Pakistan
South Asia • PAK
Last updated: October 30, 2026
Pakistan is a land of breathtaking landscapes, ranging from the majestic peaks of the Karakoram range to the historic ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization. It offers a unique cultural experience characterized by warm hospitality, diverse traditions, and a rich culinary heritage.
Visa Requirements
Pakistan offers an E-Visa system for most nationalities and a Visa on Arrival for tourists from specific countries traveling through designated tour operators.
Typically Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of accommodation or invitation letter
- Travel itinerary
- Evidence of financial sufficiency
Popular Attractions
Hunza Valley: Famous for its dramatic mountain scenery, ancient forts like Baltit and Altit, and a vibrant local culture that feels like a fairy tale.
Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque: These architectural marvels from the Mughal era showcase intricate craftsmanship and represent the historical heart of Lahore.
Fairy Meadows: A lush plateau offering one of the most stunning views of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world.
Taxila: A major archaeological site containing the ruins of an ancient city that was a center of Buddhist learning.
Skardu: Known as the gateway to the high peaks of the Karakoram, it features turquoise lakes like Shangrila and the vast Cold Desert.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees to show respect for local religious and cultural values.
Use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, and passing items, as the left hand is generally considered unclean.
Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially women.
When visiting mosques, remove your footwear at the entrance and ensure you are dressed appropriately.
Accept invitations for tea or meals whenever possible, as refusing can sometimes be seen as impolite in their culture of hospitality.
Safety Tips
Always stay informed about the latest travel advisories for specific regions, as some border areas require special permits or are restricted.
Avoid public displays of political dissent or discussions on sensitive religious topics to ensure a smooth interaction.
Stick to well-traveled routes and rely on reputable local tour guides when exploring remote mountain areas.
Keep your passport and important documents in a secure place, but always carry a photocopy for identification purposes.
Drink only bottled or boiled water and be cautious with street food to avoid digestive issues.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
A valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis is required.
View sourcePolio
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourcePolio
Source: CDC
Infection and immunization history may be checked upon entry.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine.
View sourcePolio
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up to date on your polio vaccines before international travel.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: WHO
Proof of vaccination may be required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourcePolio vaccine (IPV or OPV)
Source: ECDC
Travellers from the EU who are fully vaccinated against polio should receive an additional dose of IPV within 12 months before departure to polio-infected countries, including Pakistan.
View sourceMeningococcal
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers visiting the meningitis belt.
View sourcePolio
Source: CDC
Strongly recommended for all travelers.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date, including Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella, and Polio.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Polio, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up to date on all routine vaccinations before travel.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before travel.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Prevent diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and other insects.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up to date with routine vaccines before travel.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccines are up to date before traveling.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Pakistan.
Sex and Travel - CDC Yellow Book
View sourceCholera vaccination
Source: CDC
Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
Cholera - CDC Yellow Book
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Pakistan.
Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book
View sourceChikungunya vaccination
Source: CDC
Chikungunya vaccination may be considered for people traveling or moving to this location if they are planning to stay for an extended period of time (for example, 6 months or more).
Chikungunya - CDC Yellow Book
View sourceRoutine vaccinations
Source: WHO
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel to protect against common infectious diseases.
Consult with a healthcare provider to confirm your vaccination status.
View sourceMedication preparedness
Source: UK_FCDO
Before traveling to ensure availability of necessary medications.
Due to potential shortages and restrictions in Pakistan, plan ahead and carry sufficient supplies. If medications are unavailable, consult local pharmacies or doctors.
View sourceAir pollution precautions
Source: UK_FCDO
During winter months (October to February) in regions like Punjab, especially Lahore, to mitigate health risks from air pollution.
Refer to TravelHealthPro for information on the risks of poor outdoor air quality.
View sourceBottled water safety
Source: UK_FCDO
When purchasing bottled water to avoid waterborne diseases.
Follow guidelines on TravelHealthPro for safe bottled water practices.
View sourceAltitude sickness prevention
Source: UK_FCDO
Before traveling to high-altitude areas like Gilgit-Baltistan to prevent altitude sickness.
Consult TravelHealthPro for more information on altitude sickness.
View sourceMeasles vaccination
Source: Canada_Travel
Before travelling, ensure that you and your family are up to date on routine vaccinations, including measles, due to an increase in cases worldwide.
Consult a health care provider about your travel plans and ensure that you and your family are up to date on routine vaccinations, including for measles.
View sourceHepatitis C prevention measures
Source: ECDC
Recommended to reduce the risk of hepatitis C transmission during travel.
Safe sex should be practised with new or different sex partners during trips abroad. People injecting drugs, or considering getting a piercing or tattoo should be aware of a possible increased risk of transmission related to HCV through shared needles or equipment in countries with high prevalence or where there may be suboptimal hygiene standards.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure vaccinations are up to date before travel to Pakistan for routine disease prevention.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas.
Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To prevent diarrheal diseases and other foodborne illnesses.
Eat only hot, cooked foods; drink bottled, boiled, or chemically treated water.
View sourceFood and Water Safety Precautions
Source: CDC
Prevention of foodborne and waterborne diseases.
Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid raw or undercooked foods.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Practice strict food and water safety to prevent travelers' diarrhea and other foodborne illnesses.
Drink only bottled or boiled water and eat cooked, hot food.
View sourceInsect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use permethrin-treated gear to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Spread through contaminated food and water.
View sourceFood and Water Safety Measures
Source: CDC
To prevent foodborne illnesses while traveling.
Avoid raw or undercooked foods.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to risk through contaminated food or water.
View sourceTyphoid vaccine
Source: WHO
Recommended for travelers to prevent typhoid fever, a common disease in Pakistan.
Vaccination is particularly important for travelers visiting rural areas or staying with local families.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis
Source: WHO
Recommended for travelers to prevent malaria, which is present in certain regions of Pakistan.
Consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate medication and dosage.
View sourceHepatitis A and B vaccines
Source: WHO
Recommended for travelers to prevent hepatitis A and B infections, which are prevalent in Pakistan.
Vaccination is especially important for travelers who may have close contact with local populations.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Hepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended if you might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or undergo medical procedures.
View sourceConsider malaria prophylaxis if traveling in rural areas
Source: CDC
If traveling to areas with malaria risk.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Considered for travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites.
View sourceSeasonal Flu Vaccine
Source: CDC
Consider vaccination if the flu season coincides with travel.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Consider if engaging in high-risk activities (e.g., medical procedures).
View sourceRabies vaccine
Source: WHO
Consider for travelers who may have close contact with animals or visit rural areas.
Rabies is present in Pakistan, and vaccination can provide protection in case of animal bites.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider rabies vaccination if you're planning activities that may expose you to animals or if you'll be in rural areas farther from medical care.
View sourceFood and water safety
Source: CDC
Important in Pakistan where sanitation and hygiene standards may not be met.
View sourceRisk Area: No malaria risk information provided in the documentation.
View sourceRisk Area: Entire country
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Entire country (risk varies by altitude)
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk Area: Entire country (risk is higher in rural areas and during specific seasons)
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round, with increased transmission risk typically following monsoon seasons
View source