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Last Updated:
November 9, 2007 17:38
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:42 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 has been updated. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Pakistan
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Canadians in Canadians are advised to avoid large crowds, demonstrations and political gatherings and to stay away from areas where they will occur, as they may turn violent without warning. The security situation in Swat is volatile and road travel to Gilgit, Swat and Chitral should be avoided for the same reasons. There have been attacks in Pakistan perpetrated by extremists and related to sectarian strife, regional political disputes and the situation in Afghanistan. These attacks, which have caused many deaths and injuries, have occurred in hotels, markets, public transportation, Western-style fast food outlets, at religious sites, at the airport, and in other public areas. Vicinity of Mosques at prayer times, especially on Fridays, should be avoided. There have also been attacks and threats against embassies and other international facilities in the recent past. Large cities, such as Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, are particularly vulnerable to indiscriminate bombings and other attacks. Before travelling to Karachi, contact the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad for current information and advice, as the security situation can be volatile, particularly due to Sunni-Shia violence. Ms. Benazir Bhutto’s arrival to Karachi on October 18, 2007, took place under very tight security measures. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered for this homecoming. Despite these security measures, two bomb explosions caused over 125 deaths and a large number of people were injured. As Ms. Bhutto travels to other cities in the near future, large crowds, demonstrations and related security concerns are to be expected. Canadians are advised to exercise caution and avoid large gatherings and street protests. Between July 3 and 11, 2007, a major confrontation in Islamabad between government forces and religious militants at the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) resulted in over 100 casualties and the disruption of normal activities. As a result of this situation, violence has erupted across the country. Further unrest, protests and violent confrontations may occur. Sectarian violence is a serious problem throughout Pakistan, but particularly in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). There have been outbreaks of ethnic and sectarian violence including bombings, shootings, and mass demonstrations, resulting in deaths and the imposition of curfews. On January 27, 2007, an explosion caused several casualties in a market in the city of Peshawar. There are restrictions for foreigners travelling to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along the Afghan border as well as the area in the disputed territory of Kashmir, Line of Control (LOC). If you are travelling to Hunza via the Karakoram highway we strongly advise you to travel only during daylight hours. Sections of the road are very narrow with precipitous drops and sometimes partially obstructed by rock and earth slides. 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 warning. Exercise extreme caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, 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. Avoid rural areas if you travel to the provinces of Sindh and Punjab due to the possibility of banditry. During Muharram, Canadians should avoid all travel to areas where marches and ceremonies are expected to take place, including neighbourhoods around Shia and Sunni mosques. Canadians choosing to travel during Muharram should exercise extreme caution and avoid public transportation and crowded areas. Muharram ceremonies will take place during the last week of January and the first week of February in 2008. The earthquake of October 2005 destroyed much of the infrastructure in the northern areas of the country. Reconstruction efforts are ongoing in these regions. There are frequent road closures and travel is considered to be extremely difficult in the areas affected by the earthquake. Armed robbery, random shootings, and armed carjackings occur as well, mostly in major urban centres. Avoid traveling after dusk, particularly in rural areas where road conditions are unsafe. You should arrange to be met at the airport, especially if arriving after dark. We may not be in a position to provide prompt consular assistance in remote areas. OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Although Pakistan has earned a reputation for its warm hospitality, 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 in certain areas of Pakistan. Violent crime is also a problem, particularly in Karachi. 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. 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. Tensions between tribal leaders and Pakistani authorities can lead to violence 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 should avoid the disputed areas. 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. 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. Tourist facilities are available in main cities. There is only one official border crossing to India - between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Pakistan and was valid on September 17, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. 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. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. 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. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Pakistan. Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. 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. 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. 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. 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. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS 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 Postal Address: P.O. Box 1042, Islamabad, Tel.: 92 (51) 208-6000 Fax: 92 (51) 227-9110 E-Mail: isbad-cs@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 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 Tel.: 92 (42) 578-1763 Fax: 92 (42) 578-1967 E-Mail: info@canconlhr.org.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. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death 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 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. 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 13, 2007. Dual nationality 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. Dual nationals who travel to Pakistan on Pakistani passports are advised that a valid Canadian passport will be required for return travel to Canada. Canadian citizenship cards are not accepted as travel documents and there are no exceptions to this rule. Dual nationals who are considering travel to Pakistan are advised to consider this requirement prior to travel. The service standard for passport issuance at the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad is 15 working days. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY 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. The currency is the Pakistani rupee (PKR). 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 Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. 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 Consulates of Canada in Karachi and Lahore 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. BACK TO TOP 9. 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 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. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Medical facilities are good in major cities but limited in rural areas. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist 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. See Canada's Health Portal. 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. Adoption: 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. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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