Asia and Oceania

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• The Ministry of Interior have issued a general threat warning for Islamabad and police have been put on high alert. This is in response to the recent arrests of suspected militants and the seizure of a quantity of weaponry. You should exercise vigilance, particularly in Sector F/10 and the Margalla Hills, and keep abreast of local security advice and media reports.
  
  
• Following the deaths of twenty-four Pakistani military personnel on 26 November 2011 there have been protests against the United States, ISAF and NATO across Pakistan. These protests are likely to continue. You should avoid any protests or large gatherings.
  
  
• We advise against all travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and much of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including the areas of Peshawar, Charsadda, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki and Dera Ismail Khan. We advise against travel to the city of Peshawar and districts south of the city. The Pakistani military is conducting ongoing operations against militants across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). See Safety and Security - Local Travel - Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
  

• We advise against all travel to Northern and Western Balochistan and against all but essential travel to Quetta.  See Safety and Security - Local Travel - Balochistan. 
  

• We advise against all travel to Swat, Buner, and Lower Dir, including travel on the Peshawar to Chitral road via the Lowari Pass. In these areas there are ongoing reports of military or militant activity.  Localised curfews may be imposed at short notice.
  

• We advise against all but essential travel to the Kalesh Valley, the Bamoboret Valley and Arandu District to the south and west of Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. These areas have seen an increase in militant activity recently which has included abductions, violent armed robbery and murder.
  

• We advise against all but essential travel to Nawabshah in Sindh Province, and to parts of Interior Sindh to the north of Nawabshah. See Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sindh.
  

• There is a high threat from terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan. See Safety and Security - Terrorism & Sectarian Violence.
  

• The Pakistani authorities are also concerned about the threat to foreigners of kidnapping.
  

• If you are intending to travel to Pakistan, even if you are a regular visitor with family links, you should follow the developing situation in the news media and consult FCO Travel Advice regularly. You should also register with the British High Commission and take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.
  

• 275,351 British nationals visited Pakistan in 2010 (Source: Ministry of Tourism). Most visits were trouble-free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  

Safety and Security - Terrorism & Sectarian Violence

There is a high threat from terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan. Attacks could be indiscriminate including at places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should be particularly vigilant, including in all major cities of Pakistan, keep a low profile, avoid large gatherings and crowds, and limit movements on Friday afternoon. 

Pakistani Government and Security Forces, and minority religious sects remain the main focus of attack, but attacks have also included educational institutions and public markets, places of worship and high profile western targets. You should be aware of the danger of being caught up in an attack. You are advised to remain vigilant and to carry identification at all times for use at police checkpoints.

Unless essential, you should avoid key Government installations and gatherings of uniformed personnel. Avoid getting caught up in demonstrations or large crowds of people and public events, including religious events or gatherings.  Take care if you are planning to attend sporting venues and events or live music venues.  Public places have been targeted, particularly if they are associated with representatives of the Pakistani authorities or activities that could be considered by militants to be un-Islamic. Think carefully before visiting such locations and exercise caution. CD/DVD shops and barber shops in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and hotels in Lahore have previously been targeted. Police stations located in markets or other public places have also been attacked. Exercise caution on public transport and in all public places including hotels, airports, markets, religious shrines and restaurants.  You should avoid ‘western’ fast-food outlets.  Keep a low profile and vary your routes and timings if you make any regular journeys between locations.

Recent attacks have included:

 

• On 18 November 2011 there was an explosion during a police raid in an apartment block in the Gulshan e Iqbal area of Karachi.  The bomber is the only known casualty.
  
• On 16 November 2011 a vehicle driven by suicide bombers exploded in the Defence area of Karachi killing the 3 bombers and 2 police officers.
  
• On 12 November at least four people were killed and another injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire outside a district court in Rawalpindi.
  
• On the morning of 19 September 2011 a suicide bomb attack targeted the home of a senior policeman in Karachi. At least 8 people were killed and others have been injured.
  
