ministry of Interior for an exit visa.

Illegal entry into Pakistan is an offence and subject to deportation or imprisonment. There is currently no process for regularisation of status for illegal entrants, which is necessary for onward travel.

Border measures

Monitor your health closely and follow the advice of local authorities. The current policies for travellers entering Pakistan can be found on  Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority  website.

Other formalities

Yellow fever vaccination.

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Pakistan from a country with yellow fever.

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 151KB)

Travel with children

If a child travels unaccompanied, or with only one parent or guardian, local immigration authorities may ask for either:

• documents to prove that the children have consent to travel, or
• proof of parental responsibility

This is particularly the case if the child is of Pakistani origin.

• Advice for people travelling with children

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate

Dual passport holders

If you're a dual national and hold a Pakistani passport, seek advice about when to use it.

Use your Australian passport to leave from and return to Australia.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the  nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the Pakistan Rupee (PKR).

US dollars and euros are the most accessible currencies to change.

ATMs are widely available in urban areas, though fraud occurs.

International hotels and some shops in major centres accept credit cards.

Pakistan is primarily a cash-based society, but this is changing with the broader acceptance of credit and debit cards in major centres. Arrange to have enough local currency to meet your needs.

Local travel

Driving permit.

To drive in Pakistan, you need both:

• an Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.

You can apply for a local driver's licence if you're a long-term resident. To apply, you have to take a road sign test and provide:

• a supporting letter from your employer
• a copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months
• a copy of your Australian driver's licence
• a medical fitness certificate from a government hospital in Pakistan
• Pakistan visa valid for at least 6 months
• proof of residency

Road travel

Road travel in Pakistan is hazardous.

You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Pakistan than in Australia. Road accidents are a common cause of death and injury.

Hazards include bad roads and poor driving standards.

Severe flooding of major waterways can occur. This causes widespread damage to transport infrastructure.

Dense fog in northern Pakistan during the winter months can disrupt road travel. Motorways may close until the fog lifts.

Heavy snowfalls in mountain regions cause road blockages each winter. Leading to lengthy and, at times, dangerous traffic jams. This is due to the combination of snow and:

• many cars visiting mountain areas are ill-equipped for driving in snow
• too many vehicles
• lack of snow-clearing equipment
• poor traffic management

In January 2022, 22 people died after being trapped in their vehicles in a snowstorm and traffic jam near Murree, north of Islamabad.

Check you have the right insurance cover before driving.

To reduce your risk on the road:

• learn about local traffic laws and practices
• avoid road travel after dark
• seek local advice and monitor local media and weather reports for information on your planned route before you travel
• Driving or riding
• Natural disasters

Motorcycles

Check your insurance policy covers using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Don't use taxis due to security concerns. Never hail a taxi on the street.

Use transport services from accredited tour operators and hotels.

Australian High Commission staff must not use taxis or other ride-sharing services.

Public transport

Avoid using public transport due to frequent accidents and security concerns. This includes buses and trains.

Only use transport services provided by accredited tour operators and hotels.

Terrorists have targeted Pakistan's civil aviation facilities.

There are strict security measures in place at airports, but attacks could occur in the future.

Flights can be cancelled with little warning due to weather and other operational reasons.

Dense fog, especially in northern Pakistan during the winter months, can also disrupt air travel. Airports may close until the fog lifts. 

If you plan to fly within Pakistan:

• check flight status and airport operations before you travel
• contact your travel agent and airline about any disruptions to transport services
• be alert to security developments
• allow extra time to pass through airport security 

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Pakistan's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Call 1122 or 16

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

The Australian High Commission in Islamabad sometimes closes to the public at short notice if security concerns arise.

Always call before going to the High Commission.

Australian High Commission, Islamabad

Constitution Avenue and Ispahani Road Diplomatic Enclave No. 1 Sector G-5/4 Islamabad, Pakistan Phone: (+92) 51 835 5500 Fax: (+92) 51 282 0112 Email:  [email protected] Website:  pakistan.highcommission.gov.au Facebook:  Australia in Pakistan X:  @AusHCPak

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Visiting the High Commission

The Australian High Commission is in the diplomatic enclave.

The Pakistani Government restricts access to the diplomatic enclave in Islamabad for security reasons.

You can only access the enclave if you first schedule an appointment with the High Commission.

If you have an appointment, you can access the enclave by using the Diplomatic Shuttle Service (DSS). You can also visit using a private vehicle or on foot.

Visiting by shuttle bus

The DSS office and bus station is on the corner of Third Avenue (Quaid-e-Azam University Road) and Murree Road.

You can buy bus tickets at the DSS office.

Arrive at the shuttle bus station at least one hour before your appointment to allow time for security checks.

Find out more about the DSS by calling +92 (0) 333 520 5334 .

Visiting by car or on foot

To enter the enclave by car or on foot, the Diplomatic Protection Department needs to clear you in advance.

Arrange this clearance through the  Australian High Commission .

Once you get entry clearance, you can enter the enclave by vehicle or on foot from either:

• the Foreign Office gate entrance on Constitution Avenue
• the Shams gate entrance on Ispahani Road

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

Pakistan - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to  terrorism . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to: 

• Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to  terrorism  and  kidnapping .
• The immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to  terrorism  and  the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan. Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilian, as well as local military and police, targets. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist locations, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have targeted U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past.

Terrorist attacks continue across Pakistan, with most occurring in Balochistan and KP, including the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties.

Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid sometimes changing with little or no notice. There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities, particularly Islamabad, and security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country. While threats still exist, terrorist attacks occur less frequently in major urban areas than other parts of Pakistan.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Pakistan due to the security environment. Travel by U.S. government personnel within Pakistan is restricted, and additional restrictions on movements by U.S. government personnel outside of U.S. diplomatic facilities may occur at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions, which can change suddenly.

The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar is unable to provide any consular services to U.S. citizens.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Pakistan. 

If you decide to travel to Pakistan:      

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 
• Remain aware of your surroundings and local events. 
• Vary travel routes and timing, especially for routine trips. 
• Be cognizant of your surroundings, particularly around public markets, restaurants, government and military institutions, and other locations. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive security alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter . 
• Review the Country Security Report for Pakistan. 
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergencies. Review the Traveler’s Checklist . 

Balochistan Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel 

Do not travel to Balochistan province. Active terrorist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .  

KP Province, including the former FATA – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to KP province, which includes the former FATA. Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government offices, and security forces. These groups historically have not discriminated between government officials and civilians. Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security service (police and military) personnel.

Vicinity of Line of Control – Level 4: Do Not Travel 

Do not travel to the India-Pakistan border, including the Line of Control. Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the province of Punjab between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India. Travelers are advised to confirm the status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. An Indian visa is required to enter India, and no visa services are available at the border.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months beyond the date of arrival

Two blank pages are required for entry and exit stamps

Polio vaccination within one year before travel may be required to exit Pakistan. See Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements below and our Health Abroad page for more information.

Maximum $5,000 per adult per trip with a maximum of $30,000 per adult per calendar year. Minors are limited to half those amounts.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy islamabad.

Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5 Islamabad, Pakistan Telephone: +(92)(51) 201-4000 or +(92)(51) 201-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(92)(51) 201-4000 Fax: +(92)(51) 282-2632 Website: https://pk.usembassy.gov/

U.S. Consulate General Karachi Plot 3-5 New TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road Karachi, Pakistan Telephone:  +(92)(21) 3527-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(92)(21) 3527-5000 Fax:  +(92)(21) 3561-2420 Website:   https://pk.usembassy.gov/karachi/

U.S. Consulate General Lahore 50, Shahrah-e-Abdul Hameed Bin Badees, (Old Empress Road) near Shimla Hill Circle, Lahore, Pakistan Telephone:  +(92)(42) 3603-4000 Fax:  +(92)(42) 3603-4212 Website:  https://pk.usembassy.gov/lahore/

U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar 11 Hospital Road, Peshawar Cantt.20 Telephone:  +(92)(91) 526-8800 Fax:  +(92)(91) 527-6712 Website:   https://pk.usembassy.gov/peshawar/ **Consular services are not available in Peshawar**

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Pakistan for info rmation on U.S.-Pakistan relations.   

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

The Government of Pakistan requires all travelers age 12 and over to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

All travelers are subject to random COVID-19 testing at all points of entry/exit.  This policy is in effect until further notice and affects all international airports.  U.S. citizen travelers are not exempt from this requirement and may be tested for COVID-19.

Those testing positive for COVID-19 with the rapid test at the point of entry to Pakistan will then have a sample taken for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and be given home isolation instructions.  Travelers should not expect to be returned to their previous destination, nor quarantined at the Port of Entry/Exit.

Requirements for entry and exit:

• Valid passport
• Valid Pakistani visa
• Dual nationals only: National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)

Obtain your visa at the Pakistani Embassy or a Consulate prior to initiating travel to Pakistan. Visit the  Embassy of Pakistan  website for the most current visa information, and please understand that the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan cannot assist you with Pakistani visa issues. 

All U.S. government employees and immediate family members must follow appropriate procedures for official and personal travel to Pakistan. All official U.S. government travel requests must be submitted via the normal country clearance process and will be limited to mission-critical travel only. U.S. government employees wishing to conduct unofficial travel to Pakistan must contact the appropriate office in their home agency to determine whether there are any limitations or restrictions.

Dual Nationals: Be aware that different visa requirements may apply if you hold both U.S. and Pakistani citizenship. For more information see the Embassy of Pakistan’s information regarding  National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) and Pakistan Origin Cards (POC).

When you travel to Pakistan, you are subject to the laws of Pakistan. If you travel to Pakistan on NICOP or POC cards, you are considered citizens of Pakistan, which may limit the amount of assistance and communication we can provide should you be arrested. For more information see  Government of Pakistan Directorate General of Immigration and Passports .

You must obtain advance permission from local or federal authorities to travel in:

• Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
• Various districts in Azad Kashmir
• Province of Balochistan

Operational and personal security policies for official U.S. government personnel change frequently.

Stay in compliance with Pakistani immigration regulations. If you overstay your visa or violate the terms, you may be detained, arrested, fined, and/or imprisoned. For further details see the  Ministry of Interior website  or call +92-51-920-7290.

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, Pakistani visa or ID card, and Pakistan immigration entry stamp with you at all times. Consider downloading these documents to your mobile phone in case of emergency.

Vaccinations: With the exception of COVID-19 vaccination, no routine vaccines are required when entering Pakistan from the United States, but proof of polio vaccination within one year may be required to exit Pakistan. See the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  website for recommended vaccinations and health tips for travel to Pakistan. For further updates, contact the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, telephone: +92-51-910-7307, or email:  [email protected].

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Pakistan.

Find information on  dual nationality,   prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Extremist groups within Pakistan continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where U.S. citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit, including government facilities and public locations, such as schools and universities, shopping malls, markets, hotels, clubs and restaurants, , transportation hubs/stations, minority neighborhoods, and outdoor recreation areas. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates  prohibit personnel from visiting houses of worship. Terrorists also target Pakistani officials, government facilities, security forces, religious minorities and facilities including Sufi shrines, and regularly resort to kidnapping for ransom. Attacks have included armed assaults on heavily guarded sites, including Pakistani military and police installations, and airports. Primary terrorist tactics include suicide operations, gunfire, and bombings (including vehicle-borne explosives and improvised explosive devices), while other actions include but are not limited to assassinations, carjackings, and assaults. The Government of Pakistan maintains heightened security measures, particularly in major cities, and these measures can vary from day to day. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates regularly assess security situations and restrict the movements of official personnel.  

Demonstrations, political rallies, or large religious gatherings intended to be peaceful can become confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. We advise U.S. citizens to avoid areas where large crowds of any kind gather. U.S Embassy and Consulate personnel are routinely instructed to avoid areas of any demonstration. During demonstrations or periods of civil unrest, the Pakistani government has in the past disabled cellular telephone and internet service, making it difficult for individuals to contact each other or the U.S. Embassy or Consulates.

Celebratory gunfire may occur at any time but is most likely to occur during wedding celebrations, which are frequent from October to May, and on holidays such as New Year’s Eve. Although the likelihood of being struck is remote, falling rounds can cause injury or death.

We recommend you limit the frequency of travel and minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, and other public locations. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates prohibit personnel from using public transportation or taxi services. With few exceptions, official visitors are not authorized to stay overnight in local hotels anywhere in the country; we strongly urge you to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures. Depending on ongoing security assessments, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates sometimes place areas such as tourist attractions, hotels, markets, shopping malls, and restaurants off-limits to official personnel. 

Threats to civil aviation in Pakistan are not limited to attacks in which militants target airports. The U.S. government is aware of narcotics smuggled onto flights from Pakistan, which may indicate broader security vulnerabilities at Pakistani airports.

We recommend you follow media coverage of local events and maintain good situational awareness and operational security wherever you travel in Pakistan. If you feel that your life is in danger in Pakistan, we advise you to report the threat to local police authorities and consider immediately changing locations or departing Pakistan.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.  

Crime: All travelers are advised to dress conservatively, with arms and legs covered, and to avoid walking alone. We recommend against travel on the streets late at night. Urban crime can be organized or opportunistic and conducted by individuals or groups. It can include fraud, theft, robbery, carjacking, rape, assault, and burglary. Incidents of crime and levels of violence are higher in low-income residential and congested commercial areas but are seen in wealthier areas as well. Pickpocketing, theft, and larceny are common on buses and trains at all hours of the day.

Take precautions to avoid crime, including:

• locking home and vehicle doors
• hiring a 24-hour guard
• varying routes and schedules
• keeping bags or valuables under your legs away from passing vehicle traffic and ensuring that bag straps are not visible
• traveling in groups
• being accompanied by someone with the ability to speak the local language if you travel outside urban areas
• carrying your mobile phone

If you are assaulted, flee to a safe area and report the situation to local authorities by going directly to a police station or dialing  15 .

Demonstrations  occur frequently.  They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.  

During demonstrations or periods of civil unrest/heightened security concern, the Pakistani government has in the past disabled cellular telephone and internet service, making it difficult for individuals to contact each other or the U.S. Embassy or Consulates.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information. 

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. 

Report crimes to the local police at 15 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(92)(51) 201-4000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

Police responsiveness varies widely, and crimes often go unsolved or unprosecuted.

Dual U.S-Pakistani nationals may not be recognized as U.S. citizens by local authorities.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care  
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide a list of local attorneys  
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or the Consulates in Karachi or Lahore for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. The U.S. government may not act to circumvent local authorities or advocate for particular outcomes on behalf of private individuals. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot offer “safe haven.”

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings or structures, particularly sensitive places like military installations, cantonments, and nuclear sites, but the law on this subject is vague and applied inconsistently.

It is illegal to import alcohol into Pakistan without prior coordination with the government and under only under very specific circumstances. Travelers entering Pakistan with alcohol face potentially severe penalties. Additionally, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail and result in severe penalties.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Pakistan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences in local prisons, heavy fines, and sometimes even the death penalty.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Pakistani law enforcement authorities will typically not notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulates if a foreign citizen is arrested or detained, unless you request they do so. Pakistan’s regulations governing the travel of foreign diplomats and the procedures for gaining access to arrested individuals have delayed consular access in the past. In some cases, a consular officer may not be able to visit due to security-related travel restrictions.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details : :

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Same-sex sexual conduct is a criminal offense in Pakistan. While the government rarely prosecutes cases, society generally shuns lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons, and violence and discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons occur frequently.

The penalty for same-sex relations is a fine, imprisonment (sentences ranging from two years to life imprisonment), or both. No laws protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, and LGBTQI+ persons rarely reveal their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. 

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details. 

Travelers with Disabilities:   The law in Pakistan prohibits discrimination against persons with  physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is unevenly  enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. The availability of rental, repair, and replacement parts for equipment and devices is limited, especially outside major population areas. Services for persons with disabilities may also be limited outside the largest cities.

Students:   See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .   

Women Travelers:  We often receive reports of U.S. citizens subjected to domestic violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and forced marriage in Pakistan. There are also cases of individuals having their own and their children’s passports confiscated by spouses, parents, or other family members and having their freedom of movement severely restricted. Local police are not consistently responsive to reports of such cases. Nonetheless, if you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you are encouraged to call the police immediately and follow up with a call to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. We can sometimes connect you with a Pakistani non-governmental organization that may be able to provide assistance.

If you are victimized overseas, you may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocation back to the United States. For further information, visit the  U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women .

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime committed in Pakistan

 See our travel tips for Women Travelers . 

The Government of Pakistan requires travelers age 12 and over be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Basic medical care is available in major Pakistani cities but is limited in rural areas. Facilities in cities vary in quality and range of services and may be below U.S. standards; facilities in rural areas are consistently below U.S. standards. Medical facilities require pre-payment for services, and most do not accept credit cards.

Effective emergency response to personal injury and illness is virtually non-existent in most of Pakistan. Ambulances are few, lack medical equipment, and are not necessarily staffed by medical personnel. Visitors and foreign residents should bring sufficient supplies of prescription and commonly used over-the-counter medications. Many U.S.-brand medications are not available, there is a high incidence of fake pharmaceuticals, and the quality of locally produced medications is uneven. 

A CDC Level 1 Travel Health Notice regarding extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid in Pakistan has been in place since 2018. Review the  Travel Health Notice .

A CDC Level 1 Travel Health Notice regarding global increase in the number of cases of measles including in Pakistan. Review the  Travel Health Notice .  

There is a risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other communicable diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV, in Pakistan. Travelers are urged to use the same cautionary and protective health measures they would in their own country.

For emergency services in Pakistan, dial 15.

We do not pay medical bills.   Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 

Medical Insurance:   Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. 

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover possible medical evacuation. If you plan to engage in high-risk outdoor activities in Pakistan, it is essential that you engage the services of a travel risk and crisis management provider.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Pakistan to ensure the medication is legal in Pakistan.

