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Print Version
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TRAVEL REPORT
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Last Updated: December 8, 2006 12:00
EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:54
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1. INTRODUCTION
The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 has been updated.
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2. ATTENTION
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to this country. (IDW7)
You are advised against non-essential travel to Pakistan unless you have critical or compelling business or family reasons. Canadians travelling on business should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to Pakistan, due to criminal and terrorist activity in some parts of the country. The Government of Canada does not permit the non-adult dependants of Canadian government personnel to live in Pakistan. This decision has been taken for security reasons.
There have been bomb attacks in Pakistan, perpetrated by extremists and related to long-standing political disputes. These have occurred in markets, on public transportation, at religious sites, and in other public areas. Armed robbery, random shootings, and armed carjackings occur as well throughout the country. There have been attacks and threats against embassies and other international facilities in the recent past. On May 27, 2005, a bomb exploded at a Shiite Muslim shrine on the outskirts of Islamabad on the final day of a religious festival, killing at least 22 people and wounding more than 60 others. On October 28, 2004, a major explosion occurred at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, which resulted in at least one death and some injuries. Do not travel after dusk, particularly in rural areas. Arrange to be met at the airport, especially if arriving after dark.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have eased, but the situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate again.
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)
You are advised against all travel to the following regions:
a) The city of Karachi;
b) The border area between Pakistan and India;
c) The Kashmir region (including Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas);
d) The province of Balochistan;
e) The North-West Frontier Province (NWFP); and
f) The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
Heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats globally from terrorism, put Canadians at greater risk. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Exercise extreme caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events) and tourist areas frequented by foreigners. Canadians should consider taking extra security precautions, which may include avoiding the establishments mentioned as possible targets.
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW9)
Canadians should avoid all non-essential travel to the areas affected by the earthquake. Aftershocks above 5.5 on the Richter scale are still being felt through the region and communications remain difficult. Mudslides due to poor weather in the north of Pakistan have impeded rescue efforts in accessing the areas. Rain and thundershowers are further hampering relief efforts throughout the affected regions in. Travel to the affected areas is extremely difficult. Road closures are common and additional traffic can impede relief efforts. Travellers must also be aware that states of emergency have been issued throughout the affected areas. All major airports (including Islamabad Airport) continue to operate normally. Travellers should consult with their travel agents or tour operators to determine the impact the disaster may have had on their travel plans and make alternative arrangements.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to this country despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Acts of terrorism, including bombings, occur. Westerners have been kidnapped, and there have been attacks and threats against embassies and other international facilities, although these have declined in the past years. Petty crime is common throughout Pakistan. Rallies and demonstrations should be avoided. They can occur on very short notice and can lead to violence.
There is a potential threat from terrorists posing as street vendors or beggars in busy streets. Canadians who regularly travel between their place of residence and their workplace should vary their times of travel and routes. Exercise vigilance in traffic situations and be particularly alert to possible attacks when waiting at traffic lights. Try to avoid busy, heavily congested traffic routes when possible.
Sectarian violence is a serious problem, particularly in Karachi and other cities in Sindh and Punjab provinces. Canadians should exercise caution and avoid public transportation and crowded areas.
Violent crime is high in Karachi. There have been outbreaks of ethnic and sectarian violence including bombings, shootings, and mass demonstrations, resulting in deaths and the imposition of curfews. Do not travel after dark. Do not travel overland into Sindh province unless police are notified well in advance and are able to make the necessary security arrangements.
The province of Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is notorious for cross-border smuggling. Serious ethnic violence can lead to gun battles in the streets. Curfews have been imposed. Travel in certain areas of Balochistan requires advance permission from the government of Pakistan.
A ceasefire is in effect along the Line of Control with India and at military outposts in the Karakoram Mountains (including the Siachen Glacier). Tensions have eased significantly, but caution is always advised, as the situation remains unpredictable. Mountain climbers in the disputed areas face a significant risk of injury or death. The following peaks are considered dangerous: Rimo; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II, and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri.
In Islamabad, security forces have intensified their presence, and no major incidents have occurred since the March 2002 bombing of a Protestant church. Travel to the city of Peshawar is relatively safe. Travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the North-West Frontier Province is dangerous and requires advance permission from the government of Pakistan. Ethnic, political, or sectarian violence may still be encountered outside the tribal areas.
Canadians intending to trek in Gilgit, Hunza, Chitral, and the Swat Valley should use licensed guides and tourist agencies only. Assaults have occurred. An unaccompanied tourist was murdered in Gilgit.
We have received occasional reports of Canadian citizens being forced into marital arrangements. Some are detained in Pakistan against their will and subjected to threats, intimidation, and violence by family members. Passports have been retained by family members. Some have been unable to return to Canada without intervention by the Canadian and Pakistani authorities. Forced marriages are contrary to Canadian law.
If you are in Canada and you believe that you are being forced to travel overseas or to marry, you should contact provincial social welfare authorities, including your local police. You may also contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Operations Centre (tel.: 1-800-267-6788) or the officer responsible for consular matters in South Asia (tel.: 613-992-7992). In Pakistan, you should contact the nearest Canadian government office (see Section 7 below).
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Traffic drives on the left. Roads are crowded and poorly maintained. Drivers are aggressive. Many vehicles do not have proper illumination at night.
Official permission is required to visit certain areas of Pakistan. Travellers should determine in advance whether the areas they intend to visit are restricted in any way.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
Pakistan is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad or the Consulate of Canada in Karachi (see Section 7 below) in the event of an emergency.
The monsoon season extends from July to September and can result in flooding, especially along the Indus. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
The use alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties. Sentences for drug offences are severe. The death penalty may be imposed for drug trafficking.
The country's customs, laws, and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively. Shorts are considered inappropriate attire for both men and women, particularly in remote locations.
During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:
Pakistan - ISLAMABAD, High Commission of Canada
Address: Diplomatic Enclave, Sector G-5, Islamabad, Pakistan
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1042, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel.: 92 (51) 227-9100/208-6000
After hours tel.: 92 (51) 227-9113
Fax: 92 (51) 227-9110
E-mail: isbad@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.islamabad.gc.ca
Pakistan - KARACHI, Consulate of Canada
Address: c/o Beach Luxury Hotel, Room 120, Moulvi Tamiz Uddin Khan Road, Karachi 74000, Pakistan
Tel.: 92 (21) 561-0685
Fax: 92 (21) 561-0673/4
E-mail: honcon@khi.comsats.net.pk
Pakistan - LAHORE, Consulate of Canada
Address: 102-A, First Floor, Siddiq Trade Centre, 72 Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel.: 92 (42) 578-1763
E-mail: canconlhr@yahoo.com, canconlhr@brain.net.pk
Canadian officials may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in some parts of the country (mostly outside urban areas) due to security concerns. In addition, Canadian officials may not be able to render assistance in areas where the Government of Pakistan prohibits entry or requires advance permission for entry.
For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885, or use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Pakistan is 00-800-15-001, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Pakistan. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.
Dual nationality is recognized. However, Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. The ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services is limited for those who do not travel on a Canadian passport.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the Pakistani rupee. Credit cards and traveller's cheques are accepted by a few establishments in larger cities. Currency can be exchanged at all international airports.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan (capital: Islamabad) is located in South Asia, bordered by China, India, the Arabian Sea, Iran, and Afghanistan. The official language is Urdu. Tourist facilities are available in main cities. There is only one official border crossing to India - between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor the status of poliovirus transmission globally. Until 1988, polio occurred throughout the world and the virus was endemic to over 125 countries. Polio has since been eradicated in many parts of the world.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are good in major cities but limited in rural areas.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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