• On the afternoon of 15 September 2011 there was a bomb attack against a funeral procession in a village in Lower Dir, KP Province. At least 25 people were killed and 60 injured.
  
• On the morning of 7 September 2011 there were two suicide bomb attacks targeting the armed forces in Quetta, at least 25 people were killed and 85 injured.
  
• On the afternoon of 19 August 2011 a suicide bomber attacked a mosque in Jamrud town, near Peshawar in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.  At least 43 people were killed and more than 115 were injured.
  
• On the afternoon of Monday 13 June there was a bomb attack in the I-8 Markaz commercial area of Islamabad.
  
• On 26 May 2011 an attack on a police building in Hangu, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, killed at least 24 people.
  
• On 25 May 2011 an attack on a police building in Peshawar killed at least four people and injured over 20 people.
  
• On 22-23 May 2011 militants attacked the Pakistan Naval Station ‘Mehran’ base in Karachi.  At least 10 soldiers were killed in the attack. This is the third attack on Pakistan naval personnel in Karachi in the past month.
  
• On 20 May an attack on a US Consulate vehicle convoy in Peshawar killed one person and injured around ten people.
  
• On 13 May 2011 two attacks against a military training centre in Charsadda, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, killed at least 80 and injured over 140. Civilians in a nearby market were also reportedly among the dead.
  
• On 21 April 2011 an explosion in the Birch Club by the Grass Market in the Lyari area of Karachi left approximately 15 people dead and 35 injured.  

We are concerned about the risk to foreigners of kidnapping. You should be alert to this threat throughout the country. British nationals of Pakistani origin are at particular risk of kidnap for ransom.  British nationals should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

Recent cases include an American citizen kidnapped in the city of Lahore in August 2011, two Swiss nationals kidnapped in south western Baluchistan in July 2011, a British-Pakistani boy kidnapped in Jhelum, Punjab in March 2010 and a British-Pakistani journalist kidnapped in South Waziristan in April 2010.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Be aware of the risk of street crime and take personal security measures. Take particular care to safeguard your passport, bankcards, bags, jewellery, laptops and mobiles, especially when using public transport including when travelling to and from the airport and when walking in crowded areas including markets. There is an active black market in forged and stolen passports. Credit card fraud is common.

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

We advise visitors to avoid using street taxis and where possible to use only those from reputable companies which are radio-controlled.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel

In October 2008 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed diplomatic missions in Islamabad that "all foreigners, including diplomats, may not move out of their city of residence without proper security and prior co-ordination with the law enforcement agency with regard to their move or visit." No steps have been taken by the Pakistani authorities to implement this requirement.    

If you have to travel to any of the regions listed below, you or your travel agent should contact the authorities in advance. They may arrange police protection as necessary and will advise whether you need a No Objection Certificate issued by the Pakistani Ministry of Interior. (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues No Objection Certificates for diplomats).

You should seek updates on the local security situation from local police, or travel agencies before you travel. 

Much of Balochistan, rural Sind and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Agencies, have a high incidence of lawlessness.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Border Areas

Except for official border crossing points, the authorities prohibit travel by foreigners within 10 miles of Pakistan’s international borders and the Kashmir Line of Control and within 30 miles of the Afghan border in the Northern Areas.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Federally Administered Tribal Areas

We advise against all travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The seven Agencies comprising the FATA are Khyber, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai and North and South Waziristan.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P)

There is a heightened risk from kidnapping and militant activity across K-P. There are regular terrorist attacks in and around Peshawar targeting, for example, official premises and personnel, schools and markets. Recently there has been an increase in attacks and threats against businesses considered to be un-Islamic by militants, particularly against CD/DVD shops. We advise against all travel to the districts of Peshawar, Kohat, Tank, Banu, Lakki, Charsadda, Hangu, Karak and Dera Ismail Khan.

