Pakistan

The Land of Peaks
and Poetry

Flag of Pakistan

Pakistan, a country in South Asia, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Home to iconic landmarks like the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-daro, the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, and the majestic Karakoram mountain range, Pakistan offers a unique blend of historical wonders and natural beauty. The country's geography ranges from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea coast, with landscapes including fertile river valleys, deserts, and lush forests.

Pakistani culture is a vibrant mix of various ethnic influences, reflected in its colorful festivals, traditional music, and cuisine featuring dishes like biryani and nihari. Known for its archaeological sites, stunning national parks, and as the birthplace of the Indus Valley Civilization, Pakistan presents a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Pakistan.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Pakistan.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from a few nations (e.g., Maldives, Nepal) can enter Pakistan with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa for tourism purposes.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from most other nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Pakistan, typically through a Pakistani embassy or consulate, though an e-Visa is available for many nationalities (e.g., US, Canada, EU countries, Australia).

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; a Pakistani visa is required unless the traveler’s nationality is visa-exempt.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; a Pakistani visa is required unless visa-exempt, but they may be eligible for an e-Visa.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry; a Pakistani visa is required unless visa-exempt.
  • ID Card Entry: No countries are permitted to enter Pakistan using only a national ID card; a passport is mandatory for all travelers except Indian nationals with specific pilgrimage visas, who use alternative documentation under bilateral agreements.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 30 days (tourist visa, often issued as e-Visa). Can be single or multiple entry, with validity up to 6 months; extendable for another 30 days with approval from the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 30 days (e.g., work, study, family visit). Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit with approval from the Ministry of Interior.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays for eligible nationalities are limited to 90 days. E-Visas allow stays of 30 days, extendable with approval.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; work visas require sponsorship. Travel to certain areas (e.g., Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Afghan border) may require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) due to security concerns.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as Pakistan may reintroduce measures like mandatory health declarations or vaccination proof.
Toll

Driving in Pakistan

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Pakistan has several toll roads, including:
    • M2 Motorway: Connecting Lahore to Islamabad, with toll plazas (e.g., at Salt Range).
    • M1 Motorway: Connecting Islamabad to Peshawar.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates vary based on vehicle type and distance traveled. For example, a standard car may pay approximately PKR 250-800 (Pakistan Rupee) for the full M2 Motorway. For the most current rates, visit the National Highway Authority website: https://nha.gov.pk/
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Pakistan Rupee (PKR) is accepted at all toll booths.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Not widely accepted; toll booths are primarily cash-only.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: An e-toll system (M-Tag) is implemented on some motorways (e.g., M2); tags can be purchased and topped up at service stations or online via https://nha.gov.pk/.

Driving in Pakistan

  • Drive on the left side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for front-seat occupants, though enforcement is inconsistent.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40-50 km/h
    • Rural roads: 60-80 km/h
    • Highways: 100-120 km/h (e.g., M2 Motorway)
  • Road conditions vary; motorways like M2 are well-maintained, but rural roads (e.g., in Balochistan or Gilgit-Baltistan) can be narrow, unpaved, or damaged, especially during monsoon season (July-September).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, valid for up to 1 year. A Pakistani license is required for longer stays.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Pakistan does not use a vignette system; tolls are collected at specific points on motorways.
  • Road Safety: Driving can be challenging due to aggressive drivers, poor road conditions in rural areas, and security risks near border regions. Night driving is risky due to poor lighting and potential hazards like livestock or checkpoints.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is reliable in urban areas (e.g., Lahore, Karachi), but connectivity can be spotty in rural regions; use apps like Google Maps and keep an updated physical map as a backup.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 15 for police, 1122 for ambulance or fire (varies by region).

Useful Links

Pakistan Currency

The official currency of Pakistan is the Pakistan Rupee (PKR).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000 PKR
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 PKR
  • Symbol: ₨ (often written as PKR)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, airports (e.g., Jinnah International Airport in Karachi), and authorized money changers in major cities like Lahore and Islamabad.
  • ATMs are widely available in urban areas for direct PKR withdrawals; most accept international cards, though USD cash is recommended for exchange in rural areas.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas and small establishments.
  • Credit/debit cards are accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, but rarely in rural areas or smaller towns.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry some cash (PKR or USD) for small purchases and rural areas, as digital payments are not universal in remote regions.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the PKR fluctuates against major currencies (e.g., 1 USD ≈ 278 PKR as of early 2025).
  • For current exchange rates, visit the State Bank of Pakistan website: https://www.sbp.org.pk/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Pakistan

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Pakistan, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty for trafficking. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol consumption is heavily restricted for Muslims; non-Muslims can obtain permits for purchase in licensed hotels, but public intoxication can lead to fines or detention.
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport; enforcement varies in rural areas.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Islamic customs; dress modestly in public (e.g., cover shoulders and knees), especially during Ramadan or at religious sites (e.g., Badshahi Mosque in Lahore). Avoid discussing politics (e.g., India-Pakistan relations, blasphemy laws).
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties including imprisonment. Public displays of affection may attract legal consequences or social disapproval.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, government buildings, and border areas (e.g., near India or Afghanistan). Always ask permission for portraits of locals, especially women or in conservative areas.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits (for non-Muslims with a permit only).
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over USD 10,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, pornography, and materials deemed anti-Islamic or anti-Pakistani (e.g., maps showing Kashmir as part of India).
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., Jinnah International Airport in Karachi).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation or local authorities.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., Clifton Beach in Karachi, Gwadar Beach) must allow free access within 5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated at major beaches but not always implemented.

Key Resources

Pakistan Travel Safety

Oman is generally very safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality, though remote areas may pose risks due to terrain and weather. Travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Oman.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets (e.g., Muttrah Souq in Muscat) or tourist sites (e.g., Nizwa Fort). Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Oman is considered very safe, with locals often eager to assist. Female travelers should dress modestly, especially in rural areas, and avoid isolated areas at night, though risks are minimal.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving can be challenging in mountainous or desert areas (e.g., Jebel Shams, Wahiba Sands) due to sharp bends, sand drifts, or flash floods during the rainy season (April-May, October-November).
    • Avoid night driving in rural areas due to poor lighting and wandering camels or goats.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Tap water is generally safe in urban areas like Muscat but may require boiling in rural regions; bottled water is recommended for visitors.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; street food (e.g., shawarma, mishkak) is usually safe if freshly prepared.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for rural travel).
    • Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against dengue or malaria, especially in rural areas during the rainy season (April-May, October-November).
  • Altitude Sickness: Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters (e.g., Jebel Shams at 3,009m). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated if hiking in high-altitude areas.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: High-quality facilities like The Royal Hospital in Muscat and Khoula Hospital offer excellent care. Rural areas, including parts of Dhofar and Al Wusta, have limited medical services.
  • Pharmacies: Widely available in cities; carry essential medications for remote areas like the Empty Quarter.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as rural care is limited.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 9999 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Ambulance: 9999 | Fire: 9999 | Police: 9999.
  • Tourist Police (Muscat): +968 2456 0777.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Renting a 4x4 is recommended for desert or mountainous areas (e.g., Wahiba Sands, Jebel Akhdar); check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for treks in areas like Jebel Shams or Wadi Shab; flash floods can occur during the rainy season, and trails can be strenuous.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect Ramadan customs; avoid eating/drinking in public during fasting hours. Dress modestly, especially in religious sites like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
  • Weather Risks: Tropical cyclones can occur in the Dhofar region (May-November); monitor weather updates via the Oman Meteorology Department.

Key Links

Flying to Pakistan

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