Vaccinations:   Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)  

Air Quality:

Air pollution is a significant environmental problem across Pakistan. Throughout the country, air quality varies considerably by city and fluctuates greatly depending on the season and local weather patterns. We encourage you to consult with your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you. It is typically at its worst during the winter in Pakistan. Anyone who travels to areas where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens;
• People over 65 years of age;
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease; and
• People who work or are active outdoors.

Air quality data for major cities in Pakistan can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s  website .

Water Quality

Throughout Pakistan, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. 

Sanitation in most restaurants is inadequate. Diarrheal illnesses are common. Travelers to Pakistan are at risk for other infectious diseases as well. More information about these illnesses and how to protect against them can be found on the  CDC webpage for Pakistan

Adventure Travel:  Pakistan’s mountains and glaciers make it a tempting destination for adventure enthusiasts. Despite the best efforts of local authorities, assisting visitors lost or injured in such remote areas can be difficult. In recent years, several U.S. citizens, including expert climbers, have lost their lives while climbing in the Karakoram mountain range, where rescue missions are often difficult or impossible to execute. Costs for emergency rescues start at $15,000, and payment is required prior to commencement of a search operation.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel . 

The following diseases are prevalent:

Tuberculosis

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in Pakistan.   

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: While in Pakistan, you will encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below about Pakistan is provided for general reference only, and it might vary in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic Laws: Traffic in Pakistan moves on the left; the opposite of U.S. traffic. Roads are crowded, drivers are often aggressive and poorly trained, and many vehicles, particularly large trucks and buses, are poorly maintained. Local drivers may drive head-on in your lane of traffic if they believe it helps them get to their destination more quickly. Animals, horse carts, bicyclists, and pedestrians can pose roadside hazards in some areas. Roads, including most major highways, also suffer from poor maintenance and often have numerous potholes, sharp drop-offs, and barriers that are not sign-posted. Drivers should exercise extreme caution when traveling at night by road, since many vehicles do not have working headlights or dimmers, and many roads are not illuminated or signed. We recommend driving with experienced local drivers or guides.

Public Transportation: Avoid all trains, taxis, and other forms of public transportation or online ride hailing services. For security reasons, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from using all forms of public transportation. See the  Safety and Security  section above.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.  Visit the website of  Pakistan’s national tourist office  and  Pakistan’s national highway authority .

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards  for oversight of Pakistan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page . 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Pakistan . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Pakistan travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: May 23, 2024 08:00 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, pakistan - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Pakistan due to the unpredictable security situation. There is a threat of terrorism, civil unrest, sectarian violence and kidnapping.

Regional advisory - Avoid all travel

• the area within 50 km of the border with Afghanistan
• the areas within 10 km of the borders with China, India and Iran
• the areas within 10 km of the Line of Control, except the official border crossings at:
• Wagah and the Grand Trunk Road leading there
• Khunjerab Pass and the Karakorum Highway leading there
• the section of the Karakoram Highway from Mansehra to Chilas
• Pakistan-administered Kashmir
• the province of Balochistan
• the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the exception of the following districts where we advise against non-essential travel:

Karachi - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the city of Karachi, due to violence and the risk of terrorism.

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The Government of Canada may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in areas where:

• there are serious security concerns
• the Government of Pakistan prohibits entry
• advance permission is required for entry

Security situation and elections

There have been ongoing political demonstrations since November 2022. Federal elections took place on February 8, 2024.

Security forces continue to be on high alert in the following cities:

The security situation is evolving and remains unpredictable.

• Communication networks may be disrupted
• Roadblocks could lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation, including transit routes to airports

If you are in Pakistan:

• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
• carry photo identification at all times
• expect an increased presence of security forces
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice
• monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including curfew orders

Border area with India

The level of tension between Pakistan and India is susceptible to sudden changes. You could experience difficulties when travelling between the two countries and may be subject to scrutiny if officials from either country become aware that you have recently travelled to the other.

The security situation in the Kashmir region, especially along the Line of Control (LoC), which separates India-administered Kashmir in the south from Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the north, and along the working boundary that continues south toward Sialkot, remains volatile. Since September 2016, cross-border gunfire and shelling have been occurring sporadically along the LoC.

Although the Wagah border crossing linking Lahore, Pakistan, to Amritsar, India, is regularly used by international travellers, it remains vulnerable to attack. Security measures are in place. Visitors may experience long delays.

Border areas with Afghanistan, China and Iran

Border areas with Afghanistan, China and Iran often experience terrorist activity, smuggling and violence. With the exception of official border crossings, foreigners are prohibited from travelling within 50 kilometres of the border with Afghanistan.

Bandits in border areas with Afghanistan and Iran are usually involved in drug trafficking.

Sistan-Baluchistan in Iran, which borders Pakistan, is regularly affected by ethnic conflicts and is also a known route for smugglers. Foreign nationals have been the target of kidnappings.

Terrorist attacks may also occur in this province.

If you decide to travel overland to Iran and Afghanistan despite this warning:

• travel only on main roads
• travel in organized groups
• avoid travel after dark

Balochistan

The security situation in the province of Balochistan remains unstable, due to a long-standing nationalist insurgency and government counter-insurgency operations. Insurgents and militants may target commercial spaces and foreigners, in particular those associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Attacks on police and security forces occur frequently. Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is also a known route for smugglers.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

The security situation in Central and Western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including its capital Peshawar is unstable due to terrorism, sectarian and political violence and high levels of crime. North Waziristan, South Waziristan, and the Khyber District are particularly volatile and continue to be impacted by the security situation in Afghanistan. Attacks on security and military forces occur frequently. Civil unrest also takes place regularly.

Certain sectors of Karachi experience high levels of violence. These include:

• Orangi Town

Extremist groups are present in some parts of the city and there have been terrorist attacks in recent years on high-profile targets, including the Stock Exchange and Chinese Consulate. Carefully plan any travel to, or in the city. Strikes and protest marches tend to take place in central areas of Karachi. These events may cause travel disruptions throughout the city and lead to violent civil unrest. Other criminal activities and violence that can occur in Karachi include carjacking, armed robbery, kidnapping and murder.

Gilgit-Baltistan

Clashes between protesters and security forces have occurred. Past demonstrations have led to traffic and public transport disruptions. Do not travel by road to Gilgit-Baltistan province.

Many parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province are unstable due to terrorism, violence, and crime rates, including Upper and Lower Chitral districts. Do not travel by road to this area.

Increased terrorist threat

On May 7, 2024, the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi issued the following security alert: "The U.S. Consulate General Karachi is aware of a threat of a terrorist attack at Karachi Port. In response to such situations, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates sometimes restrict access to certain areas for official U.S. government personnel. Karachi Port is temporarily restricted for official U.S. government personnel."

If you are in Karachi:

• avoid the port and the surrounding area
• monitor local media for the latest information

Security alert – United States Consulate General in Karachi

There is a high threat of terrorism in Pakistan. The security situation is fragile and unpredictable. Several terrorist groups are present and operate across the country. Incidents are typically attributed to extremism, ethnic divisions, sectarian strife, regional political disputes and the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan. Bombings, shootings and other terrorist attacks have been directed at a wide range of targets and have caused many deaths and injuries.

In the formerly Federal Administered Tribal Area (FATA) and in the province of Balochistan, attacks are frequent and are often directed at security and military forces.

Further attacks are likely. Attacks can take many forms, including:

• targeted killings and kidnappings
• armed assaults
• suicide bombings
• improvised explosive devices

Some attacks involve detailed planning to maximize casualties through multiple and consecutive explosions. Targets could include:

• sects or minority groups
• government and military assets and personnel
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
• elections-related events and polling stations
• civil aviation facilities, including aircrafts

There is an increased risk of attack during religious holidays and days of national significance, such as:

• National Day (March 23)
• Independence Day (August 14)
• the Islamic month of Muharram (particularly on the day of Ashura)
• the Muslim holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

Expect heightened security measures and associated disruptions during these periods.

In Islamabad, you should:

• keep a low profile, particularly in areas regularly frequented by foreigners
• avoid the Lal Masjid Mosque (also known as the Red Mosque)
• be particularly cautious in or around western-style restaurants and shopping centres
• only stay in hotels that have stringent security measures in place, including metal detectors and closed security perimeters

Military activity

Stay away from areas where military or militant activity is taking place.

The risk of kidnapping for ransom is high, especially in Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh. Pakistani citizens are particularly at risk. Express kidnapping also takes place.

• Use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when moving from one place to another
• Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Cell phones, credit cards and passports are favourite targets. Credit card fraud is common.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, passports other travel documents are secure at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence
• If travelling by car, keep valuable belongings out of sight, windows closed and doors locked
• Avoid travelling after dusk, particularly in rural areas where road conditions are unsafe
• Make arrangements to be met at the airport, especially if arriving after dark
• Verify flight and airport operation details before travelling
• Remain aware of the security situation on routes to and from airports

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Demonstrations take place regularly. Demonstrations can take place without warning, and some may take on an anti-western tone. They have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Deaths, injuries and widespread violence have occurred at such events. Demonstrations can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Gender-based violence is common in Pakistan. Honour killings and forced marriages are frequently reported.

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Government of Canada office.

• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night
• Remain particularly vigilant in less-frequented areas
• Be careful when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances

Advice for women travellers

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. Human rights organizations have reported discrimination and violence being committed against 2SLGBTQI+ persons in Pakistan, including the denial of basic rights and services, sexual violence and murder. Many hotels and similar establishments may only allow “married couples” to stay together, and same-sex couples should be prepared to stay separately while travelling.

Forced marriages

Forced marriage affecting foreigners occurs. It sometimes occurs without the affected person's prior knowledge or consent.

Some Canadians have been forced into marital arrangements and have been detained against their will. They have been subjected to threats, intimidation and violence by family members.

If you're in Canada

If you're in Canada and you believe that you're being forced to travel overseas or to marry, you should call your local police for assistance.

If you're in Pakistan

If you're in Pakistan and you believe that you're being forced to marry, contact the High Commission of Canada to Pakistan in Islamabad. You may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre .

Family members may retain passports to prevent victims from returning to Canada.

• Keep digital or physical copies of your travel documents in a safe place
• General information and advice about forced marriage

Business deals can involve extortion and corruption. All business disputes, including those involving criminality, are subject to Pakistani legal proceedings. The High Commission of Canada cannot intervene on a Canadian's behalf in a private legal matter.

Overseas fraud

Trekking and climbing

No trekking is allowed in the closed zones located near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and near the Line of Control between Pakistan- and India-administered Kashmir. Trekking permits are required by the Government of Pakistan for peaks over 6000m, and in most national parks. Access to roads are limited, and often in very poor condition.

Only experienced climbers should go to the northern mountains of the Himalayas, Hindukush or Karakoram. Because of their great height, the Karakoram Mountains experience heavy glaciation, particularly on the southern, more humid slopes.

If you intend on engaging in trekking activities:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation from remote areas
• confirm that the air ambulance firm contracted has a local agent in Pakistan who can ensure that local rescue teams provide the required emergency services
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you're properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and don't venture off marked trails or slopes

In case of air evacuation, advance payment of the total evacuation cost is required from the insurance company before rescue teams will perform rescue operations. The Government of Canada is unable to intervene, provide, or pay for rescue services.

Road travel

Road conditions.

In many urban areas, roads may be narrow, crowded and poorly lit, with limited signage and poor maintenance. Outside major highways and main cities, roads are mostly unpaved and four-wheel drive vehicles may be necessary.

Mountain roads may have steep drops and lack safety barriers.

Weather conditions can change quickly, particularly during winter. Snow, ice, fog, rain can lead to dangerous driving conditions and disrupt travel. Landslides caused by heavy rain can block or wash away roads.

• Check local news and weather reports along your route before you travel

Driving habits

Drivers can be aggressive and reckless, and they do not respect traffic laws. Accidents are common. If an accident occurs and you feel that your safety is threatened, leave the area and report the accident to the nearest police station.

Checkpoints may be set up without warning.

Karakoram highway/Northern region

Sections can be very narrow with precipitous drops and are sometimes partially obstructed by rock and earth slides.

• Travel on mountain roads only during daylight hours
• Consult local authorities regarding road openings, particularly during the monsoon rains and winter seasons
• Avoid the section of the Karakoram Highway from Mansehra to Chilas

If you chose to drive in Pakistan:

• avoid driving after dark
• keep doors locked and windows up at all times
• leave a travel itinerary with a third party
• carry photo identification to present at police checkpoints
• be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food and a cell phone
• call the police if involved in an accident

Public transportation

There are frequent rail accidents due to low safety and maintenance standards. Railways have been targets for riots and terrorist attacks.

Avoid using public transportation including taxis and trains. If you must use public transportation:

• use bus lines that provide two drivers if you're travelling long distances
• use radio-controlled taxis from reputable companies
• consider using taxi hailing apps in major cities

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Pakistani authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Pakistan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Pakistan.

Work visa: required Tourism visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

Holders of a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) card are entitled visa free entry into Pakistan.

Do not overstay the duration of your visa. You could face legal action or be banned from further entry into Pakistan. The status or nature of your visa cannot be changed while in Pakistan. If your visa has expired, you may be able to apply for an exit permit online.

Exit permit – Pakistan Ministry of Interior

Online visa

Holders of a valid Canadian passport are eligible to apply online for a Pakistani online visa. Some restrictions apply.

Apply for an online visa – Pakistan Ministry of Interior

Journalists

Journalists may have to provide an itinerary to get a visa; the itinerary should be strictly followed during the stay.

Restricted zones

Additional documentation may be required to visit some regions in Pakistan. Check with the High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Canada for entry requirements for the regions you intend to visit.

If you remain in Pakistan for more than four weeks, you must show proof of polio vaccination when leaving the country. The proof of vaccination must have been obtained within the 12 months prior to your departure.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Extensively drug-resistant typhoid in Pakistan - 21 March, 2024
• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Polio: Advice for travellers - 6 May, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Travellers going to countries in South Asia should speak to a health care professional about getting vaccinated.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.

Malaria is a risk to travellers to this destination.   Antimalarial medication is recommended for most travellers to this destination and should be taken as recommended. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

 If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Wild poliovirus (WPV1) and/or circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV1 or cVDPV3)) is/are present in this destination.

This destination is subject to Temporary Recommendations under the World Health Organization’s polio Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) .  

Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .
• Make sure that the polio vaccinations are documented on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. This is the only document accepted as proof of vaccination. It is provided at Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres .
• Carry the certificate as proof of vaccination.

Proof of vaccination:

• Travellers who are visiting for longer than 4 weeks may be required to receive a dose of polio vaccine 1 to 12 months before they leave this destination. This may be required even if you have previously received all the recommended polio vaccine doses as part of the routine vaccine schedule in Canada.
• Make sure that the polio vaccination is documented on the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Cutaneous and mucosal   leishmaniasis   causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Good health care is available in a small number of hospitals and clinics in some major cities, including in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. Basic non-emergency medical care is available in major cities but is limited in rural areas. Emergency services, including ambulances, are virtually non-existent in most of Pakistan. Most medical facilities require prepayment in cash.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Death Penalty

The death penalty may be imposed for more than two dozen criminal offences, including:

• drug trafficking
• illegal gathering

Executions in Pakistan occur by hanging.

Drugs and alcohol

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect the death penalty, jail sentences, heavy fines and/or deportation.

The possession and consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Transgressors may be punished by detention or other penalties.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Religious proselytizing

Religious proselytizing is not permitted and may lead to accusations of blasphemy, which is considered a capital crime.

Others illegal activities

The following activities are illegal in Pakistan and punishable by heavy fines or jail time:

• trafficking or eating pork
• importing pornographic material
• engaging in prostitution
• heterosexual couples to live together without being married
• photographing government buildings, military installations, infrastructure and airports (even from an aircraft)

Identification

Local authorities may ask you to show identification at any time.

• Carry photo identification at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa or residence permit in a safe place, in case they are lost or confiscated

Photography

Ask permission before taking photographs of local residents.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

There are no laws in Pakistan to prohibit public or private sector discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Pakistani law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can be fined, face up to life imprisonment or the death penalty.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Pakistan.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Pakistan.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Pakistan, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

If you were born in Pakistan, and one of your parents is a Pakistani citizen, you should confirm your citizenship status with the High Commission of Pakistan in Ottawa as you could be considered a Pakistani citizen while in Pakistan.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Pakistan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Pakistan by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Pakistan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Pakistani family law is very different from Canadian law.

In case of dispute, consult a local lawyer to be fully aware of local laws regarding custody, guardianship and visitation rights.

Dress and behaviour

The country's customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Shorts are considered inappropriate attire for both men and women, particularly in remote locations. Women should consider carrying a headscarf with them at all times while travelling in Pakistan.

Couples should avoid physical contact, such as holding hands, in public.

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

Vehicles drive on the left.

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency is the Pakistani rupee (PKR).

The economy is primarily cash based. Credit cards are accepted by some larger establishments.

Currency can be exchanged at all international airports. ATMs are available in main cities but may not accept foreign debit cards.

• Plan accordingly
• Make sure you have access to sufficient local currency while in the country

These policies and restrictions may change. Consult with financial authorities such as the State Bank of Pakistan before you travel.

Pakistan is prone to extreme weather events such as:

• dust storms
• earthquakes

Extreme temperatures can occur in both summer and winter.

Seismic activity

Severe earthquakes can occur in the western and northern regions of the country. Landslides are possible in affected areas, and strong aftershocks may occur after the initial quake. Transportation, health and telecommunications services may be affected, and land travel could be disrupted.

• Monitor local news reports
• Consult advisories from the provincial disaster management authorities

Monsoon and cyclones

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from June to September. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. It can also lead to landslides. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Flash flooding can occur, including in densely populated areas. There is a risk of flooding along rivers, including the Indus River.

