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Is Pakistan Safe to Visit in 2026?

Very High Risk

Very High Risk. Stunning mountains in the north. Terrorism and security concerns. Northern areas (Hunza, Gilgit) increasingly popular with adventurous travelers. Warnely's safety assessment for Pakistan is Very High Risk (65/100). Last updated 10 May 2026

65 / 100

Very High Risk
Reviewed Apr 2026 · how we score

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What Warnely Is Tracking

Real-time incidents pulled from the Warnely pipeline. The dashboard renders a richer feed.

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Official Travel Advisories

UK FCDO

See travel advice

Check current FCDO advice for latest information.

View full advisory →

US State Department

Check current level

Check State Dept for current advisory level.

View full advisory →

Risk Breakdown

This is the static baseline rating across six dimensions. The Warnely dashboard adds a live 30-day signal alongside.

Crime3/5

Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.

Natural Disasters2/5

Check local conditions.

Health2/5

Consult travel clinic before departure.

Terrorism3/5

Check current advisories.

Civil Unrest3/5

Monitor local situation.

Infrastructure3/5

Check transport options.

Quick Facts

Plug type	C/D/G
Voltage	230V/50Hz
Time zone	UTC+5
Driving side	Left
Tap water	Unsafe

Visa & Entry

Type	eVisa (apply online)
Length	90 days
Cost	$60 (UK/US/EU)
Apply	Official portal →

eVisa for ~190 nationalities since 2019. Tourist visa $60 for most Western. Approval typically 7-10 days.

Verify on IATA Travel Centre →

Summary: Visa required. e-Visa available.

Passport: Valid 6+ months.

Customs: Alcohol: non-Muslims on permit only; strict inspections.

Prohibited: Alcohol for Muslims; restricted for tourists. Drones permit-required. Drug laws extremely strict. Anti-blasphemy laws – use care with religious materials.

Practical Tips

Hunza and Gilgit-Baltistan are stunning and safer than Karachi/Lahore – mountain paradise
Avoid Balochistan, FATA, and Khyber regions – serious security concerns
Karachi has high crime – stay in Clifton/Defence neighbourhoods
Pakistan-India border at Wagah has daily flag ceremony – spectacle
English widely understood; Urdu official

Common Scams & Practical Risks

Tuk-tuk/taxi scam: Agree on price before getting in. Use ride-hailing apps.
Motorbike rental damage: Photograph vehicle before renting.
Currency confusion: Large denominations can be confusing. Count change carefully.

Solo & Women’s Safety

Solo Travellers

Popular backpacker destination. Affordable and generally safe.

Women’s Safety Generally Safe

Generally safe with standard precautions. Dress modestly at religious sites.

LGBTQ+ Travellers

Legal status	Criminalised
Social climate	Hostile

Up to life imprisonment under Pakistan Penal Code 377 + sharia. No visible scene; trans (khwaja sira) have some legal protections. PDA dangerous; avoid apps.

Verify current law on Equaldex →

Drug Laws

Severity	Death penalty possible
Cannabis	Severe penalties

Death penalty for trafficking; possession up to 14yrs. Charas (hashish) culturally common but legally dangerous for foreigners. Fundamentalist regions extra-strict.

Verify on UK FCDO →

Emergency Numbers

police

ambulance

115

fire

tourist

112

Data version v2 · Reviewed Apr 2026 · methodology · Found something out of date? Tell us.

Common questions about Pakistan

Is Pakistan safe for tourists in 2026?

Stunning mountains in the north. Terrorism and security concerns. Northern areas (Hunza, Gilgit) increasingly popular with adventurous travelers. Warnely's overall safety assessment for Pakistan is Very High Risk (65/100), very high risk. Always check the latest UK FCDO and US State Department advisories before booking.

What's the crime risk in Pakistan?

Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment. Crime category score: 3/5 (high).

Are there health risks travelling to Pakistan?

Consult travel clinic before departure. Health category score: 2/5. Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for recommended vaccinations.

Is Pakistan safe for solo female travellers?

Generally Safe. Generally safe with standard precautions. Dress modestly at religious sites.

When is the best time to visit Pakistan?

Mild Season (Oct-Apr). Cooler (10-25°C), best for Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. Hunza/Gilgit-Baltistan summer (Jun-Sep).

What are the drug laws in Pakistan?

Drug penalties: Death penalty possible. Cannabis: Severe penalties. Death penalty for trafficking; possession up to 14yrs. Charas (hashish) culturally common but legally dangerous for foreigners. Fundamentalist regions extra-strict.

Do I need a visa to visit Pakistan?

eVisa (apply online). Stay length: 90 days. eVisa for ~190 nationalities since 2019. Tourist visa $60 for most Western. Approval typically 7-10 days.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Pakistan?

Tap water in Pakistan is not safe to drink – use bottled or filtered water. Most travellers should stick to bottled or filtered water for cooking, drinking and ice.

What do governments say about travel to Pakistan?

UK FCDO: See travel advice. US State Dept: Check current level. Read the full advisories on the relevant government sites – links are inside the Official Travel Advisories section above.