Pakistan is a land of stunning contrasts, from the towering peaks of the Karakoram and Himalayas to the vibrant Mughal heritage of Lahore and the bustling metropolis of Karachi. Experience world-class trekking, ancient Silk Road history, and some of the most hospitable people on Earth.
Pakistan presents a divided safety picture — major tourist cities of Islamabad, Lahore, and coastal Karachi are manageable for experienced travelers with sensible precautions, while significant parts of the country including Balochistan Province and much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa carry genuine security risks. The spectacular northern areas (Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, Swat Valley) are considered significantly safer and host thousands of international tourists annually.
Current safety advisory
High
Most Western governments issue Level 2-3 advisories for Pakistan. Exercise high degree of caution in all areas; avoid Balochistan, KP tribal areas, and areas adjacent to Afghanistan border. Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Gilgit-Baltistan have received visitors safely for decades when sensible precautions are followed.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 3 — Reconsider Travel
Do not travel to Balochistan and KP Province due to terrorism and kidnapping risk; exercise increased caution in all other areas including major cities
Level 3 — Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Advises against all travel to Balochistan, FATA, and areas near Afghan/Indian borders; advises high degree of caution in major cities and Gilgit-Baltistan
Level 2 — Exercise Caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Pakistan overall; do not travel to high-risk provinces; northern areas including Hunza considered lower risk
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid travel to Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
Stay away from the India-Pakistan border and Line of Control
Remain vigilant in public places and avoid large gatherings
Monitor local media for security updates
Register with your embassy upon arrival
Dress conservatively and respect local customs
Be prepared for internet and mobile service disruptions during protests
Use reputable hotels and transport in major cities
Carry copies of your passport and visa at all times; police checkpoints are common near tribal areas and the northern regions
Avoid photographing military installations, government buildings, checkpoints, or uniformed personnel; always ask permission before photographing people
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Fake tour guide commission scam
Self-appointed 'guides' in Lahore's Walled City or near Taxila museum offer free guiding then take visitors to carpet shops and commission-paying stores, pressuring purchases.
How to avoid: Use WCLA-registered guides in Lahore; agree on services and fees in advance; say firmly you do not want to visit shops
Rickshaw and taxi overcharging
Traditional yellow-black taxis and rickshaws regularly quote inflated prices for foreign visitors — sometimes 5-10x the fair rate.
How to avoid: Use Careem or Uber exclusively in major cities; if using traditional transport, check with hotel staff for fair price ranges before negotiating
SIM card deception
Street sellers offer SIM cards without proper registration which may not work or involve identity theft risk.
How to avoid: Only buy SIM cards at official franchise outlets of Jazz, Zong, or Telenor where passport registration is done properly
Currency exchange fraud
Unofficial money changers offer attractive rates then short-change tourists or provide damaged notes that shops refuse to accept.
How to avoid: Exchange money only at bank branches or legitimate exchange shops (Saddar area) — never on the street
Photography honey trap
Agreeing to photograph someone's family or business can be followed by demand for payment, or in more serious cases, false allegations of inappropriate photography.
How to avoid: Always confirm in advance if photography is free; keep camera visible and filming publicly; politely decline if anything seems uncomfortable
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio booster, Rabies (for trekking/rural areas)
- Water
- Unsafe to drink - use bottled water exclusively, avoid ice in drinks, brush teeth with bottled water
- Food
- Traveler's diarrhea most common, bring anti-diarrheal medication, altitude sickness in mountains, heat exhaustion in summer
- Facilities
- Excellent in all cities, many medicines available without prescription
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel is manageable in Islamabad, Lahore, and northern areas with sensible precautions. Register with your embassy, share itinerary with trusted contacts, use Careem/Uber rather than street taxis, and stay in established guesthouses with reviews from other travelers. Northern areas like Hunza are genuinely welcoming to solo travelers and have excellent guesthouse networks.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers face additional challenges in Pakistan — conservative attitudes, staring, and unwanted attention are common. Dressing very modestly (covering hair in rural areas and at religious sites), using ride-hailing apps, staying at established accommodations, and traveling with a male companion where possible significantly reduce friction. Hunza Valley is notably more progressive and female-friendly than other regions. Many female travelers report a very positive experience with Pakistani hospitality once initial adjustment is made.
Families
Pakistan is excellent for family travel in Islamabad, Lahore, and northern areas. Pakistani culture is intensely family-oriented and children receive extraordinary warmth and attention from locals. Major attractions, Serena and Pearl Continental hotels, and established restaurants all cater well to families. Stick to cities and established tourist areas and maintain standard hygiene precautions with food and water.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is illegal in Pakistan under Section 377 and carries severe penalties including imprisonment. Public displays of same-sex affection carry serious legal and social risk. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme discretion and avoid any public expression of identity. Pakistan is not recommended as a destination for openly LGBTQ+ travelers.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 15
- Medical
- 115
- Embassy
- Tourist Police