Pakistan's coastline is subject to tropical cyclones, which are usually accompanied by high winds and heavy rain. During any storm, flash floods and mudslides as well as damage to transportation routes and infrastructure may occur.

• Monitor regional weather forecasts, including those of the  Pakistan Meteorological Department
• Follow the advice of local authorities

More about tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

In mountainous regions, avalanches present a risk and have resulted in fatalities.

• Monitor local media and weather forecasts
• Provincial Disaster Management Authority Balochistan – PDMA PDMA Balochistan
• Provincial Disaster Management Authority Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – PDMA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• medical assistance: 115 / 1122
• firefighters: 16

Consular assistance

Emails related to consular assistance in Afghanistan may be sent to: [email protected]

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Pakistan and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Solo female travel anywhere and everywhere.

Is Pakistan safe for travel in 2024?

Is it safe to travel to Pakistan? After years of firsthand experience—and running tours in Pakistan—here’s my answer, including advice on where it is and isn’t safe to travel, safety tips for travel in Pakistan, and more.

You’ve seen photos of epic mountains and jaw-dropping shrines . Heard tales of boundless hospitality . Read articles saying Pakistan is the next best travel destination. You want to travel to Pakistan, but you’re still wondering: is Pakistan safe?

Your family and friends might be dubious, telling you Pakistan isn’t safe, but listen to me, not them. I’ve independently traveled all across Pakistan for years. Clearly, I’m not dead; that, at the very least, proves you’re not guaranteed to be blasted to bits upon arrival.

… but I assume you’re interested in a more nuanced answer than “No blasting anticipated”.

I have traveled through Pakistan for years in total, visiting the country for the first time in 2016. I organize both Pakistan women’s tours and Pakistan motorcycle tours . I run a travelers’ hostel in Islamabad . I have ridden a motorcycle solo across the entirety of the country. I have been to all provinces, traveled both solo and with friends, moderate two Facebook groups related to travel in Pakistan, and have more experience with traveling in Pakistan than most other travel bloggers who’ve been there… combined. Read on for my firsthand thoughts on whether Pakistan is safe to travel.

Helpful? Pin it!

Is Pakistan safe to travel?: Table of Contents

Is pakistan safe to travel.

• Pakistan’s security situation
• Why you’ll be safe in Pakistan
• What areas are unsafe for travel?
• How about the other regions?
• High-risk places and events
• Safest places to travel in Pakistan

Is it safe to visit Peshawar?

• Actual dangers of traveling in Pakistan

Is it safe to drink the water in Pakistan?

Is it safe to go trekking in pakistan, best travel insurance for pakistan, safety tips for travel in pakistan.

Do I think it’s safe to travel Pakistan? Listen up.

If you want to travel to Pakistan, Pakistan is currently safe for travelers of all genders. There are still security issues in more remote areas of the country, but after years of struggle with violence and terrorism, many places in Pakistan are now safe for locals and foreigners alike. As with any travel, you should do your research before deciding to travel to the country.

Though I don’t think it’s the easiest country to travel for a variety of reasons , I firmly believe adventure travelers and other experienced travelers should consider visiting!

In short: yes, Pakistan is safe to travel.

Is Pakistan safe?: What’s actually going on with Pakistan’s security situation?

The country stabilized immensely since peak Taliban activity around 2009-2012. Pakistan’s military has a tight hold on the country to maintain peace. ISI, the country’s intelligence agency, is highly active behind the scenes ensuring potential threats are dealt with before harm comes to anyone. Streets might seem militant because of all the checkpoints and army personnel, but they are far safer than they were before.

The Pakistan you see on the news—guns, bombs, and terrorists galore—is far from the reality of Pakistan on the ground. Places that casual tourists are likely to visit are peaceful these days. There’s little need to fear acts of terrorism. Come and see for yourself that Pakistan is safe!

Rooftop views from Rawalpindi’s Jamia Masjid

Why you’ll probs be safe traveling in Pakistan

Not convinced yet? Showing this to your mum and she’s still not convinced? Fair enough.

It’s important to note how unlikely it is that the average tourist will be harmed in Pakistan.

Normal tourists are unlikely to come to harm because…

It’s extremely difficult to enter dangerous areas. Pakistan’s security organizations require something called a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) for most high-risk areas. Aside from the NOC tourists receive if crossing the Iran-Pakistan border , it’s virtually impossible to get an NOC for other areas without a powerful local’s help/sponsorship. If you don’t have an NOC, you’ll be turned back at a checkpoint. In short: if you visit Pakistan, you’re unlikely to actually enter any dangerous areas.

Attacks or threats usually occur in places the average tourist wouldn’t be. Think police headquarters, cities in areas requiring NOCs, minority religious events that most tourists don’t know about, let alone be comfortable visiting (crowds of men 4 dayzzzz).

Security escorts are common in risky areas tourists can visit . In some places, foreign tourists are assigned armed security guards to escort them around. My thoughts on this matter are another story entirely, but I won’t deny it adds extra security to your existence. Fairy Meadows is the most common destination where this is the case.

The area around Chilas has seen its share of violence in recent years, but travelers are allowed to pass through without restriction these days.

What areas are “unsafe” for travel in Pakistan?

There are several regions in Pakistan that, though not entirely dangerous or filled with evil folk, are riskier than others.

A rough idea of the “unsafe” and no-go areas for travelers in Pakistan

Balochistan province

Why: Balochistan is risky for a variety of reasons. Bandits prey upon people in the center of the province. The road for the economic corridor China is building through the country (CPEC) is sensitive for those who don’t want it to be constructed. Balochistan harbors separatists who want to create their own Baloch state.

Allowed to visit? Pakistani tourists can travel freely in Balochistan. Foreigners are not allowed to visit any of Balochistan without an NOC, and will not receive one unless crossing into/out of Iran . However, some foreigners have snuck in to drive the Makran Coastal Highway and visit Hingol National Park with the help of locals.

Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)

Why: Some of the “agencies” along Pakistan’s western border with Afghanistan still see violence and harbor terrorist groups, along with other people doing unscrupulous things along the border.

Allowed to visit? Though recently absorbed into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, all foreign tourists need an NOC to visit any of the tribal agencies. Local tourists can visit, though they need to provide their CNIC to enter FATA.

Line of Control in Kashmir (LOC)

Why: The border in Azad Kashmir between Pakistan and India has been disputed for years, and still sees occasional crossfire. It’s extra off-limits now given rising tensions between Pakistan and India. Foreigners who go too close are almost certain to be considered spies.

Allowed to visit? Foreign tourists can now visit parts of Kashmir that are more than 10 kilometers away from the India-Pakistan border, such as Muzaffarabad and Mirpur. Note that this rules out popular destinations for local tourists such as Neelum Valley, and you might still encounter difficulties when entering Kashmir.

Kohistan and Diamer (Dasu to Chilas)

Why: In the area of the Karakoram Highway between Dasu and Chilas there is serious poverty and a lack of education and gender equality, even by Pakistan standards. There were many attacks in this region in the past, and though the area is now relatively safe and the Karakoram Highway is frequented by tourists, it still sees some issues such as the burning of girls’ schools in 2018.

Allowed to visit: Tourists can drive along the Karakoram Highway. Foreign tourists can now move freely in Chilas. Public transport usually has an armed guard riding along within this region. Solo travelers may receive a security escort in the area around Dasu town. Note that you need an NOC for any of the side valleys off the KKH in this area, such as Darel.

How about the other regions in Pakistan?

But are the other regions in Pakistan safe, I hear you ask? Here I’ll go over them quickly.

The southern province of Sindh isn’t on many tourist radars (although I think it should be). Some people visit Karachi and maybe Sehwan Sharif, but that’s about it. Because of this, many foreigners still think Sindh is a scary, dangerous place. The fact that some Pakistani’s will tell you the same doesn’t help.

Although Karachi has a reputation for being dangerous, tourists are hardly ever the target of crime here. Other parts of Sindh are equally friendly to tourists, and although Sindh is underdeveloped, it’s relatively safe to travel here. The only area that’s really off-limits is the That Desert.

The biggest problem in Sindh is often finding (budget) accommodation, as many places can’t host foreigners, and overzealous security personnel who’d rather see you leave than do extra work. In some cases, local authorities insist you need a security escort, but there are no hard and fast rules about this in Sindh.

Read:  Digging deeper into South Pakistan with my Sindh travel guide

As I mention a bit further down, Lahore is a safe city for foreign travelers and almost all people who visit Pakistan visit Lahore. Other parts of Punjab are safe for travel too. However, rural Punjab doesn’t see many foreign tourists yet, so you might be bothered by an overprotective security guard, and it’s possible some hotels won’t allow you to stay.

There are several cities in Punjab where foreigners can’t move around freely. Bahawalpur and Multan are prime examples. If the police find you wandering around these cities, it’s likely they’ll put you on the next bus back to where you can from. This is not because these cities are dangerous (although the police will tell you this to get rid of you), but because of army and intelligence activity in these cities. They don’t want snooping foreigners. If you want to visit these cities, find a host through Couchsurfing who knows about the situation.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)

Many people think KPK is still a hotbed of terrorism, and that foreigners aren’t really allowed to travel here. Although this was true in the past, now foreigners can travel freely through most of KPK province.

I have a special section on Peshawar further down this article, but KPK offers much more than this amazing city. Although I think most places in KPK, such as Swat , Chitral, and the Kalash Valley are safe to travel to, visitors should know KPK is still very conservative. Foreigners should take care to not offend local customs when traveling here.

There are a few places in KPK that aren’t safe for foreigners, as I mentioned above. But fear not, you won’t be allowed to stay here anyway.

Gilgit Baltistan (GB)

Gilgit Baltistan is among the safest places in Pakistan. You can find more info on GB further down this guide.

A Shia man praying at a gathering for Ashura, a day of significance during Muharram, a month of mourning. Shia events such as these are sometimes targeted by those who disagree with their practices.

High-risk environments in Pakistan

Though most gatherings are fine, there is a larger risk of terrorist attacks at certain kinds of places and gatherings in Pakistan.

Minority religious groups and activities are a common target for terrorists in Pakistan. Minorities are basically any non-Sunni religious groups. Think Shia Muslims and their holidays such as Ashura/Muharram, or Sufis and festivals like the urs in Sehwan Sharif or the urs at Data Darbar in Lahore. Sufi shrines were targeted several times in recent years:

• May 2019: Bombing of Data Darbar in Lahore
• Oct 2017: Bombing of shrine in Quetta, Balochistan (not accessible for foreigners)
• Feb 2017: Bombing of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s shrine in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh

A man dancing at the Sufi Mela Chiraghan festival in Lahore. Does he look dangerous to you?

Does that mean you should stay away from minority groups or events in Pakistan?

If you’re traveling off the beaten track in Pakistan, you should be able to inform yourself of risks and make calculated judgments as to whether or not you find risks worthy.

Personally, I find it worth the risk to learn more about groups and events firsthand. I regularly attend Sufi gatherings in Lahore , have visited Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras around the country, and spent days in the thick of crowds during Muharram and Safar, months of mourning particularly significant for Shia Muslims. All of which go against my government’s recommendations.

It’s worth noting that security at large minority events is intense. Spotlights, truck barricades, barbed wire, police everywhere, blocked mobile signals. And then some. Yes they are risk areas, but security officials account for that and do everything they can to mitigate. At times they might not want to allow foreigners in because of the security risks—it’s useful to have locals with you to help.

Sunrise over Phander Lake, a peaceful place in Gilgit Baltistan

Where are the safest places to visit in Pakistan?

No place is 100% safe, of course, but some places are calmer than others in Pakistan!

My friend Hina in Karimabad, Hunza

Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan

Most people who visit Pakistan, want to travel to Hunza at one point or another. Gilgit Baltistan as a whole is quite peaceful, but if you’re looking for ease of travel, welcoming people, and a very safe track record, Hunza is the place to start.

The most touristed region in northern Pakistan has been peaceful for decades, and aside from a small number of harassment incidents, most travelers have an easy and safe experience in Hunza. Many travelers—foreign and domestic—visit each year for trekking, motorbiking , and more. I also recommend Hunza to all first time (solo) female travelers in Pakistan .

Motorbiking in Yasin Valley, Ghizer

Ghizer, Gilgit Baltistan

Like Hunza, Ghizer district to the west of Gilgit city (along the road to Shandur Pass) is peaceful. Home to generally well-educated and open-minded Ismaili Muslims, it’s a very welcoming place for travelers. Ghizer is my favorite district in Gilgit Baltistan— Phander Valley is a good place to start.

Faisal mosque at night

Pakistan’s capital is, hands down, the safest city in Pakistan. Admittedly this leads to a very sterile experience (in my opinion, anyway) but it’s a safe and very forgiving starting point for any Pakistan trip. Check out some of my favorite things to do in Islamabad to get your trip started on the right foot.

Women from my women’s tour sightseeing in Lahore

My favorite city in Pakistan is also relatively safe for travelers. People are quite used to seeing foreign tourists in Lahore, especially in the historical areas, and the city is quite well managed security-wise. The normal risks associated with visiting big cities exist—think harassment, petty theft, etc.—but as a whole, Lahore is welcoming and a good addition to any trip.

Note: To be fair, all of Pakistan’s major cities—Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar—are safe enough to visit. Standard precautions should still be taken, especially in Karachi where snatching of phones and bags still sometimes occurs.

My friend Azeema showing me around Peshawar

Close to Afghanistan’s border with a reputation for being a terroristic Wild West where guns and hashish are sold openly and women flutter through the streets in burqas, it’s understandable why people are apprehensive about visiting Peshawar. Foreign tourists used to receive security escorts when visiting Peshawar, and many governments still advise not to visit.

But these days it’s safe to visit Peshawar, and I highly recommend it! The City of Flowers is working hard to rebuild and attract tourists after being ravaged by violence in recent decades. Though its visible conservatism might initially shock, it’s home to some of the most beautiful buildings I’ve seen in Pakistan—don’t miss the Sethi Haveli and Mahabat Khan mosque—and Pashtuns are indisputably the most hospitable people in Pakistan .

Note: You might have trouble finding accommodation in Peshawar; most hotels don’t allow foreigners. If on a budget, Al-Ibadat Hotel in Peshawar has rooms for around 800 PKR/night. Couchsurfing is another option—it’ll provide an opportunity to learn about Pashtun culture from the source. Female travelers, be on guard; many solo female travelers have had bad experiences Couchsurfing with less reputable hosts in Peshawar.

Traffic is a far more legitimate danger to travelers in Pakistan than terrorism…

What are the actual dangers of traveling in Pakistan?

Oh, you mean besides the 5 most serious dangers of traveling in Pakistan ?

Jokes aside, here’s what I think travelers should actually be careful of while in Pakistan:

• Harassment. Groping, stalking, and sometimes more is a common experience for both male and female travelers in Pakistan. Groping is particularly common in large crowds.
• Road accidents. Pakistani drivers be cray. Roads in cities are busy. Many truck and bus drivers give no fucks and consume large amounts of hashish while driving their routes. Watch out, and never step in front of a moving bus.
• Food poisoning. Hygiene standards in Pakistan are poor. Combined with the excessive use of oils and spices in the food, it’s common for visitors to have tummy issues at some point during their trip.
• Violence or stampedes in large crowds. People can be hotheaded in Pakistan, and when people get worked up… they get really worked up. Be careful in large crowds that are getting unruly—it’s easy for violence to flare up or stampedes to start.
• Altitude.  Many villages in northern Pakistan are at high enough altitudes to cause altitude sickness, and many common passes (Babusar Pass, Khunjerab Pass) are 4,000m+. Not to mention that many people come for high-altitude trekking, such as the K2 Base Camp trek . Take it easy when climbing higher, and if you feel ill please don’t hesitate to take a break or move to lower altitudes.

Glacier water in Sost, which people insisted was healthy and safe to drink. Um, I don’t think so.

Tap water is not safe to drink in most parts of Pakistan , especially in the major cities. Most urban Pakistanis drink filtered or bottled water. I personally use a Steripen to clean tap water, and LifeStraw bottles are another great no-waste alternative to bottled water.

In mountains, tap water is sometimes acceptable to drink. People will offer you cloudy glacier water, insisting it’s healthy and full of minerals. I do not recommend drinking glacier water without filtering; this glacier water has been linked to kidney problems in local populations.

However, some people get or pipe their water directly from mountain springs. Springwater is clean and safe to drink. The risky part is you don’t know how good their piping system is… or the last time it was cleaned. Whether or not you take the risk is up to you, but I usually accept spring water. Again, a Steripen is handy if you don’t want to take a chance.

Trekking in Swat Valley, Pakistan

Yes, it’s generally safe to trek in Pakistan! Pakistan is heaven for mountain lovers. Hardcore mountaineers and casual trekkers alike flock to its mountain ranges every year.

However, trekking in Pakistan isn’t like trekking in more developed countries. Trails are not well marked, maps are not readily available, and you won’t find the teahouse to teahouse kind of trekking you see in countries like Nepal. Proper healthcare is often a long journey away, which means you need to be well-prepared in the event of an accident.

It’s highly recommended to hire local guides if doing any overnight/long treks in Pakistan. They know the mountains better than anyone else, and will prevent you from getting lost or ending up somewhere dangerous.

If you don’t want to hire a local guide, I recommend basing yourself in a village and doing day treks from there. Some ideal bases for day treks are Kalam in Swat Valley , Gulmit or Karimabad in Hunza, and Skardu in the east.

Motorbiking in Pakistan is grand… but risky. That’s where insurance comes in!

In Pakistan, anything can happen.  Anything . From unexpected hospital visits due to food poisoning to needing to be airlifted out after a trekking or motorbiking accident, there are a lot of potential risks to traveling Pakistan. I highly recommend travelers going to Pakistan invest in travel insurance.

