Pakistan
Entry requirements
This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Pakistan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Pakistan High Commission in London or nearest Pakistani consulate.
COVID-19 rules
Travel to Pakistan
There are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travellers entering Pakistan.
On 3 January, owing to a rising number of cases in some countries, the Government of Pakistan announced that 2% of passengers arriving on international flights will be randomly selected and tested for COVID-19. Anyone who tests positive will be advised to self-isolate for five days.
Leaving Pakistan
Do not travel to the airport if you have COVID-19 symptoms. You may be thermal scanned or asked to a take COVID-19 rapid antigen test. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you may be:
- prevented from flying
- asked to self-isolate for 5 days
- referred to a medical facility
Public activities
There are no COVID-19 restrictions on public activities. Wearing a face mask in public is encouraged.
Testing positive for COVID-19 in Pakistan
Take a test if you have symptoms or if you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
If you test positive, you must self-isolate for 5 days. After that, you should then wear a face mask for 5 days.
Passport validity requirements
To avoid problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your visa application.
Contact Pakistan’s High Commission in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet this requirement.
Visa requirements
You will need a visa to enter or travel through Pakistan. For information on how to apply, see the Government of Pakistan’s online visa information.
Visas for journalists often have extra travel restrictions. Follow the terms of your visa, or you could be fined or detained.
Returning to the UK
You must have a valid visa, a Pakistani national identity card or a valid Pakistani passport to leave.
If you are travelling on a British passport and your visa has expired, you may not be allowed to board your flight unless you have a visa extension or an exit visa. Contact the Ministry of Interior or see the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports for information on visa extensions and exit visas.
Citizens of Pakistan overseas
If you hold a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or Smart National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (SNICOP) you can enter Pakistan without a visa and stay for an unlimited period. For more information see the website of Pakistan’s High Commission in the UK.
Travelling with children
If you’re travelling with a child as a single parent or are not the child’s parent, you may need to provide documentary evidence of parental responsibility before leaving Pakistan. This is particularly likely if the child is of Pakistani origin.
Travelling through Pakistan
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to most of the Pakistan-Afghanistan and Pakistan-Iran border areas. FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan and Iran.
Pakistan-Afghanistan border
All borders with Afghanistan can close at short notice. There has been overcrowding and violence at open border crossings.
The Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan is open to people with valid passports and Pakistan visas. You can apply for a visa on the Ministry of Interior website.
Illegal entry to Pakistan is a serious offence. If you cross from Afghanistan without the correct documentation you may be detained or deported. If you do enter Pakistan illegally, you will not be able to travel onward from Pakistan.
Vaccination requirements
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Pakistan guide.
Depending on your circumstances, these may include:
- proof of polio vaccination
- a yellow fever vaccination certificate
Health screening (other than COVID-19)
Mpox
Due to recent cases of mpox (monkeypox) in 2023 there may be enhanced screening and preventative measures when you enter Pakistan.
Read more about mpox on TravelHealthPro.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Pakistan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Alcohol and pork
Importing alcohol or pork products is illegal. You could be detained if you try to import them.