Genvisec advises that travel to Pakistan can continue avoiding forbidden areas. It is advised that business/leisure travellers read our security brief. Some high profile travellers may require further security support.

 

Crime 

 

Be aware of the risk of street crime and take sensible measures to protect yourself and your belongings. Take particular care of your passport, bankcards, bags, jewellery, laptop and mobile, especially on public transport, when travelling to and from the airport and in crowded areas including markets. There is an active black market in forged and stolen passports. Credit card fraud is common.

 

Foreign nationals of Pakistani origin have been targeted by criminals, including kidnappers, as they are often perceived as being wealthier than locals.

 

Avoid using street taxis. Only use taxis from reputable companies which are radio-controlled.

 

Much of Balochistan, rural Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Agencies, have a high level of lawlessness.

 

Political situation

 

Public demonstrations and civil disorder are common. Protests often occur with little warning and while most remain peaceful, they can turn violent quickly. Avoid getting caught up in demonstrations, large crowds of people and public events.

 

Local travel

 

In 2008, the Pakistan authorities advised that “all foreigners, including diplomats may not move out of their city of residence without proper security and without prior co-ordination with the law enforcement agency”. This requirement has not been rigorously enforced, but you should consider informing local authorities of any travel plans, and be prepared to be stopped and challenged by officials, who may instruct you to turn around.

 

If you travel to any of the regions listed below, you or your travel company should contact the local authorities in advance to check the local security situation. They may arrange police protection as necessary and will advise whether you need a No Objection Certificate issued by the Pakistani Ministry of Interior.

 

Balochistan

 

There is a heightened risk from kidnapping and militant activity in much of Balochistan. There are frequent sectarian attacks in and around Quetta. If you intend to visit these areas, make sure you have the necessary permission from the authorities and proper security arrangements in place.

 

Border areas

 

Except for official border crossing points, foreigners are not allowed to travel within 10 miles of Pakistan’s international borders and the Kashmir Line of Control, or within 30 miles of the Afghan border in Gilgit-Baltistan.

 

Gilgit-Baltistan

 

On 22 June 2013, 10 foreign climbers and their Pakistani guide were killed in a terrorist attack at the Nanga Parbat base camp area. The terrain in Gilgit-Baltistan is mountainous, with remote and isolated locations that are difficult to police effectively. You are strongly advised to obtain and follow local security advice and make appropriate personal security arrangements in advance of any visit. There are also occasional outbursts of sectarian violence in and around Gilgit.

 

All foreign nationals must register with the local authorities when visiting Gilgit-Baltistan. You may need a permit for mountaineering or trekking, in particular for mountains over 6,000 metres. The process can take up to 2 months and is best organised through a travel company. The validity of your travel insurance policy may be affected if you don’t have the correct permits.

 

Use reputable trekking agencies, stay on established routes, and always walk in groups. Don’t trek alone. Be aware of the risks of altitude sickness.

 

Islamabad

 

Public protests are common in Islamabad. In line with the safety and security advice in this travel advice, British High Commission staff are advised to avoid the area around the Lal-Masjid Mosque in Sector G/6 including Aabpara and Melody markets due to frequent large gatherings and demonstrations, and sectors G7 to G10 and F10 because of the threat from crime. Diplomatic staff are often advised to avoid western retail and fast food outlets, coffee bars, shopping centres with concentrations of western style shops and eateries, sports venues and events, live music venues and Christian religious services outside the diplomatic enclave. foreigners are advised not to dwell in market areas any longer than necessary, to remain vigilant for suspicious objects or activity and to avoid the cinema in the Centaurus Mall.

 

Karachi

 

There are high levels of violence in Karachi. The districts of Clifton and Defence, and the parts of Saddar which include government offices, major hotels and the financial district are generally regarded as more stable, though there remains a risk of violence. All other districts, and the areas of Saddar immediately around and to the north of the US Consulate General, are at greater risk of violence.

