🇵🇰 · Travel Live

Is it safe to travel to Pakistan right now?

Pakistan travel advisory today: official US, UK and Canada levels

It depends on where you go. The US State Department rates Pakistan Level 3 of 4, "Reconsider travel". Canada says "Exercise a high degree of caution", with regional advisories. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to some areas of Pakistan and all but essential travel to others.

Checked · US issued Jun 16, 2026 · UK updated Oct 13, 2026 · Canada updated Oct 15, 2026

Government advisories for Pakistan

US State Department

US L3 · Reconsider travel

Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Pakistan. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to…

Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Jun 16, 2026

Read the official advisory

UK Foreign Office (FCDO)

UK · regional

Advises against all travel to some areas and all but essential travel to others

Latest change: Addition of information about emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

Official notice Source: gov.uk · updated Oct 13, 2026

Read the official advice · Entry requirements

Local scams and street crime

  • Terrorist kidnap: There is a threat of kidnap throughout Pakistan, particularly within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Terrorist groups are unlikely to prioritise the kidnap of westerners in Pakistan. Any kidnap of a foreign national by terrorist groups in Pakistan would likely be opportunistic. British nationals are…
  • Protecting yourself and your belongings: Street crime is a risk, particularly in crowded areas. Take sensible measures to guard your possessions and reduce your personal risk. Be cautious when moving around urban areas at night, especially when on foot. There is an active black market in forged and stolen passports. Credit card fraud is common. Beware of…
  • Criminal kidnap: British nationals of Pakistani origin have been targeted by criminals, including kidnappers, as they are often perceived as being wealthier than locals.

Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Oct 13, 2026

LGBT+ and women travellers: what the UK FCDO says

  • LGBT+ travellers: Same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal. There are occasional arrests, and there are negative attitudes to same-sex relationships throughout Pakistan which can sometimes result in violence. See more details from the Human Dignity Trust about the current application of the law .

Read the full FCDO section

Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Oct 13, 2026

Women, children and family: what governments say

  • Women's safety (Government of Canada): 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
  • Travelling with children (UK FCDO): If you’re travelling with a child as a single parent or are not the child’s parent, you may need to provide documentary evidence of parental responsibility before leaving Pakistan. This is particularly likely if the child is of Pakistani origin.

Canada: full advisory · UK: entry requirements · UK: safety and security

Official notice Source: Government of Canada and UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licences)

Pregnancy and children: CDC health notes for Pakistan

  • Zika: the CDC lists Zika as a risk in Pakistan. An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby. CDC on Zika
  • Malaria: 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. Ask a travel-health provider which medicine suits pregnancy or young children before you go.
  • Cholera (children): Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
  • Hepatitis A (children): Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
  • Measles (children): 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 .
  • Polio (children): 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...

CDC health page for Pakistan · CDC: pregnant travelers · CDC: traveling with children

Official notice Source: CDC Travelers' Health (US government, public domain). General information, not medical advice: see a doctor or travel clinic before you go.

Government of Canada

CA 2 · High degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution (some regions differ)

Latest change: Natural disasters and climate section – added information on El Niño

Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca · updated Oct 15, 2026

Read the official advisory

US State Department: advisories for specific areas

  • Do Not Travel to:

Read the official advisory for the exact areas

Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Jun 16, 2026

Government of Canada: regional advisories

Regional advisory - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to :

  • Pakistan-administered Kashmir
  • the province of Balochistan
  • the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, except (some areas excluded: see the official page)
  • the area within 50 km of the border with Afghanistan
  • the areas within 10 km of the borders with China, India and Iran, except the following official border crossings where you should exercise a high degree of...
  • the areas within 10 km of the Line of Control with India
  • the section of the Karakoram Highway from Mansehra to Chilas

Karachi - Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to the city of Karachi, due to the risk of crime and terrorism, with the exception of the following areas where you should exercise a high degree of caution:

  • District of Karachi (formerly Karachi South), including (some areas excluded: see the official page)
  • DHA Phase 7 Extension in the District of Korangi
  • Lalazar, Naval Officers Residential Estate 1 and Port Tower Complex in the District of Keamari
  • Jinnah International Airport and Shahrah-e-Faisal Road between the airport and the city, in the District of Gulshan

Read the full Canadian advisory

Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca (Government of Canada, Open Government Licence - Canada) · updated Oct 15, 2026