I use and recommend World Nomads travel insurance for traveling in Pakistan. They’re easy to use and communicate with, their standard plans cover most areas of the country tourists will visit, and you’re covered at high enough altitudes for all of the standard treks and areas the average tourist goes to. Get a quote from World Nomads here .

This man invited me to stay in his home about 3 seconds after meeting me. Sometimes you have to go with your gut and trust people in Pakistan!

The most important thing you can do while traveling in Pakistan: trust your instincts. If something feels bad or suspicious, back off.

Vague, I know! Instincts come with time, and you’ll figure things out while there. In the meantime, I recommend a few other safety basics to people visiting Pakistan:

Get a travel guide.  Knowing where you’re going, where foreigners are allowed to stay, and cultural advisories is extra important in Pakistan. I personally use and highly recommend Pakistan Traveller by Tim Blight. I believe in it so much that I helped with the latest edition! Buy a PDF of Pakistan Traveller here .

Always have a local SIM card and a local’s phone number. It might sound strange now, but trust me—people will offer their phone number to you for assistance often. Save some! They’re useful for translating in tough spots, letting people know where you are, and staying in touch with hosts and other helpful folks. Telenor and Zong offer the best mobile coverage in Pakistan.

Don’t hesitate to take a tour if you’re not ready to go alone. There are many companies running all kinds of tours in Pakistan; I myself run several kinds! Check out my 3-week women-only Pakistan tour or my 2-week Pakistan adventure motorcycle tour if they sound like your cup of chai.

Reach out to locals and experienced foreigners for information. Facebook groups such as Backpacking Pakistan (mostly foreigners only), See You in Pakistan (local and foreign), and Female Pakistan Travelers (local and foreign women only) are treasure troves of information and contacts. Couchsurfing is another great resource for connecting with locals.

Watch yourself in big crowds. From bum grabs to brick throwing to bag snatching, crowds can be tricksy business. Watch your things—and your parts—in thick crowds, just in case.

Have faith in people. I know this guide can be intimidating, but in the end, having faith in people you meet is important to enjoying your time in Pakistan. Most Pakistanis are very welcoming of foreign guests, and will do their best to make sure your visit goes smoothly. Constant suspicion is tiring; trust people who seem good. I assure you, if someone’s inviting you to their house, it’s probably because they want to introduce you to their family and stuff you full of food, not blast you into bits. Just sayin’.

Want more on Pakistan? Don’t miss this guide with everything you need to know about travel to Pakistan !

Yay transparency! There are affiliate links in this post. If you buy something using my links, I’ll make a bit of change  at no extra cost to you. Don’t worry, I only recommend things I use or would use myself. I ain’t evil.

Alex Reynolds

81 thoughts on “ is pakistan safe for travel in 2024 ”.

Thank you sharing amazing info for international community Al Ajr Travel

Hi, I’m curious what you think about current safety with the protests going on in the cities (mainly Ishlamabad)?

Hi Eline. Protests over Imran Khan have been happening for a while. Protests are usually worse in the news (especially abroad) than they are in real life. Islamabad is quite an organized city; protests are restricted to certain areas of the city (you’d have to go looking for them most of the time) and the main impact they have on travel is road closures and increased traffic in Islamabad. I’ll be heading to Pakistan in a couple of weeks and I’m not worried about them.

You are the ONLY one saying it is safe, all authorities and other travelers are advising to stay away unless completely necessary. Aren’t you worried your article will influence someone to travel to an unsafe region where increased attacks are occurring? I’m going to listen to the authorities for my safety. Beautiful photographs though.

Words cannot capture the sheer magnificence of my visit to Skardu! From the awe-inspiring peaks of the Karakoram range to the crystal-clear waters of Satpara Lake, every moment felt like stepping into a fairytale. Skardu’s untamed beauty left me speechless, and the warm hospitality of the locals made me feel right at home. My Trip was well Organized by skardutrekkers.com

I believe Pakistan is mostly safe to travel in. There are many documented testimonials on YouTube and elsewhere from various travelers, all raving about it’s natural beauty and hospitality. I know a person who has traveled to over a hundred countries and put Pakistan in their top five. You can see such travel as grassroots bonding and education between people of different cultures. I tend to think that is a good thing, and is frankly the best way to subvert negative stereotypes and propaganda. The only reason to truly avoid Pakistan would be philosophical, and I cannot criticize someone for not wanting to go there based on Pakistan’s history and tendencies as they relate to harboring terrorism and support for the Taliban, and murder of Benazir Bhutto. Imran Khan’s detainment is only the latest disappointment to consider.

Abby, PLease stay home and watch TV and let others have a real life….No one will miss you.

Hi Alex, I am planning to travel in Balochistan early March. I have visa and NOC sorted out. It appears I will have armed security guard and driver (in addition to my guide who I have traveled with in Pakistan before and trust).

Plan is: 4th Arrive Lahore, Sightseeing etc. 5th my meeting and leave Lahore on 40 Dn Jaffar Express. Arrive Quetta 6th afternoon. 7th Quetta sightseeing (Suggestions? Thinking Hanna Lake… not so much Ziarat). 8th Drive Quetta to Khuzdar, on the way visit Bibi Nani shrine, Pir Ghaib falls, and Kalat Kali Mata temple. 9th Drive Khuzdar (Pir Ibrahim? Moola Chotok? But they maybe too out of the way) to Hingol National Park (Stop in Uthala, maybe?) 10th Hingol National Park, Hinglaj Mata Mandir, Kund Malir Beach 11th Drive to Karachi see Sassi Punnu Shrine (maybe). 12th slack day in Karachi for unforeseen events. Sightseeing. 13th Fly out of Karachi.

Any comments/suggestions? Add/delete? Thanks in advance.

Thanks for sharing this! I just came back from Pakistan where I visited Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Lahore. Islamabad is such a green and well organized city! Lahore was my favorite, so beautiful! As for Peshawar, we did get armed police officers assigned to us as it was the Eid vacation and on the way they did not allow us to visit a monastery as it was very crowded and they could not guarantee our safety. I found Peshawar a bit grey and it was my least favorite visit. We wore headscarves and long clothes to try to fit in better. The border ritual in Lahore was absolutely fantastic! The energy and everything. All in all it was a great experience, except that as a vegetarian it was not so easy to find a lot of veggies.

What a hoot this article is. “It’s so safe here!” Meanwhile, half the country is off limits, and many of the available areas have off limits zones. I don’t think a good case was made here for Pakistan being safe.

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14 things you need to know before traveling to Pakistan

Sep 2, 2023 • 9 min read

Pakistan offers amazing adventures but it pays to read up on the challenges © Dave Primov / Shutterstock

Pakistan is one of the world’s great surprises, with an incredible diversity of scenery – from the world’s biggest mountain glaciers to the sparkling waters of the Indus River – alongside some of the most beautiful forts, mosques and archaeological sites in the Subcontinent. It is the cultural bridge between India and Central Asia and home to some of the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet.

It would, however, be fair to say that Pakistan has a mixed reputation beyond its borders. The country is beset with economic, political and security problems, but much has changed security-wise in recent years. An incredible welcome is guaranteed here, but this is also a destination that requires a bit of research in order to travel with confidence. Start your planning with the following essential travel tips.

1. Choose the right season for the areas you are visiting

Travel in Pakistan is strongly affected by the seasons . The summer months of July and August are the best time to visit the high mountains of the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges in the north, but this is also the busiest time for domestic tourism and it’s incredibly hot elsewhere in the country. If you want to explore the center, south and west of the country, consider a visit in spring (April and May) or autumn (October and November), especially if you don’t plan on going trekking. October brings fabulous fall colors to places like the Hunza Valley, whereas winter (November to February) is the best time to explore central and southern Pakistan.

Festivals worth planning your trip around include the Shandur Polo Festival in the second weekend of July, held atop the mountain pass between Hunza and Chitral, and the Chilam Joshi spring festival in the Kalash Valley in mid-May.

2. You’ll probably need a visa and letter of invitation to visit Pakistan

Most foreigners need a visa to enter Pakistan but you can apply online through the immigration department’s slightly glitchy e-visa system . You will also need a letter of invitation from a local hotel, your Pakistani host or a Pakistani travel agent to secure a visa, so give yourself enough time to get this document in place. Even if you don't plan on taking a tour, travel agencies can provide a letter of invitation for a fee. Contact your local Pakistani embassy or high commission for the latest information. 

3. Be prepared for some challenges if you travel during Ramadan

The Muslim fasting month of Ramadan brings a specific set of challenges for travelers. Most Pakistani Muslims avoid eating or drinking between dawn and dusk during this holy month, and most restaurants close during the day, with offices often working reduced hours. You’ll need to be fairly self-sufficient when it comes to food during daylight hours and you should avoid eating in public during the fasting period. This said, evenings are especially lively during Ramadan, as the devout break their daily fast with blowouts in local restaurants.

The dates for Ramadan shift annually according to the Islamic lunar calendar and sightings of the moon, and the festival moves forward by 11 days each year, relative to the Gregorian calendar; in 2024, the festival should start around 10 March.

4. Get a Pakistani SIM card to use the local taxi apps

Public Wi-Fi is not all that common outside of larger cities in Pakistan, so it’s useful to bring an unlocked smartphone for mobile browsing. Buy a local SIM card from the main customer service center for your chosen operator, in whichever town you happen to be in. Travelers recommend Zong , Telenor or Jazz for central Pakistan, or the government-owned SCOM for the mountainous northern area of Gilgit-Baltistan .

With a local SIM and phone number, you should be able to use local taxi apps such as Uber and its local equivalent Careem , which will save you both time and money, compared to flagging down local taxis in big cities such as Islamabad and Lahore .

5. Bring plenty of photocopies of your passport

There are lots of checkpoints in Pakistan where you'll need to show your identity documents, so bring lots of photocopies of your passport’s information pages and Pakistan visa, and always travel with the original passport on your person. You’ll find yourself handing over these copies regularly on long-distance road trips, including when traveling on the Karakoram Highway . 

6. Enjoy the local hospitality (but don’t abuse it)

Culture and customs can vary widely as you move from region to region in Pakistan but in general, you’ll find most Pakistanis to be extremely friendly and hospitable. Conversations, cups of chai and even dinner invitations flow easily, and you can expect to participate in hundreds of selfies.

Hospitality is so integral to Pakistani culture that many locals feel obliged to offer to pay for a foreigner’s meal or bus tickets, even if money is short. You may have to turn down these invitations multiple times to avoid burdening anyone unnecessarily. If you do share a meal in Pakistan be sure to pass and accept food with your right hand only; the left hand should not be used for eating or shaking hands. 

7. Women travelers might face some challenges in Pakistan

For the most part, Pakistan is a conservative, male-dominated society, and this can pose some challenges for female travelers. Women and men don’t mix much in public, and women generally sit in segregated areas on public buses and trains and, often, in restaurants. Attitudes towards foreign women can be protective and curious but women traveling alone may face some suspicion, and sexual harassment can sometimes be a risk in crowds. Special rules for women also apply at some religious sites.

For solo women travelers traveling through Pakistan, it helps to already have some experience of travel in other Islamic countries. Women traveling with a male companion generally face fewer obstacles. On the plus side, women travelers can gain insights into family dynamics and the lives of Pakistani women, which are completely off-limits to male travelers. And in some situations, foreign women may have unique access to both the male and female worlds.

8. Invest in a shalwar kameez to travel like a local

Pakistan’s national dress is the shalwar kameez , a garnet resembling a long shirt worn over wide, baggy trousers, popular with both men and women. It's worth investing in a set if you are going to be traveling for any length of time in Pakistan. The shalwar kameez is supremely practical and comfortable in this climate – you’ll also blend in nicely with the crowd, and locals will respect you for sharing in their culture. Women should also add a dupatta scarf to cover their hair when visiting mosques and other religious sites.

9. Dial down public displays of affection

Many Pakistanis are socially conservative, and public displays of affection between men and women – including kissing, touching and even holding hands in public – are frowned on. Attitudes towards LGBTIQ+ people can also be quite negative, and same-sex relationships are illegal, so Pakistan is not a good place for openly  LGBTIQ+ people to travel . It is not unusual for Pakistani men to hold hands or drape arms around each other, but this is generally platonic. 

10. Treat bargaining as a lighthearted sport

Haggling is acceptable, commonplace and often necessary in Pakistan, but it is best approached as a lighthearted social exchange rather than a life-or-death struggle, as some travelers treat it when traveling in Asia. The goal is for both purchaser and seller to walk away happy. 

When bargaining, respond to the first price quoted with a lower offer, then work back and forth until you reach a price you can both agree on. If you can afford it, avoid haggling over small sums – local people are often poorly paid and financially insecure, and overpaying by a few rupees won’t make a big dent in your wallet.  

11. Be aware of the no-go areas

The security situation can vary widely as you travel around Pakistan. Potentially dicey areas include parts of rural Sindh, some neighborhoods in Karachi , the area of Indus Kohistan close to Abbottabad (where Osama Bin Laden lived in hiding until 2011), parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan , and all of Baluchistan and Azad Kashmir provinces.

In general, you are unlikely to stumble into a danger zone because foreigners require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to visit such places, and you won’t be given one of these without excellent local contacts. The safest parts of the country are central Punjab Province and the area north of Gilgit, extending as far as the Chinese border along the Karakoram Highway . Check out the latest travel advisory information from your home government before you travel. 

While the risk is small, terrorist attacks and kidnappings do take place in Pakistan, and street crime can be an issue in parts of Karachi. Stay alert, exercise caution, and heed local advice on problem areas. Be aware that Sufi and Shia shrines are sometimes targeted by extremists, so visiting these locations can bring a slightly elevated risk.

12. Don’t panic if you get an armed escort

The Pakistani government is keen to protect the nation’s tourism industry, and officials sometimes insist that tourists take an armed guard to visit certain locations. You don’t have to pay for these guards, but the use of their services is mandatory. 

Some travelers find the guards somewhat constraining but their presence is usually just a precaution. You may be given a police escort in places such as Swat, the Kalash Valley and the scenic Fairy Meadows hiking area (on the northern flanks of Nanga Parbat peak).

13. Get travel insurance (and read the small print)

Good travel insurance is important for travel to Pakistan, but be aware that most policies won’t cover you for areas where your home government advises "against all travel." For example, in 2023, the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office was advising against all travel to Swat and Peshawar, amongst other destinations. Check the latest government travel advisories for up-to-date information and plan your itinerary accordingly.  

14. Give some thought to potential problems before you come

Beyond security issues, natural disasters such as flooding and earthquakes are unfortunately common at times in Pakistan, while power cuts are a smaller but more frequent occurrence. Monitor the local and international media for news on problem areas, and if you get caught in a natural disaster, follow the guidance of the authorities.

In terms of personal health, intestinal problems are the most common complaints among foreign tourists; the two golden rules are don’t drink the tap water and be wary of pre-cooked food. Eating from busy stalls and restaurants where food is freshly cooked is the way to go. 

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The Best Time to Visit Islamabad, Pakistan for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Islamabad for ideal weather are

February 19th to May 20th

October 15th to december 9th.

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Islamabad Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Islamabad Travel Info

Weather in islamabad.

Average temperatures in Islamabad vary drastically. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a low chance of precipitation most of the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 35th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Islamabad, the hottest months are June, July, and then May. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally mid June where highs are regularly around 102.2°F (39°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 76.9°F (24.9°C) at night.

Islamabad Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Islamabad temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Islamabad Perceived Temperature (F)

Islamabad perceived temperature (c), average islamabad temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Islamabad are November, December, and then May. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around mid to late November. For example, on the week of November 19th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late July with an average of 3 days of significant precipitation the week of July 23rd.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Islamabad.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Islamabad (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Islamabad has some humid months, and slightly dry months in the opposite season. The least humid month is May (30.3% relative humidity), and the most humid month is August (65.8%).

Wind in Islamabad is usually calm . The windiest month is June, followed by May and July. June’s average wind speed of around 9.8 knots (11.3 MPH or 18.2 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early to mid May where average top sustained speeds reach 25.1 knots, which is considered a strong breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Islamabad.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to islamabad.

Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe, but with extra warnings in a few regions. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are travel warnings and regional advisories for Pakistan; exercise a high degree of caution and avoid some areas. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Islamabad, Pakistan is June, followed by May and April. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Islamabad in October. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall islamabad travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 100°F (37.8°C) and 70.3°F (21.3°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 2 to 5 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have hot weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see the most precipitation with 5 to 10 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the second busiest season for tourism in Islamabad, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly more.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 92.4°F (33.6°C) and 74.2°F (23.4°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a normal amount: 1 to 6 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is too cold this time of year in Islamabad to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 72.4°F (22.4°C) and 61.6°F (16.4°C). On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 2 to 6 times per month. These times of year are fairly slow with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Pakistan › Islamabad, Pakistan

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Travel Guide: Places To Visit in Islamabad and Things To Do

• Nov 12, 2019

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When it comes to travelling to Pakistan, visiting Islamabad is almost unavoidable, especially if you are flying into Pakistan. Some people might want to skip the city and jump into their adventure trips to explore the northern part of Pakistan or other parts of the country, but I would recommend you not to do so.

I already wrote about what you need to know before travelling to Pakistan and answered the most frequently asked question: “Is Pakistan safe to visit?”. For this reason, in this article, I will mainly focus on Islamabad.

Islamabad is not just like any other capital cities in the world. The city is unique and it is very different from other cities in Pakistan.

There are a lot of things to do and beautiful places to visit in and around Islamabad. It is worth spending at least 2 or 3 days in Islamabad to explore the city and its surroundings. This is our guide to Islamabad and things you should know before you visit.

When is the best time to travel to Islamabad?

Islamabad can be very warm during the summers and humidity makes it feel even warmer. Mid-July is considered the hottest time of the year when the temperature can fluctuate around 40°C. It is best to avoid travelling to Pakistan during the hot seasons, especially if you are planning to go to the centre of the country or the southern areas.

