Pakistan Travel Advice

• There are confirmed cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) in Pakistan. Enhancing personal hygiene and wearing a face-mask can help to protect Swine Flu. If you have flu symptonms, you are advised to stay home and avoid any travel until fully recovered.

• There is a high threat from terrorism and kidnapping of foreigners in Pakistan. Please be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

• You are advised against all travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and North West Frontier Province on the border of Afghanistan, including the areas of Peshawar, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki and Dera Ismail Khan. Areas to avoid travelling also include the city of Peshawar and districts south of the city.

• You are advised against all travel to Northern and Western Balochistan and only essential travel to Quetta and parts of Interior Sindh to the north of Nawabshah.

• You are advised that except for the official border crossing points, travellers are prohibited to travel within 10 miles of Pakistan’s international borders and the Kashmir Line of Control and within 30 miles of the Afghan border in the Northern Areas.

• Visitors should ensure that they have the necessary permissions to travel to Kashmir. Specific requirements can change and visitors are advised to check the latest requirements before travelling to Kashmir. If foreign nationals were to travel within 10 miles of the Line of Control or to enter Kashmir via Muzaffarabad, a No Objection Certificate will be required.

• You are advised against all travel to Swat, Buner, and Lower Dir, including travel on the Peshawar to Chitral road via the Lowari Pass. There are ongoing reports of military or militant activity in these areas. There are ongoing military offensives against militants in Swat, Buner, and Lower Dir. Large numbers of people have evacuated these areas. The risk from lawlessness and kidnapping remains severe.

• You are advised that there has been a recent increase in sectarian violence in Gilgit and the authorities have introduced restrictions on public gatherings.

• Travellers who are travelling to Pakistan, are recommended to check local media regularly as the security situation can change rapidly.

• Pakistan is a Muslim country, travellers are advised to respect local customs and sensitivities at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or when visiting religious areas.

• You are advised to 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 more rural areas.

• You are advised that importing alcohol and pork products into Pakistan is illegal. Homosexuality and co-habitation by an unmarried couple are illegal. Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to imprisonment and drug smuggling may lead to death penalty.

• To avoide the suspicion of “spying”, you are advised not to take photographs at military establishments, airports or any infrastructure, including bridges and dams or from aircraft. Should you need to take phtotographs of these places, especially in the border areas, you should seek prior permission from any official present.

• You are recommended to obtain a comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and ensure that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.