Pakistan Travel Advice: What Every Visitor Needs To Know

This is your ultimate Pakistan travel guide. With some of the most stunning forts, mosques and archaeological sites in the Subcontinent, Pakistan is one of the globe's biggest surprises. It is home to some of the most hospitable people you will ever encounter and is a cultural bridge between Central Asia and India.

However, it would be accurate to state that Pakistan's image outside of its borders is not entirely positive. Although there are still many political, economic and security issues facing the country, there has been significant progress in recent years. A great welcome is guaranteed here; but it is a place that requires some research before visiting with confidence.

This Pakistan travel guide includes everything you need to know. It contains all travel information about visas, transportation, cultural behavior, and more!

Visa Requirements and Entry

Pakistan requires a visa for visitors from the majority of countries, and the requirements differ depending on the nationality. Fortunately, most of the application procedure is now completed online. Our GVC website allows citizens of 188 nations to apply for a visa. You just need to spend about 15 minutes to complete the application. The process is simple and quick to help you receive your visa as quickly as possible.

Pakistan requires a visa for visitors from the majority of countries

Best Time To Visit

Every season will have its own unique features because Pakistan has many distinct places, from sea-level, flat deserts to 8,000-meter peaks.

Here are our Pakistan travel advice for each season:

Winter (mid-November to February)

The best time of year to travel to the southern region of the country, particularly Sindh province. Even though such areas lack Pakistan's iconic mountains, they are the most religiously diverse part of the country.

However, during the winter, most mountains in northern Pakistan are completely impassable. You will not be able to visit any of the side valleys, but you can still travel the Karakoram Highway to the Northern Areas.

Summer (June to September)

If you enjoy walking in high-altitude mountains, this is the best time of year to visit the Northern Areas.

Spring & Autumn

Traveling to Pakistan in April and May, you will have the opportunity to witness the most stunning mountains. Because the weather is beautiful on most days and there are few local tourists, this time is quite ideal for a family trip. However, the mountains might not be so accessible if you visit Pakistan in the early spring or late autumn. 

Every season in Pakistan will have its own unique features

How To Get Around

At first, planning a vacation to Pakistan may seem daunting, but once you understand the details of the local transportation system, you will soon feel comfortable enough to visit even the most isolated regions of the nation. Here's all the information and Pakistan travel advice you need to get around once you are there.

Trains

In Pakistan, trains provide travel in a range of classes with various facilities. Although sales agents can assist you with information, keep in mind that schedules are not shown in English.

Bus

Buses go all over the country and are an excellent low-cost mode of transportation. Sometimes, long-distance travel takes several days. You can take a bus operated by Daewoo Sammi between major cities. Book at least one day in advance for buses with air conditioning.

Car

With the exception of Islamabad, rickshaws are a very popular mode of transportation. The most common rickshaws are the yellow and blue ones. If you want to ride one, you have to haggle over the fare before you sit aboard.

Plane

Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue and Shaheen Air International offer domestic flights. The latter is the only airline operating flights to Skardu, Chitral and Gilgit, among other northern airports.

Pakistan Travel Advice For The UK Citizens

UK citizens probably need a visa and letter of invitation to visit Pakistan

Most foreigners including UK citizens need a visa to enter Pakistan. Don't worry, you can apply online through GVC website. You will receive your Pakistan eVisa within 5 business days in your inbox. Please get in touch with us for the most recent information.

Be prepared for some challenges if you travel during Ramadan

For UK tourists, the Muslim month of Ramadan presents a specific set of challenges. During this holy month, the majority of Pakistani Muslims refrain from eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. Most eateries close during the day and offices frequently have shortened hours. You should refrain from eating in public throughout the fasting time and be somewhat self-sufficient when it comes to meals. Nevertheless, Ramadan evenings are particularly exciting as the faithful celebrate their daily fast with extravagant dinners in local restaurants.

Get a Pakistani SIM card to use the local taxi apps

A Pakistan travel advice for the UK citizens is to bring an unlocked smartphone for mobile browsing. Regardless of the town you are in, purchase a local SIM card from the main customer service center for the operator of your choice. By contacting the GVC website, you can also buy a travel sim card.

Instead of flagging down local taxis in large cities like Islamabad and Lahore, you should be able to use local taxi apps like Uber and its local version Careem with a local SIM and phone number. This will save you time and money.