 

The city is vulnerable to serious violent ethnic conflict between different communities. Criminal and political violence is also common including armed carjacking, robbery, kidnap and murder. Strikes called by various religious and political parties cripple the city and regularly produce violent civil unrest.

 

It is difficult to predict the safety of daily activity. You should carefully plan any travel within the city taking into account all the threats. If you intend to move outside the more stable areas you should take advice from hosts or trusted contacts and be prepared to cancel or curtail your plans. Diplomatic staff working outside Karachi aren’t allowed to travel there except on official business. Staff travel around the city is subject to strict security measures and movements on foot are not allowed.

 

In June 2014 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Karachi based diplomats to restrict their movements in the city and to avoid major shopping malls. This advice was reinforced in October, highlighting threats to both foreigners and diplomats.

 

Karakoram Highway

 

The Karakoram Highway runs from Hasan Abdal in north Punjab towards Gilgit and the Chinese border. We advise against travel on the Highway between Islamabad and Gilgit. You should avoid travelling on the Highway at night - the road can be narrow with sudden steep drops. All sections of the Highway north of Batagram up to the Chinese border have experienced landslides.

 

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

 

There is regular military or militant activity in the districts of Swat, Buner, Malakand, Nowshera, Swabi and Lower Dir. Localised curfews may be imposed at short notice.

 

The Kalesh Valley, Bamoboret Valley and Arandu District to the south and west of Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have seen an increase in militant activity, which has included abductions, violent armed robbery and murder.

 

Pakistan Administered Kashmir

 

Make sure you have the necessary permissions to travel. Specific requirements can change and you should check the latest requirements before travelling. A No Objection Certificate is always required for foreign nationals to travel within 10 miles of the Line of Control or to enter Kashmir via Muzaffarabad.

 

Punjab

 

If you travel to southern Punjab take advice about the local security situation in advance. There are frequent reports of criminality and public order incidents.

 

Sindh

 

There is a very high risk from crime and kidnapping in Interior Sindh. There are reports of increased criminality in Hyderabad.

 

Air travel

 

Security has been tightened at Pakistan’s airports following a number of terrorist attacks on key airports/aircraft in 2014. In Karachi vehicles aren’t allowed access to pick-up and drop-off areas. Security at Karachi (Jinnah) International Airport was further enhanced in early January 2015. Allow yourself enough time to get through enhanced security checks, but don’t linger unnecessarily at airports. Be vigilant, follow instructions from security and airport personnel, and contact your airline in the event of any disruption.

 

Rail travel

 

Avoid using the railway network, which has been subject to frequent attacks and derailments. There have been attacks on railway stations in Punjab, and militants have planted bombs on the rail network in Balochistan and Sindh.

 

Road travel

 

Take particular care on long road journeys and when travelling cross-country. Local driving standards are erratic, especially at night. Road conditions are poor and there is a risk of carjacking.

 

Lock all doors and keep the windows up. Use well-travelled, well-lit routes where possible. Don’t buy anything from street vendors or make contact with beggars while travelling by car.

 

Sea travel

 

The threat from piracy within 12 nautical miles of the Pakistani coastline is low, but you should be aware of the significant threat piracy poses in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

 

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Pakistan is a Muslim country. You should respect local customs and sensitivities at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

You should dress modestly at all times. Men and women should cover their shoulders and legs when in public. Women should cover their heads when entering mosques or other holy places, and when travelling in rural areas.

 

Importing alcohol and pork products is illegal. Homosexuality and co-habitation by an unmarried couple is illegal.

 

If you or your father were born in Pakistan, you might be considered a Pakistani national by the local authorities even if you don’t hold a Pakistani passport, and your government may be prevented from providing the full range of consular assistance.

 

You should carry some form of photo ID at all times.

 

Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to imprisonment. A number of foreign nationals have recently been arrested on drug trafficking charges and face long periods in detention on remand as their cases make their way through the Pakistan legal system. Drug trafficking can attract the death penalty.

