Pakistan

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Pakistan is a parliamentary federal republic in South Asia, with a population of over 170 million people.  Following successful elections in February 2008, Pakistan has a coalition government led by Prime Minister Yousuf Gilani.  Pakistan is a developing country with some tourist facilities in major cities but limited in outlying areas.  The infrastructure of areas of Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPk) regions were devastated as a result of the October 8, 2005, earthquake and are not yet recovered.  Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Pakistan for additional information.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Pakistan, please take the time to tell our Embassy or Consulate about your trip.  If you check in, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.  It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.  Here’s the link to the Department of State’s travel registration page.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy in Islamabad
The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5;
Telephone: (92-51) 208-0000
Consular Section telephone: (92-51) 208-2700
Fax: (92-51) 282-2632

U.S. Consulate General in Karachi
The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, located at 8 Abdullah Haroon Road, closed its public operations indefinitely due to security concerns.  U.S. citizens requiring emergency assistance should call the Consular Section in Karachi.
Telephone: (92-21) 3520-4200
Fax: (92-21) 3568-0496

U.S. Consulate General in Lahore
The U.S. Consulate in Lahore is located on 50 Sharah-E-Abdul Hamid Bin Badees (Old Empress Road), near Shimla Hill Rotary.
Telephone: (92-42) 3603-4000
Fax: (92-42) 3603-4200

U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar
The U.S. Consulate in Peshawar is located at 11 Hospital Road, Cantonment, Peshawar.
Telephone: (92-91) 526-8800
Fax: (92-91) 528-4171

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: All U.S. citizens traveling to Pakistan for any purpose are required to have a valid U.S. passport and Pakistani-issued visa.  Additional information on visas can be obtained from the Embassy of Pakistan at 3517 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel. 202-243-6500. The Embassy may be contacted via Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist gegen Spambots geschützt! JavaScript muss aktiviert werden, damit sie angezeigt werden kann. .

Travelers may also contact one of the Embassies or Consulates General of Pakistan in:

Boston: 558 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood, MA, 02090; telephone: (781) 455-8000; fax: (617) 266-6666

Chicago: 333 North Michigan Ave., Suite 728, Chicago, IL, 60601; telephone: (312) 781-1831; fax: (312) 781-1839

Houston: 11850 Jones Road, Houston, TX, 77070; telephone: (281) 890-2223; fax: (281) 890-1433

Los Angeles: 10850 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90024; telephone: (310) 441-5114; fax: (310) 441-9256

New York: 12 East 65th St., New York, NY 10021; telephone: (212) 879-5800; fax: (212) 517-6987

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Pakistan.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: A number of extremist groups within Pakistan continue to target U.S. citizens and other Western interests and Pakistani officials. Terrorists have demonstrated willingness and capability to attack targets where U.S. citizens are known to congregate or visit. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings -- including vehicle-borne explosives and improvised explosive devices -- assassinations, carjackings, assaults, and kidnappings.  Pakistani military forces are currently engaged in a campaign against extremist elements across many areas of the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) and parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPk) (formerly known as Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP). In response to this campaign, militants have vowed to increase attacks against both civilian and government targets in Pakistan’s cities.

The presence of Al-Qaida, Taliban elements, and indigenous militant extremist and sectarian groups poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan, especially in the western border regions of the country. Continuing tensions in Muslim majority countries and territories also increase the possibility of violence against Westerners. Although the Pakistan government has heightened its security measures, particularly in the major cities, terrorist groups continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where U.S. citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit, such as shopping areas, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events.

Visits by U.S. government personnel to Peshawar and Karachi are limited and movements by U.S. government personnel assigned to the Consulates in these cities are severely restricted. U.S. officials in Lahore and Islamabad are instructed to restrict the frequency and to minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, and other locations. Only a limited number of official visitors are placed in hotels, and for limited stays. Depending on ongoing security assessments, the U.S. Embassy places areas such as hotels, markets, and/or restaurants off limits to official personnel. U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures and to maintain good situational awareness, particularly when visiting locations frequented by Westerners. The security situation in many rural areas is extremely hazardous. U.S. citizens are required to obtain advance permission from local or federal authorities to travel to the FATA and large parts of the KPk , and Balochistan Province.

Suicide bombing attacks continue to occur throughout the country on a regular basis, often targeting government authorities such as police checkpoints and military installations, as well as public areas such as mosques, and shopping areas.  Some of the major incidents that have occurred since June 2009 are cited here.  On April 5, 2010, the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar was attacked by armed militants resulting in the deaths of local security personnel.  On March 12, 2010, more than 57 people were killed and at least 90 were injured by twin suicide blasts occurring in the RA Bazaar in Lahore.  On March 8, 2010, 15 people were killed and 80 others injured in a suicide bomb blast targeting a government intelligence agency office building in Lahore.  On February 5, 2010, in Karachi, a motorcycle-borne improvised explosive device detonated itself alongside a bus carrying Shi’a passengers while in route to Muharram procession, killing 11 persons and wounding 50; a second coordinated device was detonated at the Jinnah Hospital entrance where the injured from the bus attack were being transported, killing another 10 people and wounding 20.