Pakistan travel advice for the UK citizens

Pakistan Travel Advisory For Canada Citizens

Bring plenty of photocopies of your passport

Bring plenty of photocopies of your passport's information pages and Pakistan visa, and always travel with the original passport with you because there are numerous checkpoints in Pakistan where you will need to provide your identity documents. Long-distance car trips, such as those on the Karakoram Highway, will require you to hand over these copies on a frequent basis.

Enjoy the local hospitality (but don’t abuse it)

There are significant cultural and customary differences across Pakistan's many regions, but generally speaking, Pakistanis are very amiable and welcoming. You can anticipate taking hundreds of selfies, and conversations, chai and even dinner invitations flow naturally.

Many Pakistanis feel obligated to offer to pay for a foreigner's lunch or bus tickets, even if they are low on cash, because hospitality is so ingrained in Pakistani culture. To prevent unduly burdening anyone, you might need to decline these invitations more than once. When sharing a meal in Pakistan, make careful you use just your right hand to pass and take food; do not use your left hand to eat or shake hands.

Women travelers might face some challenges in Pakistan

Pakistan is mostly a traditional, male-dominated nation, which can present certain difficulties for female Canadian tourists. Women and men rarely interact in public. They often sit in separate sections on trains and buses as well as at restaurants. Certain places of worship also have special regulations for women.

Having some prior travel experience in Islamic nations is beneficial for women traveling alone across Pakistan. Positively, female tourists can learn about Pakistani women's life and family dynamics, which are entirely unknown to male tourists.

Pakistan travel advisory for Canada citizens

Pakistan Travel Advice For Australia Citizens

Invest in a shalwar kameez to travel like a local

The shalwar kameez, a garnet-colored long shirt worn over broad, baggy trousers, is the national clothing of Pakistan and is worn by both men and women. If Australia citizens plan to visit Pakistan for an extended period of time, it is worthwhile to purchase a set. In this climate, the shalwar kameez is incredibly comfortable and practical. You will also fit in well with the throng, and the natives will appreciate you for embracing their culture. When attending mosques and other religious sites, women should also cover their hair with a dupatta scarf.

Dial down public displays of affection

Public displays of affection between men and women, such as kissing, touching and even holding hands in public, are discouraged in Pakistan due to the country's socially conservative culture. Since same-sex partnerships are prohibited and attitudes toward LGBTIQ+ individuals can be highly harsh, Pakistan is not a good destination for openly LGBTIQ+ individuals. Pakistani males frequently wrap their arms around one another or hold hands, however this is usually done in a platonic manner.

Consider haggling as a fun pastime

Although haggling is normal, acceptable, and frequently required in Pakistan, it is best viewed as a friendly social interaction rather than a life-or-death situation, as some tourists in Asia do. The goal is for both the buyer and the seller to be satisfied when they leave.

When bargaining, make a lower offer in response to the first price that is provided, then continue negotiating until you both agree on a price. Avoid haggling over minor amounts if you can afford it. Locals are frequently underpaid and worried about their finances, so paying a few rupees more than you need will not break the bank.

Pakistan travel advice for Australia citizens

Pakistan Travel Advisory For Qatar Citizens

Get travel insurance

When planning a trip, securing travel insurance is essential for foreign citizens in particular and Qatari citizens in general to ensure peace of mind during their trip. Medical Payments Coverage, Trip Delay, Trip Interruption, Lost Baggage and more are just a few of the treatments that are included in the policy, which offers benefits up to $50,000. We think the insurance will make your journey more comfortable and give you a sense of security. Read for specifics at Travel Insurance for international visitors here.

Give some thought to potential problems before you come

Intestinal issues are the most frequent complaints among Qatar visitors. When it comes to personal health, the two golden principles are to avoid drinking tap water and to be cautious of pre-cooked meals. It is best to eat at crowded stands and restaurants.

Conclusion

Traveling to Pakistan offers an incredible opportunity to explore its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. By following this comprehensive Pakistan travel advice, you can ensure that your experience is both enjoyable and safe.

If you're ready to embark on this exciting journey, remember that preparation is key! Equip yourself with knowledge about the country’s customs and regulations so you can fully immerse yourself in the vibrant experiences that await you in Pakistan. Safe travels!