German Foreign Office

DE · partial travel warning

Partial travel warning

Official notice Source: Auswärtiges Amt · updated Oct 13, 2026

Read the official travel and safety advice

Dutch Foreign Ministry

NL · yellow

Yellow: be alert, safety risks (regions differ, up to red)

De kleurcode van het reisadvies is rood voor het westen van Pakistan, het grensgebied met India, het gebied rond de bestandslijn tussen Pakistan en India, en een deel van het grensgebied met China. Wat uw situatie ook is: reis niet hierheen. Het is er te gevaarlijk. Lees meer onder Regionale risico’s. Kleurcode oranje

Official notice Source: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Nederland Wereldwijd (open data, CC0) · updated Oct 12, 2026

Read the advice (Dutch) · Translate to English

New Zealand SafeTravel

NZ · level 3

Avoid non-essential travel

Official notice Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, SafeTravel (CC BY 4.0) · updated 24 November 2025

Read the official advice

Italian Foreign Ministry (alerts are in Italian)

IT · latest alert (in Italian)
  • PAKISTAN: STATO DI EMERGENZA NEL KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA E MANIFESTAZIONI.
    L’11 ottobre 2026 le Autorità pakistane hanno proclamato lo stato di emergenza nella Provincia nord-occidentale del Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , disponendo la sospensione del Governo provinciale e il trasferimento dei relativi poteri al Governatore. Sono state inoltre rafforzate le misure di sicurezza, anche attraverso il dispiegamento delle Forze Armate. Il provvedimento ha determinato un aumento delle tensioni politiche e

Official notice Source: Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale, Unita di Crisi, Viaggiare Sicuri (Italian, as published) · updated Oct 12, 2026

Viaggiare Sicuri (official site)

Japan Foreign Ministry

JP L4 · Evacuate and leave

Highest level: Evacuate and leave

Level 4 in 1 area, level 3 in 1 area, level 2 in 1 area. Areas can differ; the highest level applies only where the ministry says so.

パキスタンの危険情報【一部地域の危険レベル引上げ】

Official notice Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety Homepage · updated May 26, 2026

Original (Japanese) · Translate to English

Each government uses its own scale. Read the full advisory before you book or travel; regional differences inside a country can matter more than the headline level.

Where in Pakistan the UK advises against travel

Pakistan-Afghanistan border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 10 miles of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

FCDO advises against all travel to these areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province:

  • Bajaur
  • Bannu
  • Buner
  • Chārsadda
  • Dera Ismail Khan
  • Hangu
  • Karak
  • Khyber
  • Kohat
  • Kurram
  • Lakki Marwat
  • Upper Dir
  • Lower Dir
  • Mohmand
  • Orakzai
  • Peshawar, including the city of Peshawar
  • Swat
  • Tank
  • North Waziristan
  • Upper South Waziristan
  • Lower South Waziristan
  • the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas via Battagram, Besham City, Dasu and Sazin up to the junction with the N15
  • the N45 Highway, from the north of the Mardan ring road, to the edge of Chitral City, including Kalash valley

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to these areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province:

  • Malakand
  • Mardan
  • Nowshera
  • Shangla
  • Swabi

Balochistan Province

FCDO advises against all travel to Balochistan Province.

Pakistan-India Border Area

FCDO advises against all but essential travel within 5 miles of the international border between Pakistan and India. Exceptions are the Grand Trunk highway via the Wagah border (the crossing point is currently closed, however visitors can still access and attend the daily Wagah border ceremony) and the Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib (currently closed for crossings).

Pakistan-administered Kashmir

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

FCDO advises against all travel to within 10 miles of the Line of Control.

Sindh Province

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all areas of Sindh Province north of and including the city of Nawabshah.

Punjab Province

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Dera Ghazi Khan.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these regions .

Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice, areas where it advises against travel (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Oct 13, 2026

Entry requirements for Pakistan

🇬🇧 British passport holders

  • Visa: You need a visa to visit Pakistan and you must apply in advance.
  • Passport: To enter Pakistan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date of your visa application.
Read the full UK entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Pakistan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Pakistan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Pakistan High Commission in London or nearest Pakistani consulate.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Pakistan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date of your visa application.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry.

Leaving Pakistan will be difficult if you do not have an entry stamp. If your passport was not stamped on entry, contact the Ministry of Interior or visit a National Database and Registration Office (NDRA) office.

Illegal entry to Pakistan is a serious offence. If you enter without the correct documentation you may be detained or deported. If you enter Pakistan illegally, you may not be able to travel onward from Pakistan.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You need a visa to visit Pakistan and you must apply in advance.

