Risk level

Safety and security

The Government of Canada may not be in a position to provide consular assistance to Canadians in areas where:

• there are serious security concerns
• the Government of Pakistan prohibits entry
• advance permission is required for entry

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Pakistan. The security situation is fragile and unpredictable. Several terrorist groups are present and operate across the country. Incidents are typically attributed to extremism, ethnic divisions, sectarian strife, regional political disputes and the situation in neighbouring Afghanistan. Bombings, shootings and other terrorist attacks have been directed at a wide range of targets and have caused many deaths and injuries.

In the formerly Federal Administered Tribal Area (FATA) and in the province of Balochistan, attacks are frequent and are often directed at security and military forces.

Further attacks are likely. Attacks can take many forms, including:

• targeted killings and kidnappings
• armed assaults
• suicide bombings
• improvised explosive devices

Some attacks involve detailed planning to maximize casualties through multiple and consecutive explosions. Targets could include:

• sects or minority groups
• government and military assets and personnel
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
• elections-related events and polling stations
• civil aviation facilities, including aircrafts

There is an increased risk of attack during religious holidays and days of national significance, such as:

• National Day (March 23)
• Independence Day (August 14)
• the Islamic month of Muharram (particularly on the day of Ashura)
• the Muslim holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

Expect heightened security measures and associated disruptions during these periods.

Islamabad

In Islamabad, you should:

• keep a low profile, particularly in areas regularly frequented by foreigners
• avoid the Lal Masjid Mosque (also known as the Red Mosque)
• be particularly cautious in or around western-style restaurants and shopping centres
• only stay in hotels that have stringent security measures in place, including metal detectors and closed security perimeters

Border area with India

The level of tension between Pakistan and India is susceptible to sudden changes. You could experience difficulties when travelling between the two countries and may be subject to scrutiny if officials from either country become aware that you have recently travelled to the other.

The security situation in the Kashmir region, especially along the Line of Control (LoC), which separates India-administered Kashmir in the south from Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the north, and along the working boundary that continues south toward Sialkot, remains volatile. Since September 2016, cross-border gunfire and shelling have been occurring sporadically along the LoC.

Although the Wagah border crossing linking Lahore, Pakistan, to Amritsar, India, is regularly used by international travellers, it remains vulnerable to attack. Security measures are in place. Visitors may experience long delays.

Risk level(s)

Border areas with Afghanistan, China and Iran

Border areas with Afghanistan, China and Iran often experience terrorist activity, smuggling and violence. With the exception of official border crossings, foreigners are prohibited from travelling within 50 kilometres of the border with Afghanistan.

Risk level(s)

Balochistan

The security situation in the province of Balochistan remains unstable, due to a long-standing nationalist insurgency and government counter-insurgency operations. Insurgents and militants may target commercial spaces and foreigners, in particular those associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Attacks on police and security forces occur frequently. Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is also a known route for smugglers.

Risk level(s)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

The security situation in Central and Western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including its capital Peshawar is unstable due to terrorism, sectarian and political violence and high levels of crime. North Waziristan, South Waziristan, and the Khyber District are particularly volatile and continue to be impacted by the security situation in Afghanistan. Attacks on security and military forces occur frequently. Civil unrest also takes place regularly.

Risk level(s)

Karachi

Certain sectors of Karachi experience high levels of violence. These include:

• Lyari
• Malir
• Quaidabad
• Orangi Town

Extremist groups are present in some parts of the city and there have been terrorist attacks in recent years on high-profile targets, including the Stock Exchange and Chinese Consulate. Carefully plan any travel to, or in the city. Strikes and protest marches tend to take place in central areas of Karachi. These events may cause travel disruptions throughout the city and lead to violent civil unrest.

Risk level(s)

Military activity

Stay away from areas where military or militant activity is taking place.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Demonstrations take place regularly. Demonstrations can take place without warning, and some may take on an anti-western tone. They have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Deaths, injuries and widespread violence have occurred at such events. Demonstrations can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Crime

Kidnapping

Kidnapping for ransom can occur, especially in Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh. Pakistani citizens are particularly at risk. Express kidnapping also takes place.

• Use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when moving from one place to another.

Petty Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Cell phones, credit cards and passports are favourite targets. Credit card fraud is common.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, passports other travel documents are secure at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence
• If travelling by car, keep valuable belongings out of sight, windows closed and doors locked.
• Avoid travelling after dusk, particularly in rural areas where road conditions are unsafe.
• Make arrangements to be met at the airport, especially if arriving after dark.
• Verify flight and airport operation details before travelling.
• Remain aware of the security situation on routes to and from airports.

Women’s Safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Gender-based violence is common in Pakistan. Honour killings and forced marriages are frequently reported.

Safe-travel guide for women

Forced marriages

Forced marriage affecting foreigners occurs. It sometimes occurs without the affected person’s prior knowledge or consent.

If you’re in Canada

If you’re in Canada and you believe that you’re being forced to travel overseas or to marry, you should call your local police for assistance.

If you’re in Pakistan

Some Canadians have been forced into marital arrangements in Pakistan and have been detained against their will and subjected to threats, intimidation and violence by family members.

Family members may retain passports to prevent victims from returning to Canada.

• Keep digital or physical copies of your travel documents in a safe place.

If you’re in Pakistan and you believe that you’re being forced to marry, contact the High Commission of Canada to Pakistan in Islamabad. You may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

Useful links:

• General information and advice about forced marriage
• Safe travel guide for women
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Fraud

Business deals can involve extortion and corruption. All business disputes, including those involving criminality, are subject to Pakistani legal proceedings. The High Commission of Canada cannot intervene on a Canadian’s behalf in a private legal matter.