We advise against all travel to Swat, Buner, Malakand, Nowshera, Swabi and Lower Dir, including travel on the Peshawar to Chitral road via the Lowari Pass. In these areas there are ongoing reports of military or militant activity. There are ongoing military operations against militants in Swat and Buner,  Localised curfews may be imposed at short notice.

We advise against all but essential travel to the Kalesh Valley, the Bamoboret Valley and Arandu District to the south and west of Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. These areas have seen an increase in militant activity recently which has included abductions, violent armed robbery and murder.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) starts in Hasan Abdal (north Punjab), off the Grand Trunk road near Islamabad and runs up through K-P towards Gilgit in Gilgit-Baltistan From Gilgit the KKH continues north through Hunza valley onto the Chinese border and Kashgar (China).

We advise against travel on the KKH between Islamabad and Gilgit; if travelling between Gilgit and Islamabad, we advise arriving and departing by air.

All sections of the KKH north of Batagram up to the Chinese border have experienced landslides.

You are advised to travel in daylight hours, as the road can be narrow with sudden precipitous drops (also see Road Travel section below).

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Gilgit-Baltistan (Formerly known as Northern Areas)

There have been sporadic outbursts of sectarian violence in Gilgit.

All foreign nationals are required to register when visiting Gilgit-Baltistan. This can be arranged by your travel agent. A permit from the Pakistan Ministry of Tourism is often needed for mountaineering or trekking, in particular for mountains over 6000 metres. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions. The process can take up to two months and is best organised through one of the numerous tour companies based in Pakistan. Travel insurance policies may be affected without the appropriate permits from the Pakistan authorities.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Balochistan

There is a heightened risk from kidnapping and militant activity in much of Balochistan. We advise against all travel to Northern Balochistan including the area from the border with K-P down to the Sui/Dera Bugti area and west towards Quetta. We advise against all travel to Western Balochistan in particular the areas bordering Afghanistan and Iran, including overland routes to and from these countries. We advise against all but essential travel to Quetta and other parts of Balochistan. If you intend to visit these areas you should ensure that you have the necessary permission from the authorities and proper security arrangements in place.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sindh (including Karachi)

There is a high threat of violence in Karachi. The city is vulnerable to serious violent ethnic conflict between the Urdu and Pashtun communities. Criminal violence is also common including; armed carjacking, robbery, kidnap and murder. The city is plagued with target killings, drug trafficking, arms smugglers, land mafia and remains at high risk of political violence. These activities are seen city wide but particularly in the districts of Lyari and Orangi. Periodic strikes called by various religious and political parties as a result of the unabated target killings cripple the city and regularly produce violent civil unrest. There also remains a threat of further terrorist attacks in Karachi. In Karachi, yYou should avoid the area around the US Consulate buildings in Saddar Town.

As a consequence, it is difficult to predict the safety of daily activity in the city and any proposed movement within the city boundaries should be carefully planned with due consideration for all those threats listed.

FCO staff working outside of Karachi are not permitted to travel there except on official business.  We advise our staff working in Karachi to avoid western fast food outlets and other areas of increased risk such as restaurants, markets, shopping centres, religious processions and shrines.  Staff travel around the city is subject to strict security measures and movements on foot are not allowed.

Prior to any visit you should be alert and pay close attention to the advice in the Terrorism and Sectarian Violence section of this document.

There is a very high risk from banditry and kidnapping in Interior Sindh. We advise against all but essential travel to Nawabshah and to parts of interior Sindh to the north of Nawabshah. There are reports of increased criminality in Hyderabad.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Islamabad

The Ministry of Interior have issued a general threat warning for Islamabad and police have been put on high alert. This is in response to the recent arrests of suspected militants and the seizure of a quantity of weaponry. You should exercise vigilance, particularly in Sector F/10 and the Margalla Hills, and keep abreast of local security advice and media reports.

