Pakistan travel advice

FCDO notice

Emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Emergency measures and Governor’s Rule were introduced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on 11 October. There were reports of road closures, possible disruption to public transport, increased security presence, and disruption to internet services in parts of the province.

If you’re in or travelling to Khyber Paktunkhwa:

• stay away from protests, political gatherings and large crowds
• follow local news and the advice of local authorities
• check your route before you travel
• be prepared to change your travel plans at short notice

Warnings (from the FCDO, word for word)

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO 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.

Demonstrations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

There are currently demonstrations in areas of Pakistan-administered Kashmir known locally as “Azad Jammu and Kashmir”.

Local authorities have advised visitors to avoid travel to the area, while visitors already there have been encouraged to leave to avoid potential disruption.

Demonstrations in the area have led to: 

• road closures and severe travel disruption 
• suspension of mobile and internet services 
• clashes between protestors and security forces, with reports of injuries and loss of life

Regional tensions

There have been renewed strikes between the US and Iran since the announcement of a memorandum of understanding in relation to the conflict in the Middle East. The situation remains unpredictable and can change without warning.

Ongoing regional tensions pose significant security and economic risks and have led to travel disruption. Please check with your airline before travelling.

Global supply routes could affect Pakistan’s fuel availability and pricing. This may lead to transport disruption and delays, in some areas.

There is an ongoing risk of terrorism.

You should continue to:

• be careful around protests, demonstrations, rallies, security checkpoints, tourist sites, and religious gatherings and sites, particularly in urban areas across Pakistan

• follow the advice of local authorities and plan ahead to allow extra time for travel and keep up to date with local and international media

• monitor local and international media for the latest information

• be prepared to take shelter, stay indoors, or move to a safe building immediately if the local authorities instruct you to do so

• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts

From FCDO: warnings and insurance.

Passport validity

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.

From FCDO: entry requirements. Written for British passport holders.