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U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

Consular Information Sheet

 

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Please click on this link to read important information you should see before you travel abroad

This information is current as of today,

Pakistan

April 06, 2006

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:  Pakistan is a developing country.  Tourist facilities are available in major cities but limited in outlying areas.  The infrastructure of the areas of Kashmir and the Northwest Frontier Province was devastated as a result of the October 8, 2005 earthquake and is not yet fully recovered.  In October 2002, Pakistan held the first national and provincial assembly elections since the October 1999 coup.  A new Parliament and Prime Minister took office, although Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf and the military continue to play a significant role in the government.  Read the Department of State Background Notes on Pakistan for additional information.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  All U.S. citizens traveling to Pakistan for any purpose are required to have valid U.S. passports and Pakistani-issued visas.  Further information on entry requirements can be obtained from the Embassy of Pakistan, 3517 International Court Avenue,  NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone 202-243-6500, e-mail address: info@embassyofpakistan.org, internet home page:  http://www.embassyofpakistan.org.  Travelers may also contact one of the Consulates General of Pakistan:  Boston:  20 Chestnut Street, Needham, MA 02492, telephone (781) 455-8000, fax (617) 266-6666, email pakistan@tiac.net; Chicago:  333 North Michigan Ave., Suite 728, Chicago, IL, 60601, telephone (312) 781-1831, fax (312) 781-1839, email parepchicago@yahoo.com; Houston:  11850 Jones Road, Houston, TX, 77070, telephone (281) 890-2223, fax (281) 890-1433, email parephouston@sbcglobal.net; Los Angeles:  10850 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90024, telephone (310) 441-5114, fax (310) 441-9256, email info@pakconsulatela.org; New York: 12 East 65th St., New York, NY 10021, telephone (212) 879-5800, fax (212) 517-6987, homepage www.pakistanconsulateny.org.  If a traveler plans to stay longer than the time listed on the visa, he or she must extend the stay with the local passport office of the Ministry of Interior.  See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Pakistan and other countries.  Visit the Embassy of Pakistan website for the most current visa information.

See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual nationality and the international child abduction.  Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY: A number of extremist groups within Pakistan continue to target American and other Western interests, high-level Pakistani government officials, as well as members of minority indigenous and religious groups.  Bombings and assassinations continue to occur throughout Pakistan.  On March 2, 2006, a suicide bomber detonated a car packed with explosives as a vehicle carrying an American Foreign Service officer passed by on its way to Consulate Karachi.  The diplomat and the Consulate’s locally-employed driver were killed; there were two other fatalities, and 52 people wounded.  Various anti-Western riots and demonstrations, often large, occurred throughout the country in February 2006, at times targeting Western interests including Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), McDonald’s, Citibank, and others.  In November 2005, a bomb was detonated in Karachi near American and other businesses, killing three people and wounding 15 others.  In September 2005, McDonalds and KFC restaurants in Karachi were bombed, resulting in multiple injuries.  In May 2005, a suicide bombing attack at a religious gathering less than one mile from the American Embassy in Islamabad killed 17 and injured more than 70.  Also in May 2005, a suicide bomb attack in a Shi’a mosque near Karachi killed five and injured 30.  In the mob violence that followed the bombing, a KFC franchise was burned (killing six) and three gas stations, two shops, and 25 vehicles were also destroyed.  Americans are urged to avoid areas where Westerners are known to congregate.  Rallies, demonstrations and processions occur from time to time throughout Pakistan on very short notice and have often taken on an anti-American or anti-Western character.  Because of the possibility of sectarian or anti-western violence, Americans should avoid all public places of worship. 

Karachi and the southern parts of Punjab province have experienced protracted political or sectarian violence that poses a potential danger to American travelers.  During the Islamic religious observance of Moharram, sectarian rivalry and violence often increase.  Family feuds are frequently fatal and may be followed by retaliation.

It is best to avoid public transportation.  For security reasons, U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using taxis or buses (see Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section below).