On January 1, 2010, at least 90 people were killed when a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden truck in the middle of a volleyball game in the Bannu Division of the NWFP.  On December 28, 2009, a suicide bomber targeted a major Shi’a religious procession in Karachi and killed over 30 persons, injuring more than 60.  On December 7, 2009, two bomb blasts killed at least 55 people and injured more than 100 people at the crowded Moon Market in Lahore.  On November 2, 2009, at least 35 people were killed and 63 injured in a suicide bomb attack in front of the National Bank of Pakistan in Rawalpindi.  On October 9, 2009, 49 people were killed and 90 injured when a suicide attacker detonated a car bomb in the crowded Soekarno Chowk in the Khyber Bazaar in Peshawar.  A suicide bomber targeted the United Nations World Food Programme office in Islamabad, killing 5 people including a United Nations diplomat on October 5, 2009.  Media statistics report that there was a 33 percent increase in suicide bombing attacks in 2009 over the previous year, involving 80 suicide bomb attacks killing over 2,227 civilians and 1,004 security forces personnel.

Since late 2007, occasional rockets have targeted areas in and around Peshawar, including in the direction of Peshawar International Airport. In June 2009 the Peshawar International Airport closed for two days for unspecified security concerns. In July 2009 some airline carriers suspended service to the airport. For the most up-to-date information on aviation safety and security, U.S. citizens should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website.

Since 2007, several U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan have been kidnapped for ransom or for personal reasons. Kidnappings for ransom are particularly common in the NWFP and Balochistan. In 2008, one Iranian and two Afghan diplomats, two Chinese engineers, and a Polish engineer were kidnapped in NWFP. In February 2009, a U.S. citizen UNHCR official was kidnapped in Balochistan. Kidnappings of Pakistanis also increased dramatically across the country, usually for ransom.

Rallies, demonstrations, and processions occur regularly throughout Pakistan on very short notice and have often taken on an anti-American or anti-Western character. Because of the possibility of violence, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid all public places of worship and areas where Westerners are known to congregate.

During the Islamic (Shi’a) religious observance of Muharram, hostilities targeting religious sects often increase.

It is best to avoid public transportation. For security reasons, U.S. Mission personnel are prohibited from using trains, taxis, or buses. (See the Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section below).

Men and women are advised to dress conservatively, with arms and legs covered, and to avoid walking alone. It is unwise for anyone to travel on the streets late at night. Visitors to Pakistan should maintain a low profile and be aware of their surroundings.

Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly known as the Northern Areas):  Northern Pakistan has the greatest concentration of the highest peaks in the world. This is a great challenge for trekkers, mountaineers, and mountain climbers the world over. Trekking in Pakistan involves walking over rugged, steep terrain, where one is exposed to the elements, often at high altitudes. The Pakistani Ministry of Tourism has defined trekking as walking below 6000 m. It has designated three trekking zones: open, restricted, and closed. Foreigners may trek anywhere in the open zone without a permit or the services of a licensed mountain guide. For trekking in the restricted zone, foreigners must pay a $20 per person, per trek fee to obtain a trekking permit from the Ministry of Tourism. To hike in the restricted zone, foreigners must also hire a licensed mountain guide, buy a personal accident insurance policy for the guide and the porters, and attend a mandatory briefing and de-briefing at the Ministry of Tourism. No trekking is allowed in closed zones, which are located near the Pakistan-Afghan border and near the Line of Control between Pakistan administered and India-administered Kashmir.

While we continue to discourage non-essential travel to Pakistan, the safest option for trekkers is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable firm that provides experienced guides and porters. Trekkers are also advised to provide a copy of their itinerary to family or friends in the United States. While overall crime in the Northern Areas is low, there have been occasional assaults on foreign visitors. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad strongly recommends that U.S. citizens exercise extreme caution when trekking at high altitudes. Only experienced mountain travelers should tackle the northern mountains of the Hindukush, the Karakorams, and the Himalayas.

All peaks/routes for mountaineering in Pakistan have been designated as open or restricted zones. Permits for climbing peaks are issued by the Ministry of Tourism and fees vary by altitude and time of year. A Pakistani Army Liaison Officer must accompany all mountaineering expeditions. Visit the Pakistan Tourism Development Cooperation website for the most current trekking and mountaineering information.