Trekking and climbing

No trekking is allowed in the closed zones located near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and near the Line of Control between Pakistan- and India-administered Kashmir. Trekking permits are required by the Government of Pakistan for peaks over 6000m, and in most national parks. Access to roads are limited, and often in very poor condition.

Only experienced climbers should go to the northern mountains of the Himalayas, Hindukush or Karakoram. Because of their great height, the Karakoram Mountains experience heavy glaciation, particularly on the southern, more humid slopes.

If you intend on engaging in trekking activities:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation from remote areas
• confirm that the air ambulance firm contracted has a local agent in Pakistan who can ensure that local rescue teams provide the required emergency services
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and don’t venture off marked trails or slopes

In case of air evacuation, advance payment of the total evacuation cost is required from the insurance company before rescue teams will perform rescue operations. The Government of Canada is unable to intervene, provide, or pay for rescue services.

Useful links:

• Pakistan Tourism Development Cooperation
• Alpine club of Pakistan
• Travel Insurance

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Road safety

In many urban areas, roads may be narrow, crowded and poorly lit, with limited signage. Outside major highways and main cities, roads are mostly unpaved and four-wheel drive vehicles may be necessary.

Drivers can be aggressive and reckless, and they do not respect traffic laws. Accidents are common. If an accident occurs and you feel that your safety is threatened, leave the area and report the accident to the nearest police station.

Checkpoints may be set up without warning.

Karakoram highway/Northern region

Travel on mountain roads only during daylight hours. Sections can be very narrow with precipitous drops and are sometimes partially obstructed by rock and earth slides. Consult local authorities regarding road openings, particularly during the monsoon rains and winter seasons.

Public transportation

For safety and security reasons, don’t use public transportation, including taxis and trains. There are frequent rail accidents due to low safety and maintenance standards. Railways have been targets for riots and terrorist attacks.

If you must use public transportation:

• use bus lines that provide two drivers if you’re travelling long distances
• use radio-controlled taxis from reputable companies

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Pakistani authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Pakistan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Pakistan.

Work visa: Required
Tourism visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required

Do not overstay the duration of your visa. The status or nature of the visa cannot be changed while in Pakistan.

Journalists

Journalists may have to provide an itinerary to get a visa; the itinerary should be strictly followed during the stay.

Restricted zones

Additional documentation may be required to visit some regions in Pakistan. Check with the High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Canada for entry requirements for the regions you intend to visit.

Polio

If you remain in Pakistan for more than four weeks, you must show proof of polio vaccination when leaving the country. The proof of vaccination must have been obtained within the 12 months prior to your departure.

See Health for more information on polio.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.  

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in South Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in South Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in South Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis and malaria.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Southern Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Good health care is available in a small number of hospitals and clinics in some major cities, including in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. Basic non-emergency medical care is available in major cities but is limited in rural areas. Emergency services, including ambulances, are virtually non-existent in most of Pakistan. Most medical facilities require prepayment in cash.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Death Penalty

The death penalty may be imposed for more than two dozen criminal offences, including drug trafficking, murder, illegal gathering, blasphemy and rape. Executions in Pakistan occur by hanging.

Drugs and alcohol

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect the death penalty, jail sentences, heavy fines and/or deportation.

The possession and consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Transgressors may be punished by detention or other penalties.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Religious proselytizing

Religious proselytizing is not permitted and may lead to accusations of blasphemy, which is considered a capital crime.

Pork Products

Pork products are illegal in Pakistan.

Photography

Photographing government buildings, military installations and airports is prohibited.

Ask permission before taking photographs of local residents.

LGBTQ2 travellers

Pakistani law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face up to life imprisonment. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Pakistan.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Pakistan.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Pakistan, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

If you were born in Pakistan, or if your father was born in Pakistan, you should confirm your citizenship status with the High Commission of Pakistan in Ottawa as you could be considered a Pakistani citizen while on Pakistani soil.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Pakistan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Pakistan by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Pakistan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Dress and behaviour

The country’s customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Shorts are considered inappropriate attire for both men and women, particularly in remote locations. Women should consider carrying a headscarf with them at all times while travelling in Pakistan.

Couples should avoid physical contact, such as holding hands, in public. It is illegal for heterosexual couples to live together without being married.

Ramadan

In 2023, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 22.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Driving

Vehicles drive on the left.

You should carry an international driving permit.

More about the International Driving Permit

Money

The currency is the Pakistani rupee (PKR). The economy is primarily cash based. Credit cards are accepted by some larger establishments. Currency can be exchanged at all international airports. ATMs are available in main cities, but may not accept foreign debit cards.

Natural disasters and climate

Pakistan is prone to extreme weather events such as:

• avalanches
• cyclones
• dust storms
• earthquakes
• floods
• landslides

Extreme temperatures can occur in both summer and winter.

Seismic activity

Severe earthquakes can occur in the western and northern regions of the country. Landslides are possible in affected areas, and strong aftershocks may occur after the initial quake. Transportation, health and telecommunications services may be affected, and land travel could be disrupted.

• Monitor local news reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

Monsoon and cyclones

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from June to September. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. It can also lead to landslides. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Flash flooding can occur, including in densely populated areas. There is a risk of flooding along rivers, including the Indus River.

Pakistan’s coastline is subject to tropical cyclones, which are usually accompanied by high winds and heavy rain. During any storm, flash floods and mudslides as well as damage to transportation routes and infrastructure may occur.

• Monitor regional weather forecasts, including those of the Pakistan Meteorological Department
• Follow the advice of local authorities

More about hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons

Avalanches

In mountainous regions, avalanches present a risk and have resulted in fatalities. Monitor local media and weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities.