Pakistan
Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Pakistan’s current rules 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 your visa has expired, you should apply for a visa extension or exit visa before attempting to travel. For information on how to apply, see the Government of Pakistan’s online visa information or contact the Ministry of Interior.
If you do not have evidence of Pakistani nationality, and you entered without a visa or your passport was not stamped on entry, you should contact the Ministry of Interior or visit a NADRA office.
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.
Illegal entry to Pakistan is a serious offence. If you enter without the correct documentation you may be detained or deported. If you enter Pakistan illegally, you may not be able to travel onward from Pakistan.
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.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Pakistan, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:
- a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
- a polio vaccine, in some circumstances
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Pakistan guide.
Health screening (other than COVID-19)
Mpox
In response to the recent international mpox outbreak, travellers may experience enhanced screening and preventative measures, including testing, on entry to Pakistan.
Read more about mpox on TravelHealthPro.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods that you can take into and 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.