Pakistan Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Pakistan.
Healthcare System
Pakistan has a mixed healthcare system with public hospitals, private hospitals, and clinics. Major cities have modern private hospitals with well-trained doctors, many educated abroad. Public hospitals are often overcrowded and under-resourced. English is widely spoken by medical professionals in urban areas.
Hospitals
Recommended private hospitals for tourists include Aga Khan University Hospital (Karachi), Shifa International Hospital (Islamabad), and Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (Lahore, Peshawar). These facilities accept international insurance and have English-speaking staff. Always verify hospital accreditation and capabilities before treatment.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available in cities and towns. Many medications available by prescription-only in Western countries can be purchased over-the-counter. However, counterfeit medications are a concern; use reputable pharmacies in major hospitals or chains. Brand-name medications are generally reliable.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and often required for visa applications. Ensure coverage includes high-altitude trekking if visiting northern areas. Medical evacuation to Dubai or other regional hubs may be necessary for serious conditions.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a personal first-aid kit with basic medications, as specific brands may not be available
- Bring sufficient prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letter
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne diseases
- Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus before travel
- High-altitude sickness is common in northern areas; ascend gradually and carry appropriate medication
- Keep copies of medical records and prescriptions in English
- Private hospitals may require upfront payment; keep insurance details readily accessible
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, and public transportation, though less common than in many other countries. Motorcycle thieves may snatch bags from pedestrians.
Terrorism remains a concern in certain areas, particularly near the Afghan border, parts of Balochistan, and former FATA regions. Attacks have targeted religious sites, markets, and security installations. Risk is significantly lower in northern tourist areas and major cities but not eliminated.
Traffic accidents are a leading risk for travelers. Driving standards are poor, roads often lack maintenance, and traffic rules are rarely enforced. Overloaded vehicles, speeding, and aggressive driving are common. Mountain roads can be particularly dangerous.
Acute mountain sickness affects many travelers in northern Pakistan, where elevations exceed 2,500-4,000 meters. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Severe cases can be life-threatening.
Traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A are common due to contaminated water and food. Street food hygiene varies considerably.
Kidnapping for ransom is a risk in certain areas, particularly Balochistan and border regions. Foreign nationals may be targeted. Risk is very low in major cities and established tourist areas.
Pakistan experiences earthquakes, floods during monsoon season, and landslides in mountainous areas. Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are a risk in northern regions.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers quote inflated prices to foreign tourists or take unnecessarily long routes. Meters may be 'broken' or drivers refuse to use them.
Unlicensed individuals pose as tour guides or represent non-existent tour companies, taking payment for services never rendered or providing substandard experiences.
Sellers in tourist areas convince visitors that gems, carpets, or handicrafts are valuable investments that can be resold at profit. Items are typically overpriced or fake.
Fake hotel websites or taxi drivers claiming your booked hotel is closed/full and offering to take you to an alternative (where they receive commission).
Unofficial money changers offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists or provide counterfeit notes.
Overly friendly locals befriend tourists, then lead them to shops where they pressure purchases or eventually ask for money for various 'emergencies.'
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and maintain contact during your stay
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) separately from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends and check in regularly
- Learn basic Urdu phrases; locals appreciate the effort and it enhances safety
- Carry emergency contact information in English and Urdu
- Download offline maps and translation apps before travel
- Keep your embassy's emergency contact number saved in your phone
- Maintain situational awareness and trust your instincts
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly throughout Pakistan; this is both respectful and enhances safety
- Remove shoes when entering mosques and homes
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women
- Avoid public displays of affection, even between married couples
- Respect prayer times and religious customs, particularly during Ramadan
- Use right hand for eating and greeting; left hand is considered unclean
- Accept hospitality graciously; Pakistanis are known for generous hospitality
- Be respectful when discussing religion, politics, and regional issues
Transportation Safety
- Use reputable transport services; ask hotel staff for recommendations
- Avoid night travel by road, especially in rural or mountainous areas
- Consider domestic flights for long distances to reduce road risk
- Always wear seatbelts; insist on it even if driver doesn't
- Use ride-hailing apps in cities for transparent pricing and tracking
- Hire drivers through hotels for multi-day trips rather than self-driving
- Check vehicle condition before long journeys; refuse unsafe vehicles
- Keep doors locked and windows up in traffic, especially in cities
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations in safe neighborhoods; read recent reviews
- Use hotel safes for valuables, passport, and excess cash
- Check room security (locks, windows) upon check-in
