Pakistan
Summary
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:
- The
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- the city
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The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
ArandutownandroadbetweenMirkhaniandAranduinKhyber-Pakhtunkhwaprovincethe- areas of Sindh Province north of, and including, the city of Nawabshah
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Pakistan’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Before the COVID pandemic there were nearly half a million visits by British nationals to Pakistan. Most visits are trouble free.
Pakistan recentlyis experiencedexperiencing extreme monsoon rainfall, causing flooding and landslides. TravelMany people have died, and travel in many parts of the country has been severely impacted. Extreme weather conditions and constraints on local travel are expected to continue. See Natural disasters
The England Cricket Team are planning to tour Pakistan for a T20 Test match series in September 2022 and a Test match series in December 2022. All fans wishing to travel to Pakistan should familiarise themselves with Entry Requirements, Safety and Security and Natural disasters sections. We encourage fans to arrange their visit in advance with a reputable tour company with experience of sporting events in Pakistan.
Pakistani laws and customs are very different to those in the UK and reflect the fact it is a Muslim country. Consumption of alcohol is illegal for Muslims. Public consumption and drunkenness are illegal and can lead to detention. You should respect local traditions, customs and laws at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend. See local laws and customs for more information.
Political rallies and protests regularly take place across Pakistan. Some may have an anti-western dimension and could turn violent. In general, you should avoid demonstrations, large crowds of people, public and political events. 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 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 cuts.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 youyou’re are 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.