Applying for a visa

See information on visa categories and how to apply.

Visas for journalists often have extra travel restrictions. Follow the terms of your visa, or you could be fined or detained.

You can also apply for visa extensions.

Returning to the UK

You must have an unexpired visa, a Pakistani national identity card or a Pakistani passport to leave Pakistan.

If your visa has expired, apply online for an exit permit from within Pakistan before attempting to travel.

If you do not have evidence of Pakistani nationality and you entered without a visa, contact the Ministry of Interior or visit a NADRA office.

Citizens of Pakistan overseas

The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or Smart National Identity Card Overseas Pakistanis (SNICOP), are issued to citizens of Pakistan who are not resident in Pakistan. If you hold a valid version of either, you will be recognised as a citizen of Pakistan. You can enter Pakistan without a visa and stay for an unlimited period. See how to apply for Pakistani identity cards.

Travelling with children

If you’re travelling with a child as a single parent or are not the child’s parent, you may need to provide documentary evidence of parental responsibility before leaving Pakistan. This is particularly likely if the child is of Pakistani origin.

Crossing land borders

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to most of the Pakistan-Afghanistan, Pakistan-China and Pakistan-Iran border areas. FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan and Iran.

Pakistan-Afghanistan border

All borders with Afghanistan can close at short notice. There has been overcrowding and violence at open border crossings.

If entering Pakistan via the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan you will need a valid Pakistan visa.

Pakistan-Iran border

All official land border crossings with Iran are located in Balochistan province, where the FCDO advises against all travel.

Border crossings may be closed at short notice, and access is limited and closely monitored. If entering Pakistan via a land border with Iran, you will need a valid Pakistan visa. Check with local authorities or travel providers for the latest information before attempting to cross.

Pakistan-India border

The international border between Pakistan and India is subject to strict controls. The Wagah border crossing on the Grand Trunk Road is the only official land crossing between the two countries, but it is currently closed. However, visitors may still access and attend the daily Wagah border ceremony. The Kartarpur Corridor is currently not in use for Sikh pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.

Ensure you have the necessary visas and documentation and check with local authorities or travel providers before attempting to cross.

Pakistan-China border

The Khunjerab Pass, the only official land border crossing between Pakistan and China, is located on the Karakoram Highway and is open to foreign tourists. It is open seasonally, typically from April to November, but can close at very short notice due to severe weather conditions, particularly snowfall during colder months. Check the weather conditions before you travel as conditions can change at short notice and landslides and snowfall can block the route.

Be aware that border closures may occur without warning on either side, and access to the area is remote and limited. Ensure you have the appropriate Pakistani visa and Chinese entry documentation before attempting to cross. Check with local authorities or your travel provider for the latest updates before travelling to the region.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Pakistan, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Pakistan guide.

Health screening

Mpox

In response to the recent international mpox outbreaks, travellers may experience enhanced screening and preventive measures, including testing, on entry to Pakistan.

Read more about mpox on TravelHealthPro.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that you can take into and out of Pakistan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Alcohol and pork

Importing alcohol or pork products is illegal. You could be detained if you try to import them.

Official notice Source: UK Foreign Office · updated Oct 13, 2026

🇨🇦 Canadian passport holders

Read the full Canadian entry requirements

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide 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 local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

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, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

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

Useful links

Visas

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

Dual citizenship

If you are a dual citizen of Pakistan and another country and travel on a foreign passport, you must present a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or a visa to enter Pakistan.

An expired, cancelled or revoked NICOP may result in denial of entry. Ensure your documents are valid before travelling and renew them, if necessary, before departing for Pakistan.

Useful links

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.

Polio

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 about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

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

Official notice Source: Government of Canada · updated Oct 15, 2026

Other passports

Rules depend on your nationality, so we do not guess. Before you book:

  • Read your own government's travel advice first (US travellers: State Department page for Pakistan).
  • Not sure what your passport needs? Check the visa rules for your nationality (eVisas visa checker) or compare with VisaHQ. These are affiliate links: if you use their application service we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official government sites are usually cheaper and are linked above where we have them.
  • Check your passport: many countries want it valid for 6 months after arrival and with blank pages.
  • Check for an e-visa, travel authorisation or digital arrival card, and any vaccine rules (yellow fever is the common one).
  • Ask your airline: they can refuse boarding if your documents do not match the rules.