Many tourists prefer to travel to Islamabad between September and October or between March and April when the weather cools down and it is more comfortable to be outside. Moreover, these months are considered the best months to travel to the mountains in the northern parts of the country.

Islamabad can get cold and frosty during the winters, but the temperature will not be unbearable. If you plan to visit Pakistan in the winter, you can fly to Islamabad and then travel to the south to visit Karachi and Balochistan to enjoy the milder weather.

Where to stay in Islamabad

Islamabad is a lush green city with a population just below 1.9 million people. This city doesn’t have a single city centre. You will find a variety of shops and restaurants in various areas, but the Blue Area is considered one of the main central locations in the city.

It is good to book your accommodation not too far from the Blue Area. If you book anywhere in the sectors G6-G8 or the sectors F6-F8, you will have to walk 20 to 30 minutes or get a taxi to get to the main shopping malls and restaurants in the Blue Area.

There are a variety of options for different budgets. Keep in mind that accommodation is quite cheap in Pakistan compared to the other parts of the world, and you should be able to book a decent room in a good hotel for less than £50 per night.

Serai Boutique Hotel in F6, you can book it here

Riviera in F8, you can book it here

Hill View Hotel in F7, you can book it here

Jasmine Inn in G8, you can book it here

How to get around Islamabad

Islamabad is a safe place to walk around, but you might not be able to find pavements next to every street and crossing some roads could be dangerous. Taking a taxi or an Uber is the most convenient way to travel around Islamabad.

Taxis in Islamabad don’t have taximeters readers or a fixed price. When you arrive at your destination, the taxi driver might ask you to pay as much as you like, and it can be a little confusing for tourists. If your ride is around 10 to 20 minutes, you should pay roughly 150 to 200 Rs.

If you would rather avoid the headache and the confusion, take an Uber. Uber is widely used in Islamabad, and it is also very cheap.

Let me share our experience. We took a 10-minute taxi ride on our first night in Islamabad and we were clueless about the prices. When the taxi driver asked us to pay as much as we wanted, we were honest and told him we just arrived in the city and we had no idea what was fair. He ended up charging us 1000 Rs. Later on, we found out that 150 to 200 Rs was a fairer price for the ride. Once we got back to Islamabad from our travels around the country, we only used Uber in the city.

Internet and How To Buy SIM Cards in Islamabad

Most of the hotels in Islamabad offer free WiFi, but it is not as easy to find reliable WiFi networks in the city. I would recommend you to buy a SIM card with a data plan.

Keep in mind that as a foreigner you can’t buy a SIM card at the airport. In general, buying a SIM card as a foreigner in Pakistan is not as easy as in most other countries. You can only get a prepaid SIM Card at Franchise. You must have your passport with you to be able to purchase one. You have two options, a data-only SIM card or one that includes calls. If you need to be in touch with your local guide or call hotels to book rooms while travelling around the country, you should probably opt for a SIM card that allows you to make calls as well.

Places To Visit in Islamabad and Things To Do

Visit the shah faisal mosque.

The Shah Faisal Mosque, situated at the foot of the Margalla Hills, is the largest mosque in Pakistan and it holds a special place in the country’s Muslim community.

The mosque has been named after Saudi King Faisal, who granted $120 million to Pakistan to build this unique mosque. It can accommodate more than 100,000 worshippers in its main hall and its vast courtyard.

You should visit this impressive landmark during the sunset to be blown away by its outstanding beauty.

The Pakistan Monument

The Pakistan Monument, located on the western Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad, is considered a national museum in Pakistan and part of its heritage. This amazing monument was built as a symbol of unity between people in the country.

If you want to have the whole monument to yourself, you should visit it in the early morning, before the local tourists arrive. I would recommend you to go there during the sunrise or sunset for taking some amazing photos.

Centaurus Mall

I usually don’t add visiting malls to my top things-to-do list, but here in Islamabad, you should visit the Centaurus Mall, the biggest mall in Pakistan. The mall is not that huge but it will let you experience the modern side of Pakistan. In addition, if you need to buy anything, it is the best place to shop.

This mall can be a great place to eat because it hosts some international restaurants and a large food court. I always recommend eating local dishes when you travel to a destination, but here is a little different. We enjoyed eating in La Terrazza (on the 3rd floor), an Italian restaurant, where we had an amazing view of Islamabad and tried some Italian dishes with a Pakistani twist.

Hiking in Margalla Hills

Margalla Hills is a lush green hill range in the north of Islamabad on the foothills of the Himalaya mountains.

There are various walking and hiking trails you can take. You might see some wildlife such as wild boars, Asian paradise flycatchers and monkeys. You can find the trails map in major bookstores in Islamabad. Some of the trails are good for a short walk, but some of them can take up to three days.

Daman-E-Koh Viewpoint

Daman-E-Koh is a combination of two Persian words and means foothill. This park is located in Margalla Hills, easily reachable by taxi or Uber. Here you can have a great view overlooking the whole city of Islamabad. Daman-E-Koh Viewpoint is where you can have a better look at how green and beautiful Islamabad is.

This place is popular amongst local families and it can get busy in the evening. You should keep an eye on your belongings, especially your phone and your food, because there are many wild monkeys around the park. They are a little aggressive and they tend to collect anything they can. I got close to one of them to take a photo when it suddenly jumped at me trying to take my phone from my hands. Luckily, I was faster and managed to keep it to myself.

Where to eat in Islamabad

If you never tried Pakistani food, get ready to gain some weight, because Pakistani dishes are tasty. The food can be spicy, and if your stomach doesn’t tolerate chilli food make sure to let the restaurant know before ordering.

There are a lot of good restaurants and here I listed some of the best places to eat in Islamabad.

Kabul Restaurant : Kabul restaurant is located in the sector F7, close to the Safa Gold Mall. This place is famous for its grilled meat and it serves Afghan food. It is popular amongst locals and suitable for both lunch and dinner.

Monal Restaurant : If you go further up the hill from Daman-e-Koh, you will find a very nice restaurant with a great view: Monal Restaurant. You might find this restaurant a bit pricey but one meal or even just a drink (a soft drink, of course) is worth it for the view.

Rawalpindi Food Street : Rawalpindi is one of the busiest street food markets in Pakistan. You will need to take a taxi to get there. It usually takes less than 20 minutes to drive there from Islamabad. It is worth a visit as you will find a lot of good restaurants in one single street.

Islamabad is the most modern city in Pakistan where most tourists start their trips before going on exploring the country. We really enjoyed our time in this city and I hope you have a great time there, too.

This post contains affiliate links and if you click one I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Is it safe to travel to Pakistan?

Despite the upheaval  Pakistan  has experienced over the past decade, this fascinating country is now considered safe to travel to as long as you stick to the well-populated areas. While it can be one of those countries that set off alarm bells in the minds of friends and family – "sorry, you're going where?" – you can rest assured that Intrepid would not take you anywhere unless we were convinced it was safe and trust us, there's more (so much more) to Pakistan than the media would have you believe.

The Pakistan Government has been fighting a war against terrorism for many years now. Terrorist activity peaked in 2009 but has significantly decreased in the decade since. A lot of this was concentrated in the regions bordering Afghanistan, like the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, neither of which Intrepid visit.

The Australian, US and UK governments advise against travelling into the Balochistan region because of the risk of terrorism, but our expeditions are limited to the Punjab region and Northern areas.

Pakistan's relationship with India is notoriously prickly. The eastern border (India's western border) has been the subject of debate and violence since both countries gained their independence in 1947.

The main point of contention is the mountainous Kashmir region to the east of Islamabad, and the Australian and UK governments advise against all travel into this area as well as all sections of the border.

We visit the border at Wahga, just outside of Lahore, but this crossing is further south and is relatively secure, with an entertaining flag-lowering performance every day. 

Pakistan and Afghanistan also have issues with their border. We do not travel anywhere in the west of the country because of the poor security situation.

Our tours go to Lahore, Islamabad and the Hunza Valley region. To mitigate security risks on the southern sections of the Karakoram Highway, we fly to Gilgit and use private vehicles to head north up the Hunza Valley towards the Chinese border. This area is remote, surrounded by mountains and far removed from Afghanistan and Kashmir. Our itineraries and leaders do all they can to minimise risk for you.

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Preparing your trip to Islamabad: advices & hints - things to do and to obey

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Faisal mosque.

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Useful tips for traveling to Pakistan in 2024

By Joan Torres 122 Comments Last updated on May 21, 2024

Wanna travel to Pakistan with Against the Compass?

Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Pakistan:

September 17th to 30th, 2024

If you ever decide to travel to Pakistan, I promise you that you will have the adventure of your lifetime.

From hitchhiking on tractors and psychedelic trucks to driving over extremely narrow mountain roads built on a cliff 1,500 meters high, soldiers who voluntarily give you their AK-47 for taking a photo, the most striking landscape and the fact that you can camp in the middle of a paradise completely by yourself. 

Traveling to Pakistan is, definitely, the ultimate experience and adventure.

However, this isn’t particularly an easy place to travel in.

Going on a trip to Pakistan requires a little bit of preparation, as well as quite a lot of things to know beforehand.

This Pakistan travel guide contains everything you need to know, including all travel information regarding visas, transportation, cultural etiquette, cultural behavior, costs and more!

In this Pakistan travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Travel Insurance
• Best time to visit
• How to get in
• Pakistan today
• Cultural behavior and facts
• Security & safety
• Solo female travel
• Bureaucracy and permits
• Prices and money
• Transportation
• Food, alcohol & chai
• Accommodation
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Pakistan

With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Pakistan.

🪪 How to get a visa for visiting Pakistan

Here you have the most updated information

Before May 2019 – Getting a visa on the road was not possible, but you could only get it from your home country or country of residence. 

After May 2019 – They have finally introduced an e-visa system and up to 176 nationalities can now apply for a Pakistani visa online.

How to apply for a Pakistani e-visa 

You can apply through this portal .

Things you need to know about the e-visa:

Visa length – Officially, you can get a visa for up to 3 months. The application says that you can get up to 12 months but so far, there aren’t any reports from tourists who have been able to get one. 

Multi-entry – You can also apply for a multi-entry visa valid for up to 1 year.

Price – I believe it depends on nationality and the length of your trip, but I hold a Spanish passport and a single entry 2-month visa cost me 35USD. Then, I tried to apply for a multi-entry visa and it cost 52USD. 

Timing – The application says the process may take up to 7 days but it also may depend on your embassy. One traveler claimed that he got it in one day, while others say it takes several days. It is recommended to apply in advance. 

Letter of Invitation – For most nationalities, an LOI is required for the visa application. Alternatively, the system also allows you to upload a hotel booking confirmation (instead of the LOI) but usually, they will reject it and tell you to upload an LOI, which you should get through a local tour operator.

Join our Pakistan expedition

By joining our group expedition into the Northern Areas, you’ll instantly get our LOI needed for the visa.

After submitting your application, your embassy has the right to call you for an interview, which means that you would need to be in your home country. However, this only happens in rare cases. 

For more information, Marco from Monkey Rock World has written a comprehensive guide/tutorial about how to get a Pakistani e-visa .

How to make a visa extension

Would you like to spend more time in Pakistan? No problem.

Extending your visa while traveling in Pakistan used to be a confusing process, as everybody has different experiences and rules were constantly changing but, finally, you can get your visa extension through the regular e-visa portal, as long as you are already in Pakistan and in possession of an e-visa. 

If you traveled to Pakistan with a regular visa, you can only extend it at the passport office of any major city, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Chitral, Gilgit, and Skardu but, apparently, the easiest place is Lahore.

🗺️ How to sign up for a tour in Pakistan

Traveling with a group and an expert local guide will make things much easier, and more fun!

Against the Compass has the following scheduled Pakistan expedition:

• September 17th to 30th, 2024. APPLY NOW

14 days exploring the Northern Areas, including driving through the Karakoram Highway, as well as exploring the barely visited valleys of Shimshal and Astore.

🚑 Travel insurance for traveling in Pakistan

DO GET proper travel insurance.

For Pakistan, IATI is the best because:

• All types of plans, for all budgets
• One of the few that covers travel in Pakistan
• It provides coverage for many adventure activities, including high-altitude trekking
• Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount

⛅ Best time to visit Pakistan

Pakistan has many different regions, ranging from sea-level, flat deserts to 8,000-meter peaks, so each season will present its own peculiarities.

Winter (mid-November to February)

The best time to visit the south part of the country, especially Sindh province. Those lands may not have the mountains Pakistan is famous for but this is the most religiously diverse region in Pakistan.

On the other hand, most mountains in northern Pakistan remain totally inaccessible in the wintertime. You can still get to the Northern Areas through the Karakoram Highway , but you won’t be able to visit any side valley.

Summer (June to September)

The best season for visiting the Northern Areas, especially if you like trekking in high altitude mountains.

Spring & Autumn

I personally traveled to Pakistan in April and May and the mountains were at their best, as the weather was gorgeous (most days), plus they weren’t busy with domestic tourism. However, if you travel to Pakistan in early spring, late autumn, the mountains may not be that accessible. 

Traveling in Pakistan during Ramadan

A topic by itself, with its pros & cons. Lost with Purpose traveled in Pakistan during Ramadan and wrote this insightful post .

🛫 How to visit Pakistan

How to travel to pakistan by air.

Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have international airports connecting with many Middle Eastern cities, especially Doha and Dubai . 

How to travel to Pakistan by land

Pakistan shares a border with Iran, Afghanistan , India, and China. You can’t use the Afghan border to cross but the rest are open:

• China – The highest border crossing in the world. Read my report .
• India – An easy one, despite the diplomatic relationship between both countries. Read this report
• Iran – It goes through Baluchistan and it is quite an adventure. Read this report

📰 What’s it like to travel in Pakistan today

Before 9/11, Pakistan used to be a tourist country. 

Well, not that touristic, but its breathtaking mountains were a popular stopover for backpackers going along the famous Hippie Trail .

In fact, in the Northern Areas, you can find a few backpacker hostels which somehow, are the remains of what used to be a popular destination for intrepid backpackers. 

The 9/11 attacks, however, along with a big bunch of unfortunate events, usually involving Taliban activity and loads of violence, put an end to the emerging tourism industry.

Fortunately, things have changed. 

In the last couple of years, the security situation in Pakistan has dramatically improved and the Northern Areas of Pakistan are, once again, filled with intrepid backpackers who want to visit some of the most jaw-dropping mountain scenery you will ever see, and experience the hospitality Pakistan is famous for. 

Nevertheless, despite this massive tourism increase, Pakistan still remains raw, authentic, and genuine, and it will stay like that for a very long time, especially because it is not an easy country to travel to: tourist infrastructure is in an embryonic stage, it is difficult to move around and you won’t meet many foreigners, so that’s why I personally believe that only experienced travelers should go to Pakistan. 

However, traveling in Pakistan is one of the most rewarding traveling experiences one can ever have.

🕌 Cultural behavior and facts when traveling in Pakistan

Urdu, which is like hindi, is the official language.

However, each region has its own (or several) local languages, so different from each other. English is widely spoken among educated people, like in India.

Pakistan is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries

From the South Asian-looking people of Punjab and Sindh; to the people of the Pashtun areas, closer to Iran or Afghanistan; the pagan culture of Kalash; the Shias from Gilgit and Nagar; the Ismailis of lower Hunza and the Wakhis (and also Ismailis) of upper Hunza. Traveling in Pakistan is like traveling in several, different tiny countries. It’s fascinating.

Remember, you are the guest

People tend to say that, in Iran , Sudan and Iraqi Kurdistan , you find the most hospitable people in the world. Well, clearly, they haven’t visited Pakistan. Whereas it’s true that these countries are very hospitable, Pakistanis bring it to the next level. In this country, you are the guest, which means that the locals strive for you to have the best possible time in their country or region.

The hospitality can even be overwhelming

During your trip to Pakistan, you’ll be invited for lunch, dinner and even to stay at people’s houses so many times that, on many occasions, you will have to refuse.

After your refusal, they will insist once again, over and over. They will also insist on carrying your bag and offering you food one hundred times even if you say that you are full. These are their cultural rules and you are the guest.

So overwhelming but just don’t get angry

One day, some random men who I had never seen before came to my hotel at 7:30 am in the morning, knocking at the door of my room, waking me up from a very good sleep.

Apparently, they heard that there was a foreigner in the village, so they just wanted to hang out with me. I got a little bit angry, continued sleeping but then I kind of felt bad, as all they wanted was to show me around the village.

Paying for meals

For some reason, Pakistanis always want to pay for your meals to the extent that it gets awkward. I personally didn’t like it, especially when I could see that the local people didn’t have much money. If possible, try to back them up.

Wearing a Shalwar Kameez

The traditional Pakistani dress, which 80% or 90% of Pakistanis wear, is called shalwar kameez. Should you wear it? It’s not compulsory but, if you do, the locals will really appreciate it, especially in the Pashtun areas.

Pakistan is the most conservative country I’ve ever been to. You should be careful and always respect their rules. If you do, they will also respect you and you will have the best time in their country.

📚 Useful books for traveling to Pakistan

This is just a selection of the most useful travel books but, if you want to know all the options, remember to check this list : The best books on Pakistan (classified into history, politics, novels and travelogues)

The best travel guide to Pakistan: Pakistan Traveller

This is the most up-to-date and ultimate guidebook about Pakistan. 256 pages full of maps and endless travel tips. The author, Tim, is an Australian man who has visited Pakistan 10 times since 2006. A must-have for anyone who visits Pakistan. 

To know about the culture: Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart! is a well-known collection of books that provide deep introductions to the culture and customs of many countries. In this book, they give a great analysis of the complexity of the culture and sub-cultures in Pakistan, so you will have a great understanding of the cultural etiquette beforehand!

For more political background: Pakistan, a hard country

Pakistan, a hard country – This award-winning book will give you a deep understanding of the situation in Pakistan nowadays.