Women should dress conservatively (arms and legs covered) and should not walk around alone.  It is not wise for anyone to travel in the streets late at night.  Travelers to Pakistan should attempt to maintain a low profile, blend in, be aware of their surroundings, and seek security with their family or sponsoring organization.

Northern Areas - Visitors wishing to trek in Gilgit, Hunza, Chitral and the upper Swat valley should use only licensed guides and tourist agencies.  While overall crime is low, there have been occasional assaults on foreign visitors.

Northwest Frontier Province – The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) between the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) and the Afghan border, and certain areas within NWFP, are designated as tribal areas and are not subject to normal government jurisdiction.  The Government of Pakistan requires all citizens of countries other than Pakistan and Afghanistan to obtain permission from the Home and Tribal Affairs Department prior to visiting these tribal areas.  The permit may stipulate that an armed escort must accompany the visitor.  Even in the settled areas of the NWFP there is occasional ethnic, sectarian, and political violence, as well as anti-foreign rhetoric.  Members of the Taliban and Al-Qaida are known to be in FATA, and may also be in the settled areas.  Foreigners should avoid demonstrations and areas in which violence is known to occur.

Kashmir - While direct military hostilities between India and Pakistan across the Line of Control between the parts of Kashmir they administer have ceased, militant groups engaged in a long-running insurgency in the Indian-administered part of the state are reported to have bases and supporters in Pakistani-administered Azad, Jammu and Kashmir.  Most of these groups are anti-American, and some have attacked Americans and other Westerners.  Many areas are restricted and require a permit from the Ministry of Interior.  These areas also bore the brunt of the October 8 earthquake and have not fully recovered.  The State Department strongly recommends against travel to this area.  Those Americans who feel they have urgent business there should contact the Embassy for further guidance.

Punjab Province - Sectarian violence has decreased considerably in recent years, although there continue to be occasional attacks on places of worship of all faiths.  Christian churches, particularly in Punjab, have been targeted.  As a precaution against possible dangers resulting from sectarian violence, U.S. citizens are cautioned to avoid public transportation and crowded areas.  The Wagah border crossing into India near Lahore remains open (from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) daily for travel to and from India if the passport holder has a valid visa for both countries.  Travelers are advised to confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel.

Sindh Province – In Karachi and Hyderabad, there has been recurring violence characterized by random bombings and shootings as well as several incidents of kidnapping for ransom.  Americans and other Westerners continue to be the target of violence.  Four people, including an American diplomat working at Consulate Karachi, were killed and 52 others injured on March 2, 2006, when a suicide bomber detonated a car packed with explosives near the American Consulate General in Karachi.  Two bombings in Mosques in Karachi in August 2004 left ten dead and over 50 injured.  The bombing of a Mosque outside Karachi in May 2005 left five dead and 30 injured.  Six were killed in a KFC Franchise as a result of the mob violence that followed the bombing.  The U.S. Consulate in Karachi has been the target of several major terrorist attacks or attempts in recent years.  See the first paragraph of this (Safety and Security) section for more information regarding security incidents in this region.  See also the section on Registration/Embassy and Consulate Locations for instructions on contacting the Embassy or Consulates for emergency assistance.

In rural Sindh Province, the security situation is hazardous, especially for those engaged in overland travel.  The Government of Pakistan recommends that travelers limit their movements in Sindh Province to the city of Karachi.

Baluchistan Province - The province of Baluchistan, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan, is notorious for narcotics and other forms of cross-border smuggling.  Members of the Taliban and Al-Qaida are also believed to be present there. 

Armed battles between clans are frequent.  Tribal unrest and separatist movements in Baluchistan have turned increasingly dangerous since a series of attacks in December 2005.  Because the provincial police presence is limited, travelers wishing to visit the interior of Baluchistan should consult with the province's Home Secretary.  Advance permission from provincial authorities is required for travel into some areas.  Local authorities have detained travelers who lacked proper permission.  Quetta, the provincial capital, has experienced serious sectarian violence that has led to gun battles in the streets and the imposition of curfews.  Terrorist rocket attacks against Pakistani government installations were also reported throughout 2005.  On February 15, 2006, three Chinese engineers were killed in Hub, Baluchistan, not far from Karachi.