Entry rules are set by each government and change without notice. This summary is for planning only and is not legal or immigration advice. Confirm on the official government website and with your airline before you book or travel. Voyaggora is not a government agency and does not process visas.

Essentials for travelers

Police 15 Ambulance 1122 Fire 16

  • Plugs: type C, D, G, M
  • Power: 230 V, 50 Hz
  • Traffic drives on the left
  • Tap water: not recommended
  • Calling code: +92

Compiled by Voyaggora from IEC World Plugs, government and consular sources. Confidence: medium. Check with your embassy or hotel before you rely on it in an emergency.

Local language

پاکستان Urdu

Essential phrases in Urdu
HelloسلامSalaam
Thank youشکریہShukriya
Help!مدد!Madad!
Where is the hospital?ہسپتال کہاں ہے؟Aspatal kahan hai?
I need the policeمجھے پولیس چاہیےMujhe police chahiye
I need a doctorمجھے ڈاکٹر چاہیےMujhe doctor chahiye
How much is it?یہ کتنے کا ہے؟Yeh kitne ka hai?
Where is the toilet?ٹوائلٹ کہاں ہے؟Toilet kahan hai?

Country names come from the Unicode CLDR. Phrases are short standard translations; show them on your phone to ask for help.

U.S. Embassy alerts

  • Embassy alert
    Security Alert: Vigilance during demonstrations (September 27 to 30) Read on the embassy site

Live feed Source: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites (public alerts for U.S. citizens; US government works) · checked

Embassy alerts

  • Security
    シンド州内における治安悪化の警戒に関する注意喚起 Original · Translate to English
  • Embassy alert
    【領事メール】10/11(日)当館代表電話不通時の連絡先について Original · Translate to English

Live feed Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety Homepage (open data; alerts from Japanese embassies, shown in Japanese as published) · checked

More live hazards and notices

Live feed Sources: NOAA / NWS (ash advisories from the ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres, aurora from the Space Weather Prediction Center), USGS, GeoNet New Zealand (CC BY 3.0 NZ) · checked

Airspace warning

  • Airspace of Pakistan – Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces
    Issued Jan 9, 2018 · valid until 31/01/2027 unless reviewed earlier

Airlines can reroute, delay or cancel flights that cross affected airspace. Check with your airline before you travel.

Live feed Source: EASA Conflict Zone Information Bulletins · checked

Health and vaccines

Vaccines, malaria and yellow-fever certificate rules: TravelHealthPro country pages (UK Health Security Agency), CDC destination pages, UK Foreign Office health advice. Ask a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you go.

Money

1 US dollar ≈ 277.33 PKR · 1 euro ≈ 311.44 PKR

Central-bank reference rate for Oct 18, 2026. Your card or exchange desk will differ.

Live feed Source: Frankfurter · checked

Voyaggora destination guides

Quick answers: is it safe to travel to Pakistan?

Is it safe to travel to Pakistan right now?
It depends on where you go. As of Oct 18, 08:28 UTC. The US State Department rates Pakistan Level 3 of 4, "Reconsider travel". Canada says "Exercise a high degree of caution", with regional advisories. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to some areas of Pakistan and all but essential travel to others. Advisory levels change and can vary by region within a country: check the official page before you travel. Sources: US State Department Canada UK FCDO.
Which parts of Pakistan do governments warn about?
Governments warn about parts of Pakistan rather than the whole country. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to some areas of Pakistan and all but essential travel to others. Canada lists regional advisories. The US State Department page lists area-specific levels. Open each official page for the exact areas and routes.
Are there any active weather or hazard alerts in Pakistan right now?
As of Oct 18, 08:28 UTC, Travel Live shows these live hazard and alert sections for Pakistan: U.S. Embassy alerts, embassy alerts, more live hazards and notices, an airspace warning. Each one on this page names its official source and the time it was checked. Worldwide storms, earthquakes and disasters are on the Travel Live hub.
What do the advisory levels mean?
US State Department: Level 1 exercise normal precautions, Level 2 exercise increased caution, Level 3 reconsider travel, Level 4 do not travel. Canada: take normal security precautions, exercise a high degree of caution, avoid non-essential travel, avoid all travel. UK FCDO: it advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, to the whole country or to parts of it, or has no warnings. Each government uses its own scale, so the levels are not directly comparable.

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We do not have a live airport, road or transit feed for Pakistan. We show the official government notices above with their dates rather than guessing.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Voyaggora summarises official sources and is not a government service; always confirm with the official advisory before you travel.