Khyber Pahktunkhwa (KPk), formerly known as the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) and Gilgit-Baltistan:  Because of the high security threat level, the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar no longer provides routine consular services. The U.S. Government currently allows only essential travel within the FATA and the KPk by U.S. officials.  Security and logistical challenges may affect the Consulate’s ability to provide emergency consular services in this area. Pakistani security forces are currently engaged in a campaign against extremist elements across many areas of the FATA and parts of the KPk.  Access to many areas of Pakistan, including the FATA along the Afghan border, is restricted by local government authorities for non-Pakistanis. Travel to any restricted region requires official permission by the Government of Pakistan. Failure to obtain permission in advance can result in arrest and detention by Pakistani authorities. Even in the settled areas of the KPk, terrorist activity and sectarian violence are common. There have been bombings in Peshawar of varying sophistication since September 2006. Members and supporters of the Taliban and Al-Qaida are known to be in the FATA, and may also be in the settled areas.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir:  While direct military hostilities between India and Pakistan across the Line of Control (LOC) are infrequent, militant groups engaged in a long-running insurgency on the Indian side of the LOC have bases and supporters operating from the Pakistani side. Most of these groups are anti-American, and some have attacked U.S. citizens and other Westerners. The Government of Pakistan restricts access to many parts of this region and requires that visitors obtain a permit from the Ministry of Interior before traveling.

Punjab Province:  Violence has increased in Punjab Province. In addition to the examples cited above, there have been increased incidents of religious based violence.  On May 28, 2010, four terrorists killed 94 people at two mosques in Lahore, located, respectively, in the Model Town and Garhi Shahu neighborhoods where approximately 1,500 people gathered for weekly Friday prayers. 

On February 27, 2010, in Faisalabad, four people were injured when a group of people believed to be hiding in Gol Mosque opened fire on an Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) procession in Ghulam Mohammadabad locality of the city.  After the firing, a large number of people besieged the Ghulam Mohammadabad police station and set more than 200 vehicles and motorbikes on fire.  The protesters also ransacked the police station, and official vehicles of Gulberg traffic sector were torched by the mob.  Police tried to disperse the mob with tear gas, but failed.  The mob also pelted policemen with stones, injuring a few constables.  The protesters blocked the Saddar Bazaar Road, Latif Chowk, and Chandni Chowk and burned tires.  On August 1, 2009, in Gojra, there was an attack on a Christian colony that left seven people dead.  A group of masked attackers began torching the homes of Christians in the area leaving 59 houses set on fire in the colony.

In addition to the events cited above, suicide operations continue to take place, including attacks in Rawalpindi and Lahore. In March 2009, eight people were killed in Lahore in a commando-style attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in a shopping area near Qaddafi Stadium. Later in March, militants injured several hundred police cadets and killed eight recruits and instructors in an attack on a police training school between Lahore and the Wagah border. A May 2009 suicide attack on the provincial headquarters of law enforcement agencies in central Lahore resulted in almost 600 wounded and 60 dead. A targeted suicide attack on June 12 killed a prominent, anti-Taliban cleric at a popular madrassa in central Lahore. As a precaution against these possible dangers, U.S. citizens are cautioned to maintain good situational awareness. The Wagah border crossing into India near Lahore remains open daily (from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) for travel to and from India if the passport holder has a valid visa for both countries. Visitors are advised to confirm with Pakistani authorities the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. U.S. travelers to Jhang, Attock, Dera Ghazi Khan and Khushab tehsils, as well as Jauharabad tehsil in Muzaffargarh district, require permission from the Ministry of Interior.

Sindh Province:  In Karachi and Hyderabad, there has been recurring violence characterized by bombings, violent demonstrations, and shootings. An October 2007 suicide attack on former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto killed more than 130 and injured approximately 375 people in Karachi. In the aftermath of Bhutto’s December 2007 death, rioting in Karachi led to multiple deaths and injuries, as well as widespread property damage. In May 2008, clashing groups of lawyers burned buildings and vehicles in several areas of the city, resulting in at least 11 fatalities. Since April 2009 Karachi has been racked by political violence. In many areas of the city, there is resentment toward outsiders. Electrical power outages (“load shedding”), lasting over 20 hours a day, are commonplace and have led to sporadic demonstrations and violence in some parts of the city. Non-essential travel to these cities is strongly discouraged.

U.S. citizens and other Westerners continue to be a potential target of hostility and anti-Western mob violence. The U.S. Consulate General in particular has been the target of several major terrorist attacks or plots in recent years, including the deadly March 2006 suicide attack described above. Both Sindh and Balochistan are transshipment points for U.S. military equipment en route to Afghanistan. Personnel, ports, vehicles, and storage areas believed to be supporting U.S. military shipments could be the subject of terrorist attacks. Also, as U.S. military operations in Afghanistan increase, the probability of attacks and violence against Westerners may increase. Non-essential travel to these cities is strongly discouraged. In rural Sindh Province, the security situation is hazardous, especially for those engaged in overland travel. The Government of Pakistan recommends that travelers limit their movements in Sindh Province.