⚠️ Security and safety when you travel in Pakistan

Pakistan is not dangerous but you should be cautious..

You might have read from other blogs that Pakistan is one of the safest countries in the world . Personally, I wouldn’t say that. Whereas I think that Pakistan is not a dangerous country, in some areas, it’s better to be cautious, especially in the region bordering Afghanistan.

Read: Is Afghanistan safe?

However, the situation is only getting better and better

Seriously, safety in Pakistan has improved exponentially.

Police are there to help you

Throughout your Pakistan travels, you’ll be continuously interrogated by dozens of different policemen and people from the army. Who are you? Why are you here? Where are you going?  Unlike in other countries, in Pakistan, the police and military are pretty cool and, for your own security, they are commanded to ask you these questions.

You will have to register at more than 100 security check posts

I am not kidding. During my 56-day trip to Pakistan , I had to register more than 100 times at different army and police check posts. Sometimes, to get from one destination to another, I had to register more than 10 times! At each check post, you have to get off the car or bus and write down all your personal information in a notebook. This will slow down your journey considerably.

Bring one thousand passport & visa photocopies

It’s good to bring loads of photocopies because, at some check posts, if you have a passport copy, you don’t have to get out of the car. Otherwise, you are going to waste your time.

Occasionally, you get a personal guard, for free

Again, not kidding. For security purposes, in some areas, you will get a personal armed guard. Sometimes, you might have to pay for his meals but, according to the police, you are not forced to. It’s up to you. For more information, read my post: Is Pakistan safe?

Having a personal armed guard seems kind of cool but, to be honest, it’s not that much

The first time you get an armed guard you get kind of excited. However, after half an hour, you might start hating him because he will put you under a lot of restrictions.

Pakistani intelligence is one of the best secret services in the world

One of the reasons why Pakistan is not a dangerous country is thanks to the Pakistani intelligence, which is considered the best intelligence corps in the world, even better than the CIA.

Be aware that they are watching your steps and they will always know where you are. I remember that, while hiking around a remote area in the Astore Valley , a man wearing a salwar kameez (the traditional Pakistani clothes), came to me and said,  ”You are the Spanish, right? ” Yes, he was from Pakistani intelligence.

For further information on safety, including which areas are the safest, read my post: Is Pakistan safe?

You may also be interested in which countries in the Middle East are safe?

💃 Solo female travel in Pakistan

Women traveling solo is more common and safer than you think.

Women tell wonderful things about their experiences during their journeys through Pakistan, but they also say that this is a particularly challenging destination, home to a very conservative, patriarchal society who don’t really know how to deal with foreign women.

I’m not the most qualified person to talk about this topic, however, but Spanish traveler Leti Lagarda backpacked in Pakistan solo for 2 months, and has written a compelling guide about it, which will tell you everything you need to know about solo female travel in Pakistan, including:

• Interaction with men
• Safety tips
• Cultural etiquette
• What to wear
• And much more

Read the ultimate guide to solo women travel in Pakistan

🛂 Bureaucracy and permits for your trip in Pakistan

Don’t trust any source of bureaucracy information, not even against the compass.

In Pakistan, rules are not written and things are constantly changing. Places that no longer require a permit, might require it overnight, by the next day it was changing it back again.

A military guy told me once that, when this happens, it’s because they are suspicious of some Taliban or terrorist activity.

This information doesn’t flow throughout the country, so you will see that everyone (including national police, local police, the Army, the locals, travelers, and blogs) will always have a different opinion. Don’t trust anyone. Check it yourself, once you’re on the ground.

In Pakistan everything is possible

If there is something valuable I learnt during my trip to Pakistan, it is that, as in any corrupt country, everything is possible and it all depends on your contacts. If you know the right people, you can do absolutely everything you want, including visiting forbidden areas without a permit.

What you need to know about NOC

• What is it? A No Objection Certificate, which is basically, a permit required for certain restricted areas.
• How to get? – The best way to get it is through a local with contacts. If you don’t know any local, contact your embassy, but it can take up to 4 or 5 working days to proceed. 
• When do you need it? – As I said before, don’t trust any source of bureaucracy information. During my trip to Pakistan, a friend of mine was required to get an NOC to use the road between Timargara and Chitral. One day later, I tried to use that road but the NOC was not required anymore. However, officially, you would need an NOC to visit Balochistan, the Khyber Pass, Tribal Areas and Kashmir (some areas of Kashmir).

💻 Internet and connectivity in Pakistan

Except in Gilgit-Baltistan, the internet works reasonably well throughout the country.

In the Northern Areas, the connectivity is awful or non-existent depending on where you go. 

I got a SIM Card from a Chinese company called ZONG which is supposed to be the best for pretty much anywhere in the country. In the Northern Areas, however, it barely worked and, apparently, you need to get a company named SCOM, which you can find in Gilgit, 

Pro-tip: Tell a local to get a SIM Card for you – The downside of ZONG is that, as a foreigner, you need to go to the central office and pay quite a lot of money to sign up for it (20 or 30USD). Tell a local to sign up for you, so you’ll just pay the local price and get it very quickly.

eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Pakistan

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Pakistan . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Get a VPN for traveling in Pakistan

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Pakistan. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 Money in Pakistan

In Pakistan, they use the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) and approximately:

1USD = 278.60 PKR

Cash & ATMs – Pakistan is a cash economy, so better bring cash, especially in the Northern Areas, where. Of course, you can find ATMs in all big cities but not all of them will accept foreign cards.

How much does it cost to travel to Pakistan

But before, a few things you need to know:

• In Pakistan, everything is negotiable: Everything can be bargained for, especially the hotel rooms. Expect to pay different amounts from other guests.
• Always come with a reference: When you travel in Pakistan, contacts are very important and that’s why in either hotels or trekking tour companies if you come referenced by a local, you will get a better price.

In any case, this is a pretty cheap country and I think you can easily travel to Pakistan for less than 20 a day, sleeping in private rooms and eating 3 meals outside. These are the (approximate) prices of the most typical things:

• Local meal – 150PKR
• Local meal in a mid-range restaurant – 250-500PKR
• Meal in a fancy restaurant of Lahore – from 1500PKR
• Private room in a budget hotel – Up to 1500PKR
• Private room in a mid-range hotel – Around 3,000PKR
• Long bus rides (Islamabad to Gilgit) – Around 2,500PKR for a VIP ticket (you want to get a VIP, trust me)

🛺 Transportation for traveling around Pakistan

You’ll get used to the mountain roads –  Most mountain roads are very scary as they are extremely narrow and built on insanely high cliffs. Don’t panic. You’ll just get used to them!

You will learn to be patient – In absolutely almost every long bus journey I took, we had a breakdown. Sometimes, we were stopped for two hours! And one day, we stopped because the bus ran out of gas! Can you believe it?

Psychedelic trucks are a way of life – Everybody falls in love with the trucks in Pakistan, as they are so particularly decorated that they are a blessing to your lens.

Ways of moving around when you travel in Pakistan

Public buses & minivans go everywhere – Like in most developing countries where most people can’t afford to buy a car, buses and minivans travel to even the remotest areas in the country. In Sindh and Punjab provinces, Daewoo is the most luxury bus. For traveling to Gilgit from Islamabad, you should definitely take NATCO VIP Bus ( around 17USD). Don’t worry, is not that VIP.

Train – In Sindh, Punjab, and Peshawar, you can move around by train. There are different train companies but you should always take the private ones, as they are more punctual. Use AC standard, as it is the one used by the Pakistani middle class. It’s not expensive, not smelly and comfortable enough. For more information, check this train guide to Pakistan . 

Hitchhiking is too easy – It’s so easy, that sometimes, it’s faster and easier than taking public transport, especially on the Karakoram Highway (from Gilgit to Khunjerab Pass). Everybody will want to pick you up! As a general rule, on the KKH, I didn’t hitchhike on motorbikes (there are so many accidents) and cars with women inside.

Plane is pretty convenient – Traveling by bus from Islamabad to the northern areas, including Chitral, Gilgit and Skardu takes ages (from 15 to 20 hours). There are flights connecting Islamabad with all these cities. Book your flights here . Please note that, for flying to and from Gilgit, you must book several days (even weeks) in advance. Also, bear in mind that many flights get canceled due to the weather condition.

Read: 80 Tips for traveling to Iran

🍲 Food, drinks, and alcohol

Food is extremely oily.

Pakistanis love oil too much. They put tons of it in absolutely every meal, including in the steamed rice, which they will always fry afterwards. When you are in a restaurant, always ask for half fried.

It’s almost dry

In the Sindh province and Islamabad, you can find liquor stores. In the rest of the country, alcohol is only available on the black market, but most locals (who drink) can get it for you easily.

Expect to have ten cups of chai a day

Chai, which is tea with milk, is a way of life in Pakistan and a sign of hospitality.

Tap water, watch out!

Don’t dare drink tap water. In the northern part of the country, the locals will tell you that the tap water is good, as it comes from the mountains and glaciers. This may be true, but I still got sick when I drank from a mountain fountain. Always use a water purifier.

You’ll get sick

I don’t know anyone who didn’t get sick in his stomach when traveling in Pakistan. Try to avoid salad, food stalls with flies (they are hard to find) and don’t drink tap water.

🏨 Accommodation when you are traveling to Pakistan

There are all types of hotels across the country, from budget rooms to a few hostels and luxury hotels.

Booking sites such as Hostelworld and Booking.com are increasing in popularity but, depending on the destination you travel to, you may not find a lot of options or, at least, no budget hotels.

If you want to stay in a budget hotel or local guesthouse, you may have to read blogs or ask anyone online. In my Pakistan Itinerary , I give some options.

Anyway, there are a few things you need to know about accommodation in Pakistan:

Prices can be negotiated to the extreme

Whenever they tell you the price, ask if they have a cheaper room. Seriously, on many occasions, I managed to get half of the initial price.

If you are on a budget, always ask if they have a dorm

Surprisingly, many hotels have dorms and they don’t tell you until the end of the negotiation. The good thing is that, since there are not many backpackers, you are most likely to get the dorm just for yourself!

In most of Pakistan, you are covered

In Pakistan, there is a lot of domestic tourism, so most touristic areas are filled with hotels for absolutely every budget, from hostel to mid-range and luxury rooms.

But it may be harder to find decent accommodation in the rest of the country

In cities like Peshawar, Karachi, Multan, and basically anywhere outside of Swat Valley, Chitral, Northern areas, Islamabad and Lahore, finding decent (budget) accommodation may be challenging.

Couchsurfing is quite popular!

There are loads of profiles, especially in big cities.

If you want to know all my hotel recommendation per city, read my Pakistan Itinerary

❗ More information for traveling to Pakistan

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Pakistan destination

• Travel Guide to Fairy Meadows
• Karokam Highway Travel Guide
• Astore Valley Travel Guide
• Pakistan-China border crossing
• Travel Guide to Rakaposhi Base Camp
• Travel Guide to Afghan Village in Pakistan
• Travel Insurance in Pakistan
• Pakistan Itinerary
• Photos of Pakistan
• Travel Books about Pakistan
• Solo Female Travel Guide in Pakistan
• Is Pakistan Safe?

That’s everything you need to know! If you think I forgot something, please let me know! Ah, and remember that, in Pakistan, you shouldn’t plan too much! Welcome to the country of unexpected events. From endless bus breakdowns to time-consuming check posts, new local friends and paradises where you want to spend ages, during your Pakistan travels, you will realize that nothing will go according to your plan.

Travel guides to other countries in Central Asia

• Tajikistan Travel Guide
• Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Uzbekistan
• Travel Guide to Kazakhstan
• Afghanistan Travel Guide

You might also like our Iran travel guide.

122 comments

Thank you so much for blogging about Pakistan! It’s the country that I most want to visit (to the dismay of my sheltered family). This kind of information will make things so much easier when I graduate and finally get my loans paid down enough to do extensive travel.

I only recently found your blog, and I have to say that I really love both your content and what you’re doing out there. It’s truly inspirational.

Hello, thanks for your comment! I am glad that you want to travel to Pakistan. Tourism is increasing day by day (that’s what the local say) and i am sure you will have an awesome time there. Hope you get your loan paid down and you can go there soon! cheers mate

You are most welcome to visit Pakistan.. Hope you find your trip the best ever and awesome.. Feel free to contact me if you need any help..

thank you, man! maybe next time! Next year inshallah!

You said INSHAA ALLAH. well nd good but can i ask ?are you muslim or you love to this word?

Hello. I am not Muslim but I have been traveling in Muslim countries for quite a while, so I use it when I write about Muslim countries.

After watching and read some articles of your country now am planning to visit your country but I don’t know anyone there. “In Shaa Allah”

Please give me some idea!

Have you visited Pakistan or still looking to visit our country. If you are looking to visit our country, warmly welcome to Pakistan. You can contact me you need any help. Shahzad from Lahore.

you can be guest without money,because i believe that every thing is possible by sharing, caring, and HUMANITY

Hey, I am an Indian , planning to travel Pakistan, especially rural and mountainous regions and looking for a Pakistani friend who has similar plans. Travel could be a month longer or more.

Well Dude you are welcome here. Will have great time

Wanna visit your country after ramadhan or maybe celebrate the Ed’l Fitr there. Any suggestions and advice you can give?

I agree. Wonderful and informative blog! Thanks

Hello and thanks for a great summary, Joan!

May I please know the basis of this statement? “Some embassies (like the one Beirut) may tell you to apply via the traditional way, which sucks a lot, especially because you can only apply at the embassy from your country of residence and they always require an LOI. ”

I’m based in Beirut and about to submit my e-visa application, but need to know if it’ll be a waste of my time and money. Thanks!

Hi there, I was told by a Lebanese person that the staff of the embassy in Beirut had no idea about the e-visa process yet, but that was a few months ago, so maybe things have changed. I suggest you contact them first

Congratulations and thank you for all the valuable information, Joan! In my opinion the way you write goes beyond than just being a guidebook, you really inspire us all!! I’ve been to several exotic destinations (for a Brazilian at least) such as Lebanon, Iran, India, Palestine, Jordan and now I’ve put Pakistan on my list as well. By the way, your tips about Lebanon helped me quite a lot, it made the trip easier and really enjoyable.

Hi Jefferson, glad that you found my posts about Lebanon useful! It really encourages me to keep writing! Yeah, if you liked Lebanon (and didn’t feel any danger there) you really should put Pakistan to the bucket list! Anyways, hope to meet you on the road one day 😀 Cheers mate!

Interesting use of the word “best” to describe the secret service – if backing the Taliban, supporting terrorist groups and sheltering Bin Laden makes them the best, I’d hate see what the worst were like

Hey man! hahaha, Let’s change ”best” by ”effective” if that makes things better 🙂 If it was not for the PK Intelligence, PK would have become a failed state, like Afghanistan. If, occasionally, they back up the Talibans, is always for their self-interest (for negotiations for example) not for supporting a terrorist group. All the country is pretty proud of this corp and I met a few agents who were always looking after me! But I am not an expert, so can’t say much more about it 😀 !

I wouldn’t doubt that they treated you well in Pakistan but you really need to do some homework on the subject: Pakistan, through the intelligence agency is one of, if not the biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world; it’s actions in Afghanistan have been one of the leading causes of making it a failed state and also the source of the blow back, causing terrorism in Pakistan, so they have done the complete opposite of making the country safer. I am still looking forward to visiting in the near future, so thanks for all the useful information

Pretty sure the CIA is the biggest sponsor of terrorist groups around the world.

Good point. I’d add that its US and UK support for Pakistan that has allowed them to get away with supporting terrorists, the CIA and the Pakistani intelligence have certainly colluded in plenty of dodgy stuff

Only Indians call Pakistan the failed state, I have never met a single American or Western calling it a failed state. ISi is pain in the ass for Indians only and not many Americans even buy Osama drama so keep ranting like other cyber indian trolls that PK is a failed state, ISI sponsor terrorism and Osama story…I am sure people are quite smart spotting you guys out with same rants and fake western names.

Ok Graham, I can see you are not Indian but having totally Indian narrative in your comment made me to believe there is another indian with a fake ID. Nevertheless, Afhhanistan is not a failed state because of PK rather because of USA and NATO. PK interest in sponsoring so called Afghan Taliban whom you guys once called Mujahideen and now “Taliban the terrorists” is for its their interest. The only mistake ISI had done that brought today terrorist attacks in PK is that it bowed to USA and attacked tribal areas with USA drones and kill their kids and women. For this Pakistanis are paying the price. And yes Pakistanis know well that PK has a shit reputation but let me correct you here that we know well that it is due to both internal issues ie corrupt leaders and politicians and also we know well where and why other powers are playing to sponsor the terrorism. Anyway, people there are always hospitable even before sept 11 or even in golden era of PK in 60s they were as hospitable as today you witnessed. They are not nice to you as PK has bad reputation in the world due to MSM etc

A hearty LOL on soldiers giving you AK-47s for selfie shots hahaha. Sounds like somewhere that is not the USA, or any Western nation. Amazing. In some ways this is nuts but in other ways I admire the detachment, the trust and yes, some may say outright recklessness. Just another country with a different culture, laws, way of doing things. I’d love to see it someday.

Thanks for sharing 🙂

haha, yeah, you said it very well. This country is nuts, mad, wild and surreal. That’s what all backpackers are continuously saying when you are in Pakistan!

Pakistan can be rock concert loud. Highly amplified mosque speakers blare out the call to prayers five times a day from every which way-the first one being at crack of dawn. This can disturb your sleep pattern. Then there are cars and trucks one-upping each other with incessant honking. Some commercial vehicles have bone jarring air horns. Celebratory gun fire can erupt at any hour for as simple a reason as a kid passing his exams. Imagine that AK47 going off at 2:00 AM!

Super update on Pakistan ! I was there in 84/5 and many things have / have not changed. All power to you ! Eg http://www.amateuremigrant.com/2016/10/21/quetta-train-to-chaman-bob/

Wow – awesome tips and it’s obvious you spent a lot of time on this! Pakistan sounds like an amazing place!