In line with the safety and security advice in this travel advice, we advise our staff to avoid Aabpara and Melody markets and the area around the Lal-Masjid Mosque in Sector G/6 due to frequent large gatherings and demonstrations, and sectors G7 to G10 due to high crime rates. We also advise staff to avoid visiting western fast food outlets, sports venues and events, live music venues and Christian religious services outside the diplomatic enclave.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Punjab

Travellers to Southern Punjab should take advice about the local security situation in advance of their visit. Reports of general criminality and flood-related public order incidents remain high in southern Punjab.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Pakistan Administered Kashmir

This area has remained largely trouble free. Visitors should ensure that they have the necessary permissions to travel. Specific requirements can change and visitors are advised to check the latest requirements before travelling to Kashmir. A No Objection Certificate is always required for foreign nationals to travel within 10 miles of the Line of Control or to enter Kashmir via Muzaffarabad.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Rail Travel

We advise against using the railway network, which has been subject to frequent attacks.

Nationalist militants have planted bombs on the rail network in Balochistan and Sind. There have also been a number of derailments. On 4 December 2010, an attempt was made to derail the Thar Express train between Karachi and India when the track was blown up close to Munabao, Sind. On 11 February 2011 explosives were planted on railway tracks in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mehrabpur, Nawabshah and Ghotki in Sind. The aim was to de-rail the Hazara Express, Karakorum Express, Allama Iqbal Express and Sukkur Express. Two people were injured in these blasts.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

Take particular care on long road journeys and when travelling cross-country: local driving standards are erratic, especially at night, road conditions are poor and there is a risk of carjacking.

When driving, it is advisable to lock all doors and keep the windows up.  Use well-travelled, well-lit routes where possible. We recommend you do not purchase anything from street vendors or have contact with beggars while travelling by car.

See our Driving Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel

On 28 July 2010 Airblue flight ED 202 carrying 152 passengers and crew from Karachi crashed close to Daman e Koh, Margalla Hills in Islamabad. There were no survivors.

Since 1 September 2006, all passengers on domestic flights must present one of the following forms of photo ID at check-in: National Identity card (computerised), passport, driving licence, photo credit card, or school ID card (for children under the age of 18).  This must be an original document, and must bear the same name as on your ticket.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea Travel

Although the threat from piracy within 12 nautical miles of the Pakistani coastline is currently low, mariners should be aware of the significant threat piracy poses in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. See our page on Sea and River Safety, including piracy.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

Pakistan Country Profile

Local laws reflect the fact that Pakistan is a Muslim country. You should respect local customs and sensitivities at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. See our Travelling During Ramadan page.

You should dress modestly at all times. Men and women should cover their shoulders and legs when in public. Women should cover their heads when entering mosques or other holy places, and when travelling in more rural areas.

If you or your father were born in Pakistan, you might be considered a Pakistani national by the authorities, even if you do not hold a Pakistani passport, and the British government might be prevented from providing the full range of consular assistance.

For identification purposes you should carry a photo id at all times. Keep a photocopy of the data page and Pakistani visa from your passport plus copies of other important travel documents. These should be kept separately from the originals, and copies left with friends or relatives in the UK.

Importing alcohol and pork products is illegal. Homosexuality is illegal. Co-habitation by an unmarried couple is illegal. Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to imprisonment. Drug smuggling can attract the death penalty.

You should not take photographs at military establishments, airports or any infrastructure, including bridges and dams or from aircraft. In the past British nationals have been arrested on suspicion of 'spying'. You should seek prior permission from any official present if you are photographing these types of places, especially in border areas.

For more general advice for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Entry Requirements - Visas

If you are travelling to Pakistan on a British passport, you require a visa. You should be aware that visa violations can be treated as a criminal offence and could result in a fine or a short detention.

Journalists’ visas often have additional travel restrictions, which should be observed. For further information consult the High Commission for The Islamic Republic of Pakistan in London.
 
British nationals travelling on a Pakistani passport will need the appropriate visa to re-enter the UK. Children need their own passports. 

Entry Requirements - Passport validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter Pakistan. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months at the time of application for a visa.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children

A parent or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that the immigration authorities demand documentary evidence of parental responsibility, particularly if the child is of Pakistani origin, before allowing the children to leave the country.