 

The death penalty can and has been imposed for crimes including blasphemy, murder, rape and unlawful assembly.

 

Don’t take photographs at military establishments, airports or any infrastructure, including bridges and dams including from aircraft. In the past British nationals have been arrested on suspicion of ‘spying’. Seek permission from any official, especially in border areas.

 

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan. The main terrorist threat comes from Tehrik-e Taleban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella organisation of groups primarily based in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), who have a mainly anti-state focus but also maintain, and have stated an intent to launch attacks on western interests. TTP conducts attacks throughout Pakistan. Their attacks mostly involve using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), including suicide attacks.

 

Further attacks could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by foreigners. Previous methods of attack have included grenades, shootings, bombings and suicide bombs. Militants can launch complex and deadly attacks. Be vigilant, keep a low profile and vary your routes and timings if you make any regular journeys. Public places and public gatherings are often targeted, including courts and government buildings, hotels, airports, markets, shopping malls, restaurants, educational institutions and religious shrines. Take care if you’re planning to attend sporting events or live music venues. Attacks have previously targeted places that could be considered by militants to be un-Islamic. You should avoid ‘western’ fast-food outlets. CD/DVD shops and barber shops have previously been targeted.

 

Pakistani government personnel and institutions, and the security forces are prime targets for attacks, especially given the ongoing Pakistan military action in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) which may lead to retaliatory attacks. You should avoid key government installations and gatherings of uniformed personnel. Places of worship, including churches, religious sites, minority religious sects and shrines are often targeted. You should avoid religious events or gatherings and limit movements on Friday afternoons. You should also be vigilant in areas around diplomatic premises throughout Pakistan; in August 2013 the US closed its consulate in Lahore following a specific threat.

 

Areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, especially Peshawar, suffer particularly frequent terrorist attacks with a high rate of casualties. There are threats of attacks in Karachi and almost daily violence.

 

Kidnapping

 

You should be alert to the threat of kidnapping throughout Pakistan. The number of kidnappings for ransom of westerners has increased over the last 2 years. The most recent cases have been in the Punjab and Balochistan. Kidnappings can be for financial or political gain. Foreign nationals of Pakistani origin are at particular risk of kidnap for ransom. British and other foreign national kidnap victims have faced extended periods of detention. While some were ultimately released by their captors, others have been killed.

 

Health

Dengue occurs in Pakistan, especially during and just after the monsoon season.

 

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 15 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Take care when purchasing bottled water. A recent government report found a number of bottled water brands to be contaminated.

 

Entry requirements

 

Visas

 

If you are travelling to Pakistan on a foreign passport, you will need to get a visa before you travel. Visa violations can be treated as a criminal offence and could result in a fine or detention.

 

Journalists’ visas often have additional travel restrictions, which you should observe. For further information consult the High Commission for Pakistan in your home country.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months at the time of your visa application.

 

The Pakistani authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are valid for entry into Pakistan. Holders of an ETD entering Pakistan will need to have either a valid visa or an identity card issued by the Pakistan government (either an NIC - National Identity Card - or an NICOP - National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis).

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Travelling with children

 

A single parent or other adult who is not the child’s parent may need to provide documentary evidence of parental responsibility, particularly if the child is of Pakistani origin, before the immigration authorities will allow the child to leave the country.

 

Exit requirements

 

All passengers leaving Pakistan must have a valid visa, a Pakistani national identity card or a valid Pakistani passport. If you are travelling on a British passport and your visa has expired you may not be allowed to board your flight. In these circumstances you should contact the Ministry of Interior to get an exit visa. A fine may also be payable.

 

Natural disasters

The monsoon season in Pakistan is from late June to early October. Heavy rains can cause severe flooding, particularly in Sindh and Punjab Provinces.

 

Check local forecasts and news reports and be aware of the risk of landslides and road blockages, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions. Take extreme care crossing swollen rivers.

 

Earth tremors are common and mountainous areas regularly experience floods and landslides.