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

• The districts of Baujar, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North Waziristan and South Waziristan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province
• the districts of Charsadda, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Buner and Lower Dir in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
• the city and district of Peshawar
• travel on the N45 road, from the north of the Mardan ring-road, to the edge of the district of Chitral
• Balochistan province, excluding the southern coast of Balochistan (see below)
• the section of the N35 (or Karakoram Highway) between the Mansehra ring road and the N15/N35 Chilas interchange
• within 10 miles 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

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.

Following former PM Imran Khan being taken into custody there have been calls for protests nationwide. Public gatherings of more than four people are prohibited across the country. There are localised internet connectivity disruptions including mobile networks, and nationwide blocks of social media websites. You may experience difficulties accessing mobile networks and social media. Further disruption should be expected. Political rallies and protests regularly take place across Pakistan. Some may have an anti-western dimension and could turn violent. Tear gas can be used to disperse protests. Avoid demonstrations, large crowds of people and political events. Be alert to local news and, where possible, social media and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour company. If you find yourself near protests, turn away and move to a safe place. See Safety and security

Through late summer and early autumnAutumn 2022 Pakistan experienced extreme monsoon rainfall, causing flooding and landslides. Travel in many parts of the country has been severely impacted. See Natural disasters

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. 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. 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). The British High Commission’s ability to deliver consular assistance, including in an emergency, may be restricted or delayed in these areas.

If you 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.