The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• the areas in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province formerly known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas
• the districts of Charsadda, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Buner and Lower Dir in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
• the city of Peshawar and districts south of the city
• travel on the Peshawar to Chitral road via the Lowari Pass
• Balochistan province including the city of Quetta but excluding the southern coast of Balochistan (see below)
• the section of the Karakoram Highway (also known as Kara Karam Highway or KKH) from Mansehra to Chilas, via Battagram, Besham City, Dasu and Sazin up to the junction with the N15
• the immediate vicinity of the Line of Control

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Arandu town and the road between Mirkhani and Arandu in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province
• the southern coast of Balochistan, defined as the area south of (and including) the N10 motorway as well as the section of the N25 which runs from N10/N25 intersection to the Balochistan/Sindh border, including the port city of Gwadar
• areas of Sindh Province north of, and including, the city of Nawabshah

If you’re planning travel to Pakistan, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO guidance on foreign travel insurance.

For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page

In recent years, the security situation in Pakistan has improved considerably following action by the Pakistan government and security forces. Before the COVID pandemic there were nearly half a million visits by British nationals to Pakistan. Most visits are trouble free.

Political rallies and protests regularly take place across Pakistan. Some may have an anti-western dimension and could turn violent. In general,general you should avoid demonstrations, large crowds of people, public and political events. On 20 May, PTI leader Imran Khan called for supporters to join a march on Islamabad, intended to arrive in the city on 25 May. The authorities responded on 24 May with emergency restrictions, prohibiting gatherings of five or more people in Islamabad, Punjab and Sindh. Transport routes to, from and within major cities, including Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore are likely to be affected. You should follow the advice of local authorities and your tour company before travelling and keep track of news. See Safety and security

Some periods of the year may pose heightened risks. During holy periods/religious holidays, there is an increased potential for targeted attacks, including on western interests and religious minorities.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Pakistan. There’s a high threat of terrorism, kidnap and sectarian violence throughout the country, including the major cities of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi. Foreigners, in particular westerners, may be directly targeted. Following the death of Al Qaida leader, Ayman al- Zawahiri in a US drone attack in Afghanistan, British Nationals in Pakistan should be extra vigilant. You should be vigilant, try to avoid all crowds and public events including political gatherings and religious events throughout Pakistan, and take appropriate security precautions.

Densely populated and unsecured areas, such as markets, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, hiking trails, airports, infrastructure projects, public transport, schools and educational institutions are potential focal points for attacks. You should be extra vigilant at all times in such areas and minimise your exposure to areas that pose a higher risk. See Terrorism

Pakistan can experience extreme weather, including severe heatwaves. These typically occur between March and June. The extreme temperatures can cause poor air quality, wildfires and power outages. You should avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and take precautionary measures. More information and detailed guidance is available on the National Disaster Management Authority website. You should monitor the local and international weather updates from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, follow the advice of local authorities and your tour company before travelling.

Pakistan is in a major earthquake zone and remains at risk from further earthquakes, aftershocks, landslides and flooding. You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake. See Natural disasters

Consular support is severely limited in parts of Pakistan where the FCDO has existing advice against all travel and all but essential travel (as set out above). Consular support is also limited in parts of Pakistan where High Commission officials require travel permission from the government of Pakistan. Permission is not guaranteed. The British High Commission’s ability to deliver consular assistance, including in an emergency, may be restricted or delayed in these areas.

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.