Is It Safe to Travel to Pakistan?
Whether Pakistan is a safe place to travel depends on a variety of factors, including the area you visit, the current political and security situation, and your personal comfort. While some areas of Pakistan are considered safe for tourists, other areas may be at greater risk due to political instability, natural disasters or security concerns.
The general guidelines are as follows:
Safe Area:
Islamabad (the capital) is generally considered safe for tourists and foreigners.
Lahore (cultural and historic hub) is also very popular with tourists, but we recommend staying alert at all times.
Karachi (the largest city) is a vibrant, metropolitan city, but sometimes some areas have been avoided due to uncertainty. Many tourists visit the city without any major issues.
Gilgit-Baltistan (including Hunza Valley) and Swat Valley are breathtakingly beautiful and relatively safe for tourists, but we recommend checking out current conditions as the situation can change.
Areas for attention:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and some of Belutschistan have historically been susceptible to political unrest, sectarian violence and conflict. These areas may not be ideal for tourists.
The border areas near Afghanistan and India are often areas where security can become more unstable. This is generally recommended to avoid them. General security tips:
Check out our travel advice. Always refer to travel advice issued by the government (such as the US Department of Foreign Affairs and the UK Department of Foreign Affairs) before planning your trip.
Stay up to date: Things may change quickly. Therefore, it is important to keep up with local news and all government warnings.
Local customs and laws: Respect local traditions and recognize local laws, particularly in terms of cultural sensitivity.