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Keep hotel contact card with address in Urdu for taxi drivers
- Inform hotel staff of your daily plans in remote areas
- Consider staying in hotels used by international organizations in sensitive areas
Communication
- Purchase local SIM card (Jazz, Telenor, Zong) for reliable communication; requires passport
- Keep phone charged and carry power bank
- Download WhatsApp; it's widely used for communication in Pakistan
- Learn emergency phrases in Urdu
- Save important contacts including embassy, hotel, and local guides
- Be cautious about sharing travel plans on social media in real-time
- Inform someone of your whereabouts when traveling to remote areas
Money and Valuables
- Carry limited cash; use ATMs at banks in major cities
- Divide money between different locations on your person and luggage
- Keep small denominations for daily purchases; change is often scarce
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Use credit cards at established hotels and restaurants; fraud risk exists
- Declare currency over $10,000 USD at customs
- Keep emergency cash separate from daily spending money
- Photograph your valuables for insurance purposes
Food and Water Safety
- Stick to bottled water; check seal is intact before purchasing
- Choose busy restaurants where food turnover is high
- Eat freshly cooked, hot food; avoid food sitting at room temperature
- Be cautious with street food initially; let your stomach adjust
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Avoid raw vegetables unless you can wash them yourself with safe water
- Peel fruits yourself rather than buying pre-cut fruit
- Carry oral rehydration salts and anti-diarrheal medication
Trekking and Adventure Safety
- Always hire licensed guides for treks; don't trek alone in remote areas
- Obtain necessary permits for restricted areas well in advance
- Carry comprehensive first aid kit including altitude sickness medication
- Inform someone of your trekking route and expected return
- Check weather forecasts and be prepared to change plans
- Carry adequate warm clothing; mountain weather changes rapidly
- Bring water purification tablets or filter for multi-day treks
- Ensure travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking and rescue
- Respect local communities and environmental regulations on trails
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women can travel safely in Pakistan with appropriate precautions and cultural sensitivity. Pakistan is a conservative, patriarchal society where women face different expectations than in Western countries. Solo female travelers are uncommon but not unheard of, and women traveling alone may attract attention. Many female travelers have positive experiences, particularly when traveling with companions, joining group tours, or connecting with local women. Pakistani hospitality extends to female visitors, and locals are often protective of women travelers. However, harassment can occur, particularly in crowded areas.
- Dress modestly: wear loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs; carry a dupatta (scarf) to cover head when needed
- Consider joining group tours or traveling with companions, especially in remote areas
- Use women-only compartments on public transport when available
- Book accommodations with good reviews from female travelers; guesthouses run by families are often safer
- Avoid eye contact with men as it may be misinterpreted; wear sunglasses if helpful
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; don't feel obligated to be overly friendly
- Carry a wedding ring or mention your 'husband' even if single; marital status commands more respect
- Connect with local women when possible; they can provide valuable insights and companionship
- Avoid traveling alone after dark; use trusted transportation arranged by your hotel
- In restaurants, use family sections when available rather than general seating
- Learn basic Urdu phrases to communicate needs and boundaries
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations promptly
- Consider hiring female guides in major tourist areas
- Keep emergency contacts readily accessible, including embassy numbers
- Be aware that photography of women is sensitive; don't photograph local women without explicit permission
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Pakistan under Section 377 of the Pakistan Penal Code, with penalties including imprisonment. However, prosecutions are rare. Same-sex marriage is not recognized. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Transgender individuals (khawaja sira) have some legal recognition and protections, though face significant social challenges.
- Exercise extreme discretion; do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity publicly
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly; conversations may be illegal and dangerous
- Be aware that online dating apps may be monitored or used to target LGBTQ+ individuals
- Book separate rooms if traveling with same-sex partner to avoid questions
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations discretely before travel; very few exist
- Be prepared to face intrusive questions about marital status; have prepared responses
- Understand that local LGBTQ+ individuals face severe consequences; don't put them at risk
- Consider whether travel to Pakistan aligns with personal safety needs and comfort levels
- Have contingency plans and embassy contacts readily available
- Be aware that gender non-conforming appearance may attract unwanted attention
- Note that while transgender communities exist, they face significant discrimination and violence
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for Pakistan travel and often required for visa applications. Medical evacuation costs can exceed $100,000 USD. Pakistan's security situation means standard travel insurance may have exclusions; ensure your policy covers the specific regions you'll visit. The combination of road safety risks, altitude-related medical emergencies, limited healthcare infrastructure in remote areas, and potential security incidents makes insurance critical. Medical costs are relatively low, but evacuation and repatriation are expensive.
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