Pakistan travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Pakistan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Pakistan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Pakistan High Commission in London or nearest Pakistani consulate.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Pakistan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date of your visa application.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry.

Leaving Pakistan will be difficult if you do not have an entry stamp. If your passport was not stamped on entry, contact the Ministry of Interior or visit a National Database and Registration Office (NDRA) office.

Illegal entry to Pakistan is a serious offence. If you enter without the correct documentation you may be detained or deported. If you enter Pakistan illegally, you may not be able to travel onward from Pakistan.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You need a visa to visit Pakistan and you must apply in advance.

Applying for a visa

See information on visa categories and how to apply.

Visas for journalists often have extra travel restrictions. Follow the terms of your visa, or you could be fined or detained.

You can also apply for visa extensions.

Returning to the UK

You must have an unexpired visa, a Pakistani national identity card or a Pakistani passport to leave Pakistan.

If your visa has expired, apply online for an exit permit from within Pakistan before attempting to travel.

If you do not have evidence of Pakistani nationality and you entered without a visa, contact the Ministry of Interior or visit a NADRA office.

Citizens of Pakistan overseas

The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or Smart National Identity Card Overseas Pakistanis (SNICOP), are issued to citizens of Pakistan who are not resident in Pakistan. If you hold a valid version of either, you will be recognised as a citizen of Pakistan. You can enter Pakistan without a visa and stay for an unlimited period. See how to apply for Pakistani identity cards.

Travelling with children

If you’re travelling with a child as a single parent or are not the child’s parent, you may need to provide documentary evidence of parental responsibility before leaving Pakistan. This is particularly likely if the child is of Pakistani origin.

Crossing land borders

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to most of the Pakistan-Afghanistan, Pakistan-China and Pakistan-Iran border areas. FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan and Iran.

Pakistan-Afghanistan border

All borders with Afghanistan can close at short notice. There has been overcrowding and violence at open border crossings.

If entering Pakistan via the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan you will need a valid Pakistan visa.

Pakistan-Iran border

All official land border crossings with Iran are located in Balochistan province, where the FCDO advises against all travel.

Border crossings may be closed at short notice, and access is limited and closely monitored. If entering Pakistan via a land border with Iran, you will need a valid Pakistan visa. Check with local authorities or travel providers for the latest information before attempting to cross.

Pakistan-India border

The international border between Pakistan and India is subject to strict controls. The Wagah border crossing on the Grand Trunk Road is the only official land crossing between the two countries, but it is currently closed. However, visitors may still access and attend the daily Wagah border ceremony. The Kartarpur Corridor is currently not in use for Sikh pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.

Ensure you have the necessary visas and documentation and check with local authorities or travel providers before attempting to cross.

Pakistan-China border

The Khunjerab Pass, the only official land border crossing between Pakistan and China, is located on the Karakoram Highway and is open to foreign tourists. It is open seasonally, typically from April to November, but can close at very short notice due to severe weather conditions, particularly snowfall during colder months. Check the weather conditions before you travel as conditions can change at short notice and landslides and snowfall can block the route.

Be aware that border closures may occur without warning on either side, and access to the area is remote and limited. Ensure you have the appropriate Pakistani visa and Chinese entry documentation before attempting to cross. Check with local authorities or your travel provider for the latest updates before travelling to the region.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Pakistan, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:

• a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
• a polio vaccine, in some circumstances

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Pakistan guide.

Health screening

Mpox

In response to the recent international mpox outbreaks, travellers may experience enhanced screening and preventive measures, including testing, on entry to Pakistan.

Read more about mpox on TravelHealthPro.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that you can take into and out of Pakistan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Alcohol and pork

Importing alcohol or pork products is illegal. You could be detained if you try to import them.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide 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 local 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're travelling with.

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, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

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

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

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

Work visa: required
Tourism visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Holders of a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) card are entitled visa free entry into Pakistan.

Do not overstay the duration of your visa. You could face legal action or be banned from further entry into Pakistan. The status or nature of your visa cannot be changed while in Pakistan. If your visa has expired, you may be able to apply for an exit permit online.

Exit permit – Pakistan Ministry of Interior

Online visa

Holders of a valid Canadian passport are eligible to apply online for a Pakistani online visa. Some restrictions apply.

Apply for an online visa – Pakistan Ministry of Interior

Dual citizenship

If you are a dual citizen of Pakistan and another country and travel on a foreign passport, you must present a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or a visa to enter Pakistan.

An expired, cancelled or revoked NICOP may result in denial of entry. Ensure your documents are valid before travelling and renew them, if necessary, before departing for Pakistan.

Useful links

• National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) – Pakistan National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)
• Laws about dual citizenship

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.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

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