Entry Requirements - Exit requirements

All passengers departing Pakistan must have a valid visa, a Pakistani national identity card or a valid Pakistani passport. If you are travelling on a British passport and your visa has expired you will not be permitted to board your flight. In these circumstances you should contact the Ministry of Interior to obtain an exit visa. A fine may also be payable.  

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Pakistan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. Outside the major cities there are few hospitals of UK standards. Malaria exists in Pakistan, in coastal and low-lying areas. Dengue fever exists throughout Pakistan, including in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 95,000 adults aged 15 or over in Pakistan were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general advice see our HIV and AIDS page.

For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. 

See our Travel Health page.

The monsoon season in Pakistan is from late June to early October. Heavy rains can cause severe flooding, particularly in Sindh and Punjab Provinces. Floods in 2010 and 2011 caused widespread casualties and damage. We advice visitors to check weather forecasts if travelling during the rainy season.

On 18 January 2011 an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter Scale hit south west Pakistan. Reports suggest there was limited damage, and no deaths.

Earth tremors are common and mountainous areas regularly experience floods and landslides.

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, including cover for medical repatriation costs. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas, then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Registering with the British High Commission

You should register with the FCO's LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

The British High Commission also provides a free SMS alert service with updates on the security situation. Visit our website for more details on the benefits of registering with the British High Commission: http://ukinpakistan.fco.gov.uk.

General - Forced marriage and child abductions

Much of our Consular assistance is provided to victims of forced marriage or international parental child abduction. If you are concerned about a forced marriage or child abduction, see our separate guidance using the following links:

Forced marriages

Child Abductions

General - Purchasing property

We are often asked for assistance with land or property ownership disputes. You should consider taking legal advice before entering into any agreement over the ownership or use of property or other assets. The British High Commission cannot help in these matters.  

General - Consular Assistance Statistics

275,351 British Nationals visited Pakistan in 2010 (Source: Ministry of Tourism).  245 British nationals required consular assistance in Pakistan in the period 1 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident: 27 deaths; four hospitalisations; and 28 arrests, for a variety of offences.

General - Contact Details

Islamabad Address: 
British High Commission
Diplomatic Enclave
Ramna 5
PO Box 1122
Islamabad
Telephone: 00 92 51 201 2000 (Main Switchboard)

For visa enquiries telephone Gerry’s International on 00 92 51 2098999.

The UK Border Agency and the British High Commission in Islamabad work in partnership with a commercial organisation with regard to visa applications for the UK. Enquiries about obtaining visas for the UK should be directed to Gerry’s International on 00 92 51 2098999.

Facsimile:  00 92 51 282 3439 (Management Section Fax)
                 00 92 51 201 2031 (Trade and Investment Fax)                   
                 00 92 51 201 2033 (Media & Public Affairs Fax)                   
                 00 92 51 201 2019 (Consular Section Fax)

Email:  visqry.Islamabad@fco.gov.uk (Visa)
           Cons.Islamabad@fco.gov.uk (Consular)
           bhc-ukti@dsl.net.pk (Trade and Investment Fax)
           bhcmedia@dsl.net.pk  (Media and Public Affairs Section) 

Office Hours: GMT: Mon-Thurs: 0300-1115; Fri: 0300-0800
Local Time: Mon-Thurs: 0800-1615; Fri: 0800-1300 
Website: http://www.ukinpakistan.fco.gov.uk

Karachi Address: 
British Deputy High Commission Shahrah-e-Iran
Clifton
Karachi 75600
Pakistan 
Telephone: 00 92 21 582 7000
Facsimile: 00 92 21 582 7005 (Trade & Investment)                 
00 92 21 582 7012 (Consular) 
Email: Consularenquiries.Karachi@fco.gov.uk (Consular)
          Tradeuk@cyber.net.pk (Trade & Investment)

http://www.ukinpakistan.fco.gov.uk