Thank you! I hope it makes you wanna go 😉

I thing which I want to add is you traveled in the month of Ramdan (an Islamic month). In this month local tourist do not travel that is way you got cheap hotels. Otherwise expect 3 time more expensive hotels than you mentioned above.

Hi Numan. I traveled in Pakistan for 2 whole months and only 10 days of Ramadan

Incredible tips and really gives a good perspective into what it might be like to visit Pakistan! Pakistan never actually used to be on my list but after seeing pictures and reading about it it’s definitely appealing more and more! Thanks for sharing your tips! They will definitely come in useful if/when I make it there!

Pakistan is such a misunderstood country but then, people look at the pictures and gets truly amazed! Thanks for your comment. Hope you make it one day

That’s really impressive overview about the country. Pakistan is my homeland. I born in Lahore. Pakistan is improving for the tourist industry. Furthermore i would like to add the TDCP. Please tourist use this department to get more information about the country.

It must be exciting to visit Pakistan, but that said, if you live there I don’t think you will think it’s so safe and exciting, especially if your a Minority, and not Muslim, your chances of being killed increase a thousand fold, even the local Muslims are not spared, your chances of being killed are at an extreme level, people live in fear. Pakistan is notorious for Terrorist activity. But that said life goes on. Did you know about the Majority Punjabi’s are suppressing the Baluchistan’s, do you know what the Pakistan Army and Government are doing to the Baluchistan’s, find out seriously before you say Pakistan is a very safe nation? True everyone will give you their spin, but the Pakistan Military is notorious for carrying out all the terrorist funding and operations, they are the ones who set up the Taliban in Afghanistan to destabilize the nation, safe and peaceful, are they? Pakistani Military is known to fund terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) that carry out a proxy war with India, and the famous Mumbai Terror attacks. Not less than 45 terrorist groups operate freely in Pakistan with the blessing of the Military and Police, this is how safe Pakistan is. As a tourist, you see the superficial skin and not the real vermin that lays beneath. Link to Terrorist outfits that operate in Pakistan, see below, travel there I can’t stop you but be warned, you don’t want to be a victim of these Terrorist outfits who as I said earlier operate freely with the backing of the Police and Military.

http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/pakistan/terroristoutfits/group_list.htm

Lool just another stinky cow dunk eater I can imagine ur frustration ☺

At least use correct spelling of a Muslima name if you indian use fake IDs. How easy it is to spot you guys. And again same rants PK army is sponsoring terrorists….blah blah blah. Why don’t you tell the author to simply not visit PK as you hate that land so much. Also advice her to hate PK and only love India…If it makes you happy then go for that please, and best of luck convincing her.

Sorry Joan, “her” for you was a mistyping. I know you are a male 😉

Pakistan is hard yet one of the most misunderstood country too! Pakistan has much to offer from astounding mountains to the shores of Gawadar , its a country u can easily fell in love with . Btw thanks for writing a wonderful blog! Hope u visit here soon

I also visited Pakistan in 2017 and stayed there for 3 months. It’s a wonderful place in the world to visit. In my opinion everything is OK with piece, security, culture, respect and hospitality etc. The biggest misunderstanding about PK is that some anti-PK wants spread the roomers about terrorism through media etc. I thoroughly studied most of the aspects about PK and then practically realized by staying there. Dear @joantow thanks for explaining the reality about PK your blog confirms mine observations about Pk to be true.

Ah ok, so you were also there recently! Thanks for your kind words man! It seems that thanks to all travelers and backpackers who are going there, people are, slowly, realizing that this country has such a big potential. I hope that more and more people will come in 2018!

luv it <3 great details and yet so simple .. i m planing to go in 2018 with 2 kids ..little confuse to go or not …i love traveling its like m soul food .feeling so motivated after reading ur blog .

I want to say thank you to you for writing on this topic. Pakistan is such a great and peaceful place for tourist. Bad things happened anywhere.

Most welcome, cheers!

thank you for blogging about Pakistan. Very informative post

my pleasure, cheers!

I was in Pakistan this past year (December/January). It was lovely. The most friendly, hospitable, and beautiful country I’ve ever been too. I will say I wish I knew where the liquor stores were in Islamabad…everyone I knew said the only way to get liquor was the embassy clubs and bootleggers. We ended up meeting a bootlegger which was not too much of a hassle. Islamabad might be the greenest city in the world. It was stunning. I also gained 8 lbs the first week I was there from eating and luckily never got sick from water or food the entire month I was there. Every other one of our friends got sick though at some point.

Hi Matt, I also heard that there are liquor stores in Islamabad. In fact, my Couchsurfing host (local Pakistani) had plenty of beers in his fridge and said he bought them in a beer shop in the city! I don’t know, that is what he said and I actually never saw it! Yes, Islamabad is the greenest city ever, slightly different from the way Homeland TV show portraits it, right? Lucky you, that you didn’t get sick. I got sick on 4 occasions, within a 2-month period. However, since then, after 1 year, I have never ever got sick anymore of my stomach. I think I went through a very hard training and now I am immune! Cheers mate!

Hi I went to Pakistan in April for 5 weeks it is a beautiful country I love the atmosphere there foods lovely it was an amazing experience. I will love to go again soon inshallah I didn’t want to come back

Thanks for your positive comment! Yes, Pakistan is absolutely amazing 🙂 !

Thank you sir , for this amazing writeup . Love from Pakistan 🙂

My pleasure, cheers!

Hey, just want to let you know that for #7 it is confirmed, at least for Lahore. I had overstayed for 6 days and they let me extend it when I came to the immigration counter, for free.

Amazing info man! I just updated it 🙂

I’m going as a lady traveler in December. Luckily for me I have some friends there and I am going with a guy friend of mine. 🙂

Hi, thank you for this very useful post!!!! I appied to travel next month (I will have a local with me over there). I wanted to ask a simple question. IF I state on my visa application that I will stay at a specific hotel (I attached my reservation) and then I cancel and decide to book or stay somewhere else, could they deny me entry at custom or create problems during my stay?

thank you so much for your help P.s. I’m Italian

Hi Claire, You will definitely be fine, don’t worry. They don’t check anything of that

Great points. Karachi is not a tourist destination hence tourism never was developed properly here. That’s is why hotels which are budget friendly are hard to find. However if you do travel there you must try crabbing on Karachi seaport with ‘Salem seafood crabbing’ he has the best boats and only $9 to $10 per person in a group of 10. And definitely check out Kolachi restaurant at do darya or go scuba diving at islands like churna etc. You can even go buggy wheeler riding or camel riding on sea view beach best time is at sunset coz rides have amazing fun lights on them. Or book a hut on beaches like French beach or sand spit beach. Go shopping in zainab market for jackets and jeans which are usually factory rejects from brands like Zara or HnM lol or Gulf for cloth like silks, jamawar and fake ethnic jewellery. And then a shopping trip to dolmen mall for trinkets and souveniers. Quaids mazar, mohatta palace,lyari, frere hall and Danzo zoo are some touristy places for checking historical/recreational places. Also when in Karachi do not forget to try the cupcakes from Delizia Bakery, fishNchips from OPTP and some Tea with Parathas from Chaiwala.

thanks for the tips!

Hi Joan, thanks for sharing and showing the good and beautiful side of Pakistan, instead of what the media would have us believe. 70 tips – indeed very comprehensive!

If we may add some points regarding safety, the country is indeed safe in some parts and unsafe in others (borders with Afghanistan, China, Iran; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province; as well as certain parts of Balochistan, Islamabad and Karachi), so fellow travellers please do be careful.

Also, a new scam that surfaced in 2018 was that of spray painted fruits in Afzalpur, do be wary! Also, take care of your passport and valuables, and avoid “faith healers”. Other than that, enjoy your time Pakistan! 🙂

didn’t hear about it, thanks for letting us know!

Dude KPK is not a dangerous province now….and specially Peshawar (capital city of KPK).

what a great and depth post for travelers i love to visit Pakistan and believe me it’s one of the most safest place in the world with too many beautiful sights. i will visit again and go to Kashmir this time <3

Difficult to get in Kashmir but if you go, do let us know 🙂

Hi Joan. you have experienced in traveling pakistan and you also give answers to those who have misunderstanding about Pakistan. thanks for your love.

HI Bella, No problem to visit Kashmir. you can easily go their.

Kashmir is currently closed to foreigners, so she cannot go there

Ok, so in a few years I will be planning a trip to Pakistan most likely on my own. I will be going to meet a local, but I am not sure I understand the process of getting a visa for Pakistan. Any tips? Obviously I’m not in any rush, so anything will be useful and anything might change. And is there anything else that might be vital to me? It will be my first trip to Pakistan and my first time leaving my home country on my own.

Come to visit Pakistan but be sure to have a proper guide as Pakistan is a big country with wonderful and amazing places to visit. Not to forget but many cultures and different races live within Pakistan. All the provinces in Pakistan have some kind of special places to visit like for example in Sindh you will find old traditional places and civilizations ruins, In Punjab side you will get to see rivers flowing and greenery, In northern side (KPK and Gilgit Baltistan) you’d find some great peeks like k2, Nanga parbat and other amazing places but make sure to have a proper guide of hire some company to do so. National level tourism is on peak now adays as now Pakistan is ranked among the top for adventure loving.

Hi there, Can you provide information on immunizations necessary for Lahore in March. I’m not intrested in taking malaria pills that make you sick your entire trip….. Thanks!

Hi, there is no malaria in Pakistan

Guys – let’s be grown ups. no more negativity! Being born in Lahore and brought up in London I love going back and seeing the changes in Pakistan. Also to clarify i have been to India (mostly Delhi and touristy surrounding cities) and loved it too. The last few years social media and the internet it has really moved Pakistan and surrounding countries on, mostly for the better. In Pakistan I notice for instance that many more younger people speak English – I think it has become a necessity if you want to conduct your life on social media! There is also a better understanding and people over the borders are making friends with each other using these mediums and realising that the politicians are the puppeteers. Being in a privileged position of living in a third country (although London is home) I am so lucky to have friends from around the world and it is obvious that it is not the people who have problems with each other but the governments and those who buy the weapons and keep the armed forces in a strong position where so much of the GDP is used. Just enjoy the country and hopefully all your encounters will be positive ones. you can be in danger anywhere – just keep your wits about you and if you have any doubts then stay out of that situation. I am off to Pakistan on my now annual visitation in a few days and really looking forward to it.

pakistni visa is now available on arrival. kindly please update. its available on arrival for 175 countries effective from february 2019.

Pakistani visa is not available on arrival. They said that visa was available on arrival for those who booked a full tour, but apparently, not many people succeeded with that because they never published the list of authorised tour operators. What they did is introducing an e-visa system but you still need a Letter of Invitation. Basically, the only difference versus before is that now you don’t need to apply in your home country but you can do it online, but requirements are pretty much the same. However, I don’t know anyone who has tried it yet and since in Pakistan they always talk about new visa policies which tend to be BS, I prefer update to update it until the info is verified

The evisa begins next month, in June. Till then no one really knows how it will work. But news reports so far say no LOI will be required

its such an amazing article about traveling in Pakistan. and its true Pakistan is a really beautiful country for visiting there are many natural places and many amusement parks.

I was actually reading instruction regarding my visit to China INSHALLAH which made me wonder what foreigners think of My country and I must say for an article listing “70 things” You did a great job making it sound interesting and easily understandable ! I am overwhelmed by everyone views on their visit to Pakistan. So, happy to hear You had a good time. Seriously the hospitality of Pakistan is on a different level for everyone who is “The Guest”. Even though Faisalabad is not re-known tourist destination in Pakistan but if I spotted a “Goora/foreigner” trying to pay for themselves Ill bring them home and ask mom to make all the dishes ! since I am good at only making Chai. 🙂 . But still You did a Noble Deed sharing Your honest thoughts against all those rumors.

cheers Aska!

Pakistan is the safe country. It has amazing things to visit. Also has thousands of eye caching seen. Thanks for sharing information with detail and also with books reference and pictures.

As you enumerate months (mid-April to mid-October) to travel in Pakistan. Here I want to meddle for those who have aversion for summer season as allergic issues perturb them. More common symptoms are rashes, hives and itching on skin. Choose right clothes while travelling in hot and sunny weather. I suggest to purchase from local market rather than pack so much costumes because local market knows better the weather and design fabric accordingly.

thanks for the tip

Why did you clip my comment. That sucks

well, do you really think you can come to my page and advertise your product for free?

Hey im just curious why did u not prefer to hitchhike with females in car? Like i would always prefer females in car so its safer. ?

It’s not that I didn’t want to, it is just that cars with women inside won’t stop if you are a man.

Truly the northern areas of Pakistan are extremely wonderful and breathtaking.. a must visit for anyone who would like to see heaven on earth

Thanks a lot for such an insightful article about traveling to Pakistan. I would request you to update the section regarding the NOC requirement. The new government of Imran Khan has done away with the requirement of NOC for traveling to restricted areas, except for only a handful of places. Another thing i would like to mention is that the online visa platform, still in its infancy, is being improved with each day by incorporating feedback/suggestions from Pakistan embassies around the world as well as the local agencies.

Hey! I’m planning to enter Pakistan in May 2020, entering from india and exiting to China. It looks like most of my time there will be during Ramadan. I was considering the idea of fasting with the locals. My only concern would be strenuous hiking without water. You were there during Ramadan, yeah? Any advice?

Hi Sean. Just curious but, why do you want to fast with the locals? I mean, you can do it if you want, but don’t think that the locals will expect you to do it. Also, Muslim people are allowed to stop fasting when they travel, for the simple reason that fasting & traveling is a real struggle. Yes, I was there during Ramadan but only during the first week which I spent in Hunza area, and in that area, since they are Ismailis, they are pretty relaxed and most restaurants were open.

Really useful tips to consider. After spending 2 whole minutes to reading your blog its amazing thanks for the information I come to know about new places in Pakistan

Is there a place that sells anime merchandise? I would like to buy a hug pillow from Pakistan

Without any doubt, everything mentioned about Pakistan is true. Pakistanis are really a hospitable nation. Pakistan is literally a land of peace now. Do visit Pakistan, we welcome our guests wholeheartedly.

Hello again Joan, You mentioned that you stayed 2 months in Pakistan. Is it possible to get a 2 or 3 months visa for Pakistan? Thank you

2 months for sure, but not sure about 3. In any case, you can make a visa extension very easily upon your arrival in Pakistan

Very informative and complete guide to visit Pakistan. But if you are coming to Pakistan and missed touring Karachi city it will be like you missed a roller coaster.

Wow I almost finished all of your topics. Thanks alot for exclusive informations. I’m going to visit Lahore, Islamabad and Gilgit in April 2020. As a solo female traveler, now I’m so excited to see Pakistan.

Great blog post! Pakistan is one of the best places for tourism. There are multiple foreigners and Youtubers who visited Pakistan in the past and shared positive feedback. I am going to recommend all travelers who want to visit Pakistan must visit in the spring season because you are going to feel the beauty of Pakistan’s forests and nature that provides a mesmerizing feeling and relaxation that makes the soul-refreshing and lively. From the China border to Gawader, you can go to enjoy every step. Each province offers unique food and places with famous sub-cultures and events to enjoy.

Thanks for sharing this beautiful post and keep sharing in the future!

Best Regards,

I have been planning on travelling to Pakistan again next year once this global epidemic comes under control. I went there last October 2019 and was truly amazed by the country’s beauty, its people and the incredible amount of love/hospitality I was shown. Definitely recommend Lahore, Islamabad, Swat and the Northern Areas (Baltistan, Gilgit and Deosai). I sure felt a lot safer than many of the other surrounding countries and I felt the country was a lot more cleaner with better infrastructure than many of its neighbours I had previously visited. Thanks for the article as it offered some helpful pointers but luckily I didn’t have any issues with my stomach and I was there for around 2 weeks. Looking forward to travelling to this hidden gem of a country Pakistan again!

Assalam o Alikum, I welcome you on the behalf of all Pakistanis. It will honor for us to welcome you again. I am from Lahore Pakistan. From which country you are?

“My office for a day”

Omg, tell me please where is this place exactly? I work in IT and want to work from there one day 🙂

hello, that is Fairy Meadows

Thanks, and one more question because I’ve found confusing info on the Internet: how long is the trip from Islamabad to Gilgit by bus? Or, is it more suitable to rent a car in PK as a solo Traveller?

The bus takes 15 to 20 hours Renting a car would be amazing, but it’s more expensive of course

Bus takes 16 to 18 hours and charges 15$ whereas renting a car costs you 40$ to 50$ per day (without fuel). And the fuel it takes for islamabad to gilgit is around 25 gallons costs 60$.

Regarding Kashmir – I’ve seen some youtube videos of a New Zealander (Karl Rocks) who’s blogged from the capital of Azad Kashmir, so the restrictions may have been removed. I’d definetly recommend adding AK (at least the northern parts) to your itentary – as it’s not too far from Islamabad.

Hi i am wajid from pakistan , if any body need any type of help. Any information , regarding distance from one place to another place , by car or by bus by air, where need to go by local , where to by bus and where to by air , or if some one need invitation letter just feel free to contact i will give you all information here is my whatsapp +923114428519 . .

Thanks for sharing the nice piece of content with us. I am also a big fond of traveling & now my aim is to travel dubai for different experiences i.e dirt biking offroadadventurefun.com/dirt-bike-tours/. Actually you can say its my passion to explore all the world & see the beauty of nature with my own eyes. The upcoming May holidays are a great occasion to take a good break from the working routine and allow yourself to plunge into a real adventure, with a lot of positive emotions and vivid impressions. An excellent option for a well-spent weekend will be a fascinating journey to the area rich in natural and historical sights. Once again thanks for sharing the nice piece of stuff with us.

