Summary

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Pakistan. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Travellers should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

Irish citizens are strongly advised to consider carefully their need to travel to Pakistan at the present time in light of continuing terrorist activity, widespread sectarian violence, high risk of kidnapping, and the unstable security situation.  

If in spite of these risks you consider your travelling to Pakistan essential you are urged to exercise extreme vigilance at all times and to communicate contact details online to the Irish Honorary Consulate in Karachi - ideally in advance of entering Pakistani territory. Advance registration carries the added advantage of receiving an updated assessment of the security situation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Pakistan. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Travellers should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

For entry requirements for Pakistan, please contact the nearest Pakistani Embassy or Consulate.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Safety and Security

The security situation in Pakistan is unstable and dangerous and there is a high risk of terrorism. In addition to an established pattern of terrorist attacks on military and Government installations there have been a considerable number of indiscriminate terrorist attacks on public places resulting in large numbers of casualties.  Locations frequented by Western nationals - hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and diplomatic Missions – have been targeted.

You are advised to avoid political demonstrations and large crowds assembled for political or religious purposes as there is a risk that such gatherings may turn violent.

There is an ongoing threat of sectarian (Shia-Sunni) violence particularly prevalent in Balouchistan and North West Frontier Province and caution should be exercised during Islamic festivals and on Friday in the vicinity of mosques.

A heightened warning applies to travel near all border areas, especially the northern border areas of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Northwest Frontier Province, northern and western Balouchistan and the Kashmir border.  The cities of Peshawar, Quetta and the Swat valley north of Islamabad bear a heightened risk. Irish citizens are strongly advised against all travel to these areas.

The threat of kidnap of foreign nationals across Pakistan remains high. Kidnappers do not discriminate between nationalities or religions. 

Criminal violence, including armed car-jacking, robbery, kidnap and murder, is common, especially in Karachi.  Travellers have been offered drugged food and then robbed.  You should be very careful and confident of your personal security arrangements throughout your visit.
 
Much of Baluchistan, rural Sindh and the North West Frontier Province, including the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas and Agencies, have a high incidence of lawlessness.

Beware of the risk of street crime and take personal security measures.  Take particular care to safeguard your passport and bank cards, particularly when travelling by public transport and when walking in crowded areas. 

Please take particular care on long road journeys and when travelling cross-country.  Local driving standards are erratic, especially at night, road conditions are poor and there is a risk of car-jacking.
 
When driving, it is advisable to lock all doors and keep the windows up.  Use well-travelled, well-lit routes where possible. 

Local Laws and Customs

Pakistan is a Muslim state and local customs, such as dress and behaviour, should be respected.  Dress modestly.  Men and women should cover their shoulders and legs when in public.  Women should cover their heads when entering mosques or other holy places, and when travelling in more rural areas.
 
Importing alcohol and pork products is illegal.  Homosexuality and co-habitation by an unmarried couple are illegal.  Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to imprisonment.  Drug smuggling can attract the death penalty.
 
You are advised not to take photographs at military establishments, airports or any infrastructure, including bridges and dams or from aircraft. 

Natural Disasters and Climate

Pakistan is prone to earthquakes, severe flooding and landslides. The monsoon season runs from July to September. You are advised to monitor weather forecasts when in Pakistan.

Additional Country Info

The Honorary Consul of Ireland based in Pakistan may be contacted here