Balochistan Province:  The Province of Balochistan, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan, is notorious for narcotics and other forms of cross-border smuggling. Members of the Taliban and al-Qaida are also believed to be present there. Tribal unrest sometimes turns violent. Because provincial police presence is limited, travelers wishing to visit the interior of Balochistan should consult with the province’s Home Secretary. Advance permission from provincial authorities is required for travel into many areas. Local authorities have detained travelers who lacked proper permission. Quetta, the provincial capital, has experienced an increase in bombings, occasional gun battles in the streets, and the imposition of curfews. Terrorist attacks against Pakistani government installations and infrastructure have been reported throughout 2008 and 2009.

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself.  Take some time before travel to improve your personal security—things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States.  Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime is a serious concern for foreigners throughout Pakistan. Carjacking, armed robberies, house invasions, and other violent crimes occur in many major urban areas. Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common. U.S. travelers to Pakistan are strongly advised to avoid traveling by taxi and other forms of public transportation, and have members of their host organizations or families meet them at the airport. In June to July 2009 several U.S. citizen travelers arriving at the international airport in Lahore, who were met by their families, were robbed outside the airport of cash and jewelry, after being stopped by a car with fake government license plates. Travel outside urban centers should only be done during daylight hours.  The U.S. Embassy has seen a growing trend of U.S. citizens alleging the loss of property or financial investment due to unfair business practices of their Pakistani partners.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.  Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too. 

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates).  If your passport is stolen we can help you replace it.  For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and help you receive money from them if you need it.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Pakistan is 15.  In addition, local emergency responders in Punjab province can be reached by dialing 1122.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.  Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.  In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.  In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.  In some places driving under the influence of alcohol could land you immediately in jail.  These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.  There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods or engage in child pornography.  While you are overseas, U.S. laws don’t apply.  If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won’t help.  It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.  Persons violating Pakistani laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Pakistan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Pakistan is largely a cash economy.  Personal checks are not commonly accepted.  Most Pakistanis do not use checking accounts for routine transactions.  Outside major cities, even credit cards and travelers’ checks are generally not accepted, and there have been numerous reports of credit card fraud.  There are bank branches as well as registered currency exchangers in all international airports.  ATMs can also be found in major airports.  English is widely spoken by professional-level airport staff.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Adequate basic non-emergency medical care is available in major Pakistani cities but is limited in rural areas.  Facilities in the cities vary in level and range of services, resources, and cleanliness, and U.S. citizens may find them below U.S. standards; facilities in rural areas are consistently below U.S. standards.  Medical facilities require prepayment and most do not accept credit cards.

Water is not potable anywhere in Pakistan and sanitation in many restaurants is inadequate.  Stomach illnesses are common. 

Effective emergency response to personal injury and illness is virtually non-existent in Pakistan.  Ambulances are few and are not necessarily staffed by medical personnel.  Any emergency case should be transported immediately to a recommended emergency receiving room.  Many U.S.-brand medications are not widely available, but generic brands from well-known pharmaceuticals usually are.  The quality of the locally produced medications is uneven.

Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found via the CDC website.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the the World Health Organization (WHO) website.  The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will offer adequate coverage you when you travel.  It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave.  You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

• Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
• Will it cover emergencies such as a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service.  Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries.  If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip.  For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Pakistan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic in Pakistan moves on the left, opposite of U.S. traffic.  In addition to this source of potential confusion, travel by road in Pakistan has a variety of other risks.  Roads are crowded, drivers are often aggressive and poorly trained, and many vehicles, particularly large trucks and buses, are badly maintained. 

Donkeys, cattle, horse carts, and even the occasional camel can pose roadside hazards in some areas.  Roads, including most major highways, also suffer from poor maintenance and often have numerous potholes, sharp drop-offs and barriers that are not sign-posted.  Drivers should exercise extreme caution when traveling at night by road, as many vehicles do not have proper illumination or dimmers nor are most roads properly illuminated or signed.  Driving without experienced local drivers or guides is not recommended.

It is best to avoid public transportation.  For security reasons, U.S. Mission personnel are prohibited from using taxis or buses.  (See Safety and Security section above.)

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Visit the website of Pakistan’s national tourist office and Pakistan’s national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Pakistan’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Pakistan dated August 12, 2009, to update the sections on Country Description, Entry/Exit Requirements, and Threats to Safety and Security.