Hello fellow travellers. I have just applied for an e-visa through the Nadra site. After a simple but painstaking series of questions you arrive at the penultimate stage of uploading your photo , passport details and …. a Letter of Invitation. I am a UK citizen . I have purchased an LOI with an extra attested certification from Karakoram Bikers who were very helpful and who’s info I used in the Sponsor’s section of the application. I thought LOI’s were a thing of the past but either the website hasn’t been updated or LOI’s are needed for some nations. I await the outcome of my application. I hope this personal experience helps someone . All the best out there . Allison

Gilgit is a city located in the northern region of Pakistan, and is considered one of the most famous cities in the country for several reasons.

Firstly, Gilgit is located at the crossroads of some of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush. This makes it a popular destination for trekkers, hikers, and mountaineers from all over the world.

It takes a lot to visit and write with this much precision. Thanks for such a captivating blog post with lots of insight.

HI! I have a question about pakistani visa. I didn’t do the LOI. I simply uploaded the screenshot with the hotel reservation for the first few nights in Lahore (+ photo and passport of course). and it was successful. does this mean that I don’t need the LOI and that the visa will be issued to me? I still haven’t made the payment because I want to be sure of the thing. Thanks a lot and I hope I explained myself well.

HI! I read your blog about Pakistan. i have a question about pakistani visa. I didn’t do the LOI. I simply uploaded the screenshot with the hotel reservation for the first few nights in Lahore (+ photo and passport of course). and it was successful. does this mean that I don’t need the LOI and that the visa will be issued to me? I still haven’t made the payment because I want to be sure of the thing. Thanks a lot and I hope I explained myself well.

I applied for my visa in July 2023 and it took 2 months to process, so be warned.

As of July 2023, non vaccinated travellers (COVID) no longer are required to have PCR tests to enter the country. My understanding is that The airlines may not be aware of this change of rule, so bring documentation to prove this.

Hi! I’m very glad to find your blog! Amazing content. I’m in the middle of a big decision. A friend of mine I met in Germany (he’s from Pakistan) is getting married in Karachi in December and he’s inviting me to his wedding. I read in your blogs that Karachi si not the part of the country where you have enjoyed more or where most people go. I also have the option to go later (months after the wedding) and probably explore starting from Lahore, what do you think? Worth to wait? Or Karachi also has a lot to see? Pd. I live in Mexico City, so it’s a very long and expensive trip.

Hi Cesar, why not visiting both in one single? Whie I don’t think it’s worth traveling to Pakistan all the way from CDMX just to visit Karachi, attending a wedding can be an amazing experience, which you could combine with other places like Bahawalpur Multan, and ending your trip in Lahore. Best

Hi there, I would like to go to PK in April this year and from Islamabad via the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit to go on a hike for three or four days. I would like to rent a car myself, me and my wife. We were among other places in India , Nepal, Iran, and would now like to go to PK. What do you think of the idea of ​​driving your own car?

Hi Andy, self-driving is difficult because most companies won’t rent you a car without a driver. Best is to hire a motorbike.

Hi Joan, gratulation for this helpful blog! I have an international flight to Islamabad and want to fly 2 hrs after arrival to Skardu – could be challenging, I know. Do I need a hardcopy boarding pass at Islamabad airport for my domestic flight to Skardu? A mobile boarding pass which I could already arrange at home would safe a lot time.

Hi Vauwe, an electronic boarding pass should be enough

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ITP using all out resources to provide assistance, travel facilities to citizens

ISLAMABAD   -   Following the special directives of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, the Traffic Division of Islamabad Police is utilizing all available resources to provide citizens with every possible assistance and travel facilities, a public relations officer said on Friday. He said that, the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO)/ SSP Traffic Muhammad Sarfraz Virk directed the officials to promote community policing and improve public-police relations. In this regard, the Islamabad Traffic Police are ensuring the provision of water at various locations in Islamabad for citizens traveling in extreme hot weather. This is to ensure that citizens can travel safely and comfortably to their destinations despite the hot weather. On this occasion, SSP Traffic said that the purpose of this initiative is to protect the lives and property of citizens, ensure safe travel, promote community policing, and bridge the gap between the police and the public. Citizens have greatly appreciated this initiative by the Islamabad Traffic Police and have also thanked the IG Islamabad and his team.

Church leaders condemn mob violence in Sargodha

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What It's Like Backpacking in Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan as an American

D reaming of quitting your job to go traveling around the globe? Well, one American did just that on a quest to visit every country in the world and ended up at the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"There was an eerie silence and stillness in that moment, and those simple three words will forever be engraved in my mind," Eli Snyder, a 25-year-old from Kansas City, Missouri, told Newsweek , recalling the moment a Taliban official at the border looked him the eye and said "Welcome to Afghanistan" during his visit back in January.

The Taliban are a militant group that ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s and early 2000s and regained control of the country in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Americans are advised against traveling to Afghanistan. The U.S. Department of State warns that "travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe." Its current travel advisory for Afghanistan is "Level 4: Do Not Travel, due to armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping."

On May 17, three Spanish tourists were killed and four other foreigners were wounded in Bamiyan, a city just outside the Afghan capital of Kabul, after gunmen opened fire as the group walked through a market. The attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State group, is believed to be the first assault against foreign tourists since the Taliban's takeover in 2021.

During Snyder's visit to Afghanistan, he explored several areas of the country, including Bamiyan. Speaking about the recent attack there, Snyder said: "That's absolutely heartbreaking and my thoughts and prayers are with the families affected. I'm not here to vouch for the Taliban...However, I will say that shooting is not a reflection of what travel to Afghanistan is like."

"In general I felt safe in Afghanistan...safer than big cities in the U.S. and Western Europe after dark, that's for sure," he said. "I live for visiting places as dissimilar as possible from how I've grown up in suburban America outside of Kansas City. Sometimes this means visiting a dangerous place. But it remains true, as I'd much rather visit Pyongyang [the North Korean capital] than Winnipeg."

Snyder is a University of Michigan Ann Arbor college graduate who quit his job with "a goal of traveling to every country in the world" by the age of 35.

He has been sharing his travel adventures on his social media accounts (@snydtheexplorer on TikTok , Instagram and YouTube) and recently shared snapshots from his trip to Afghanistan in a viral TikTok video posted on May 15 , which has garnered 1.8 million views.

"This is what it's like to backpack in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan as an American," he says in the video, which shows footage of him walking along the streets of the country, visiting a bird market, drinking tea with locals and trying different foods.

His latest viral post comes as travel is set to reach "record highs" in 2024, with global tourism spending expected to reach $2 trillion, according to a December 2023 survey by market research firm Euromonitor International.

Jet-setters say they'll cut down on other areas of personal spending to prioritize leisure travel this year, according to a global survey of over 10,000 travelers across nine countries, conducted by Ipsos and the Hilton hotel group.

'Absolutely Out of Body Experience'

Snyder, who is currently spending a month in Buenos Aires, was inspired to visit Afghanistan after seeing the country named among the favorite places of travelers who have visited every country and hearing "the best things about the hospitality, nature and food."

He spent 10 days in Afghanistan, visiting Kabul, Bamiyan and the Band-e-Amir national park in the Bamiyan province in central Afghanistan, as well as the city of Mazar-e-Sharif and the town of Balkh in the Balkh province in northern Afghanistan.

Snyder was accompanied by Valentin Oeckl, a 22-year-old who's traveling from Germany to Australia without flying. The pair met in Islamabad, Pakistan where Oeckl was staying in order to get a visa for entry into Afghanistan.

Snyder warned: "Only the most experienced traveler should consider traveling to Afghanistan without a guide, and even then, it will be a daunting experience."

However, he and Oeckl could not afford to pay for a guide, so they navigated the country without one, which was "the most challenging thing."

Snyder's favorite place for nature in Afghanistan was Bamiyan, which he enjoyed for its "snow-capped mountains, crystal clear rivers and stunning blue lakes," while his favorite city was Mazar-e-Sharif.

He noted: "Afghanistan isn't a country you visit for tourist attractions per se, but a country where you can walk out of your doorstep and be immediately stimulated by the ongoing ebb and flow of daily life."

There are too many memorable moments from the trip to recount, Snyder said, but the most poignant one was when he crossed the border into Afghanistan from the town of Torkham in Pakistan.

Snyder recalled: "We had walked through the long corridor of barbed wire fences, and found ourselves alone in the Afghanistan immigration office. We handed over our passports to the Taliban official, who stamped us into the country, looked at us in the eyes and said 'Welcome to Afghanistan.'

"From then forward, everything was an absolutely out of body experience. But perhaps the craziest part was the end of the trip, when we would wake up and go walk around the markets, chatting with locals and the Taliban as if it were just another day," he added.

The "only hairy moment" during his trip was on the morning of his first day in Kabul. He and Oeckl didn't have their permits yet and were walking to the office of the country's Ministry of Information and Culture.

"We were apprehended and they were stern with us for not having our permits, but mostly they were just curious to see two tourists walking around Kabul without a guide," the traveler said.

Staying Safe While Exploring Afghanistan

Snyder's "top tip" for keeping safe on a trip to Afghanistan is to explore the country with a guide. He noted: "Of the micro niche tourist scene that exists for visiting Afghanistan, a gross majority have a private guide to assist with daily activities and Taliban interactions. The issue is that guides cost thousands of dollars due to the demand and the fact that people will pay anything for safety."

Snyder also said he was able to navigate the country without a guide with the help of tips from a blog by Diána (@theglobetrottingdetective on Instagram), a Hungarian solo female traveler who traveled around Afghanistan for four weeks.

"Without her trip reports, I wouldn't have had the confidence, information, resources, contacts etc...to successfully and safely execute my trip," he noted.

Other than following general safety rules as you would in any foreign country, Snyder said one thing that has kept him safe all over the world, from Afghanistan and Iraq to the favelas in Brazil and the ghettos in the U.S. is simple—smile.

"When you smile at someone and look them in the eye, displaying a warm and sincere and non-threatening demeanor, it is the most effective method to diffuse any instigation that I've ever known. Just smile, be kind, and you'll be alright wherever you are," he noted.

Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via [email protected] and your story could be featured on Newsweek

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Viral & Shocking

Islamabad two new underpasses: location details and alternate routes

21st May, 2024. 01:38 pm

State Bank Announces Good News Regarding Eid-ul-Azha Animal Purchases

Pakistani Government Announces Triple Salary Bonus for These Employees

PM Shehbaz commends SIFC’s role in country’s progress

The federal government has opted to build two underpasses in the national capital to enhance traffic efficiency.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi led a meeting on the matter, during which he was briefed on the initial designs for the underpasses. Naqvi instructed for the swift completion of the projects.

Location of New Underpasses

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced plans to construct an underpass at Serena Chowk and another on the Srinagar Highway.

The Serena Chowk intersection experiences heavy traffic from various routes such as Constitution Avenue, Club Road (Murree Road), Srinagar Highway, and Attaturk Avenue, causing congestion during peak hours.

Alternate Routes

The city authorities will unveil alternative routes once construction on the underpasses commences.

Sindh declares school summer vacation 2024: check here

The Sindh government has declared the summer break for schools in 2024,...

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Are Those Mimes Spying on Us? In Pakistan, It’s Not a Strange Question.

Pakistanis suspect the national intelligence agencies of being behind practically everything — even street performers working for tips in Islamabad.

By Christina Goldbaum

Reporting from Islamabad, Pakistan

The street performers first appeared a few years ago along busy intersections of Islamabad. Coated head to toe in eye-catching gold paint, they stood perfectly still, leaning on glimmering canes and tipping their top hats open. Some cracked a smile or offered a slow nod when they earned tips from passers-by.

Perhaps in a different place, the emergence of mimes on the street looking to earn a few dollars might go unnoticed. But this is Pakistan, where things under the security state often are not as simple as they seem. So as the number of golden performers grew, so, too, did the intrigue around them. Could they be informants for the country’s intelligence agency? Lookouts for powerful politicians? Maybe spies for the C.I.A.?

“In any other country, if you see a beggar, it’s clear he’s a beggar,” said Habib Kareem, 26, a lawyer in Islamabad, the capital. “But here, you see a beggar and you think to yourself, ‘He’s working for them,’” he added, referring to Pakistan’s powerful intelligence services.

Today, the “golden men” of Islamabad have been added to the ranks of the conspiracy theories sprouted, knocked down and rehashed every day across the city. In Pakistan, where the hand of the security services is seen everywhere, conspiracy theories have been embraced in the mainstream for decades, driving conversations among street vendors, politicians and everyone in between.

Suspicion has become so universal that wild tales take root after almost every news event. In the wake of catastrophic floods in 2010, people asserted that they had been caused by C.I.A. weather-controlling technology. Media pundits claimed that an American “think tank” was behind a failed car bombing by a Pakistani American in Times Square that year, and that Osama bin Laden was actually Jewish.

Others were convinced that the C.I.A. staged the assassination attempt on Malala Yousafzai, the girls’ education activist, in 2012 after a local newspaper ran a satirical “investigation” describing the plot with outlandish details. (A disclaimer was later added to the article, which was meant to poke fun at the country’s love of conspiracy theories, to clarify that it was fiction.)

Some trace Pakistan’s embrace of conspiratorial thinking back to the Mughal emperors of the 16th and 17th centuries, whose reigns consolidated Islam in South Asia and were full of palace intrigue. In more recent decades, fantastical notions have sprung from the mythology that has built up around the Pakistani military and the main intelligence service, the seemingly all-seeing forces guiding the country’s politics from behind the scenes.

In such a climate, everyone — even street performers — can be seen as potential tools of the state.

“Some of those guys are definitely from the agencies,” said Aqsa Batool, 24, who was sitting at an outdoor cafe with her friend Shiza Kajol, 23, on a chilly spring evening in Islamabad. They leaned back from a red plastic table while cradling cups of sweet, milky tea.

Spend enough time in the city, they explained, and you develop a trained eye to spot informants working for the primary spy service, the Inter-Services Intelligence, or I.S.I., and other intelligence agencies.

They have certain tells: They all wear casual shirts and pants but have on dress shoes. The cuffs of their shirts are always buttoned. Their clothes are stiff, as if properly pressed. They often hold phones to their ears but do not actually talk into them.

“Did you see the man who was just here?” Ms. Batool said, by way of explanation. She was referring to a man who had approached a table where I was sitting with friends a few minutes earlier. The man held a coat draped over his head and mumbled about spare change before sitting on a curb nearby.

“Yeah, yeah, that guy! He was in a very different get-up,” Ms. Kajol said.

“And he went right to your table because you’re a foreigner,” added Ms. Batool. Both agreed: He was most definitely I.S.I.

As for the golden men, the two young women were wary of them but less certain. On the one hand, the street performers could not really eavesdrop while standing at a busy intersection, they mused. On the other hand, they could keep tabs on the cars passing through.

“I’d have to see them doing something obvious, like taking pictures of the cars on their phones, to be sure,” Ms. Batool said.

As with many conspiracy theories, the suspicions came from kernels of truth.

Pakistan’s security services not so subtly hint at their vast powers to keep politicians and others in check.

Political scandals erupt from voice recordings or videos captured presumably from bugs inside people’s homes and then mysteriously leaked. Intelligence agents occasionally tail people of interest, sometimes overtly (and occasionally even offer a friendly hello from their cars). Ride-share drivers sometimes admit to being paid by the intelligence services.

People so widely assume they are being surveilled that they speak in code, referring to the military as the “sacred cow” and the I.S.I. as “our friends” in case intelligence agents are listening in.

“There’s been a meta narrative that our intelligence agency is the best in the world, it’s everywhere, it’s always watching whether you are in your house or outside, there are eyes watching you,” Mr. Kareem, the lawyer, explained. “It’s been intentionally constructed by the state itself.”

For most of Pakistan’s 76-year history, the surveillance was a routine — if slightly resented — facet of daily life. But in recent years, frustration with the military’s role in politics has exploded, making its ever-present eyes and ears less tolerable for many people.

“With the political atmosphere being so polarized, we’re becoming more suspicious of being watched or who is listening,” said Ali Abas, 25, who was sitting outside a tea stall late one afternoon with his friend Amal, 26.

“It’s getting worse nowadays,” Amal said, referring to the surveillance. Amal, who preferred to go by his first name for fear of retribution, took a slow drag of his cigarette, fiddling with a pack in his other hand.

“People are getting more frustrated with it all,” Mr. Abas chimed in. “There’s a sense of: Are we safe in our house? Is there someone watching us right now? Is there someone roaming on our street to watch us? It’s too much.”

On the other side of Islamabad, Mustaq Ahmed, 53, stood on a grassy median of a busy intersection. His jean jacket, canvas pants, walking cane and top hat were all spray-painted gold. Gold makeup was caked onto his face and hands and smudged onto his bright green, blue and purple sunglasses.

Mr. Ahmed calls himself the Golden Thakur of Islamabad, a nod to a famous Pakistani actor and comedian known as Iftikhar Thakur whom he — slightly — resembles. Each golden man has a different repertoire of poses, each with its own name, he explained. His favorite was to extend his left heel and cane in a precarious lean — what he refers to as “London style.”

Mr. Ahmed once sold umbrellas on the side of the road, but became the Golden Thakur three years ago after he overheard another golden man saying he made up to 8,000 Pakistani rupees — or nearly $30 — each day. It was more than five times what Mr. Ahmed was taking home.

That cash has dwindled recently as the novelty of the golden men has waned, he said. When asked if he would ever supplement his income with a little side work for the intelligence agencies, he immediately replied: “No, no, no.”

Was there any chance that the other golden men in the city were earning a few extra dollars that way? He paused and shifted his cane between his hands.

“Maybe,” he said with a shrug. “It’s Pakistan.”

Zia ur-Rehman contributed reporting.

Christina Goldbaum is the Afghanistan and Pakistan bureau chief for The Times, leading the coverage of the region. More about Christina Goldbaum