Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Pakistan is a large South Asian country with famous mountain scenery and historic cities. Main tourist areas such as Islamabad, Lahore and Hunza are generally visited with normal care, while some border and frontier regions require checking current government advice.
- Overall risk
- Moderate; varies widely by region
- Main concern
- Regional variation, traffic and petty theft in crowds
- Emergency number
- 15 (police), 1122 (rescue/ambulance)
- Conditions differ greatly across the country. Popular destinations like Islamabad, Lahore, Hunza and Swat are commonly visited, while parts of the border areas, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa warrant extra caution. Check your government's latest travel advice before and during your trip.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Some regions require extra caution. Parts of the border areas, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are subject to specific government advisories, while common tourist areas are visited with normal care.
- Advisory areas
- Some border zones and parts of Balochistan and KP
- Common tourist areas
- Islamabad, Lahore, Hunza, Swat visited with usual care
- Government travel advice designates specific frontier and border regions for extra caution, which can change over time. Follow local guidance, check the latest official advisories, and keep to established routes and popular destinations.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Prepare for monsoon rains and flooding (July-September), extreme summer heat on the plains, and mountain hazards including altitude and earthquake risk in the northern Karakoram and Himalaya.
- Monsoon
- Heavy rain and flooding, mainly July-September
- Summer heat
- Very high temperatures on the plains
- Mountains
- Altitude, landslides and seismic risk in the north
- Monsoon flooding can disrupt roads and travel. In the northern mountains (Karakoram, Himalaya, near K2) prepare for high altitude, cold and landslide risk, and note that the region is seismically active. On the plains, summer heat can be intense.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Avoid tap water and drink bottled or treated water. Take care with food hygiene, seek advice on vaccinations and malaria, and note that quality private hospitals are mainly in big cities.
- Tap water
- Not safe to drink; use bottled or treated water
- Vaccinations
- Seek travel-clinic advice well before departure
- Healthcare
- Good private hospitals mainly in major cities
- Travellers' diarrhoea and waterborne illness are common; eat freshly cooked food and drink safe water. Consult a travel clinic about routine and travel vaccinations and malaria precautions. Good private facilities exist in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore; carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Petty theft and pickpocketing occur in crowded markets, bus stations and busy streets of large cities. Keep valuables secure and stay alert in traffic and dense crowds.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds
- Hotspots
- Markets, transport hubs, busy city streets
- Advice
- Keep valuables out of sight and use trusted transport
- Opportunistic theft is the most common issue for visitors. Keep bags closed and in front of you, avoid displaying cash or expensive items, and use reputable taxis or ride-hailing apps. Heavy, chaotic traffic in cities is also a hazard for pedestrians.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic. Political rallies, demonstrations and strikes can occur and may affect transport; avoid large gatherings and follow local news.
- Government
- Federal parliamentary republic
- Demonstrations
- Rallies and strikes can disrupt travel
- Demonstrations and strike days (sometimes called for at short notice) can close roads and disrupt transport. Avoid protests and large crowds, monitor local media, and follow instructions from local authorities.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Pakistan is a Muslim-majority country with conservative customs. Dress modestly, respect religious sites and Ramadan, and note that alcohol is restricted mainly to non-Muslims.
- Dress
- Modest, covered clothing is expected
- Alcohol
- Restricted; limited availability for non-Muslims
- Ramadan
- Avoid eating and drinking in public during daylight
- Follow local customs: dress modestly (especially at mosques and shrines), remove shoes and cover the head where required, and ask before photographing people. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Alcohol laws are strict; drug offences carry severe penalties.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 15 for police and 1122 for rescue and ambulance in most areas. Numbers can vary by region, so confirm locally.
- Police
- 15
- Rescue/Ambulance
- 1122
- Note
- Services may vary by region
- The 1122 emergency service (rescue, ambulance and fire) operates in many areas; police can be reached on 15. Coverage and numbers can differ by province and city, so check locally and keep your accommodation's contact details handy.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover and repatriation. Add cover for trekking and high-altitude activities if you plan to visit the northern mountains.
- Medical cover
- Essential, including hospital treatment
- Repatriation
- Include medical evacuation and repatriation
- Activities
- Add trekking and high-altitude cover if relevant
- Private treatment can be costly, so ensure your policy covers medical care, hospital stays and emergency evacuation. If you plan trekking or travel in the high mountains, confirm your policy covers high altitude and remote-area rescue.