Returning Americans of Afghan origin are sometimes targets for harassment or extortion by the local populace and even by police, local immigration and customs officials, especially if they do not have a well-established family structure in Pakistan.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site, where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

CRIME:   Crime is a serious concern for foreigners throughout Pakistan.  Carjacking, armed robberies, house invasions, and other violent crimes occur in the major urban areas.  Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common throughout Pakistan.  American travelers to Pakistan are strongly advised to avoid traveling by taxi and other forms of public transportation.  Americans are urged to have members of their host organizations or families meet them at the airport.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.  See our information on Victims of Crime.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:  Adequate medical care is available in major cities in Pakistan but is limited in rural areas.  Facilities in the major cities vary in level and range of services, resources, and cleanliness, and Americans may find them below U.S. standards; facilities in rural areas are consistently below U.S. standards.  Medical facilities require prepayment and do not accept credit cards.

Water is not potable anywhere in Pakistan and sanitation in many restaurants is inadequate.  Stomach illnesses are common and can be life-threatening.  Effective emergency response to personal injury and illness is virtually non-existent in Pakistan.  Ambulances are few and are not necessarily staffed by medical personnel.  Any emergency case should be transported immediately to recommended emergency receiving rooms.  Many American-brand medications are not widely available, but generic brands from well-known pharmaceuticals are widely available.  The quality of the locally-produced medications is not known.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:   While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Pakistan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic in Pakistan moves on the left, opposite of that in the U.S.  In addition to this source of potential confusion, travel by road in Pakistan has a variety of other risks.  Roads are crowded, drivers are aggressive and poorly trained, and many vehicles, particularly large trucks and buses, are badly maintained.  Roads, including most major highways, also suffer from poor maintenance and often have numerous potholes, sharp drop-offs and barriers that are not sign-posted.  Extreme caution should be exercised when traveling at night by road since many vehicles do not have proper illumination or dimmers nor are most roads properly illuminated or signed.  Driving without experienced local drivers or guides is not recommended.

It is best to avoid public transportation.  For security reasons, U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using taxis or buses (see Safety and Security section above).

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Visit the website of Pakistan’s national tourist office at http://www.tourism.gov.pk/ and the national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.nha.gov.pk/.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Pakistan as being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for oversight of Pakistan's air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:   Pakistan is largely a cash economy.  Personal checks are not commonly accepted.  Most Pakistanis do not use checking accounts for routine transactions.  Outside of major cities and tourist destinations, credit cards and travelers' checks are generally not accepted, and there have been numerous reports of credit card fraud.  There are bank branches as well as registered money-changers in all international airports.  ATMs can be found in major airports.  English is widely spoken by professional-level airport staff. 

Please see our information on Customs Information.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating Pakistani laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Pakistan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.  Please see our information on Criminal Penalties. 

CHILDREN'S ISSUES:  For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website. 

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS:  Americans living or traveling in Pakistan are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Pakistan.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, telephone (92-51) 208-0000; Consular Section telephone (92-51) 208-2700, fax (92-51) 282-2632, website http://islamabad.usembassy.gov/.

The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, located at 8 Abdullah Haroon Road, closed its public operations indefinitely due to security concerns.  U.S. citizens requiring emergency assistance should call the Consular Section in Karachi.  The telephone is (92-21) 520-4200, fax (92-21) 568-0496, website http://karachi.usconsulate.gov/.

The U.S. Consulate in Lahore is located on 50-Empress Road Sharah-E-Abdul Hamid Bin Badees, (Old Empress Road) near Shimla Hill Rotary, telephone (92-42) 603-4000, fax (92-42) 603-4200, website http://lahore.usconsulate.gov/.  Email address: amconsul@brain.net.pk.

The U.S. Consulate in Peshawar is located at 11 Hospital Road, Cantonment, Peshawar, telephone (92-91)527-9801 through 9803, fax (92-91)528-4171, web site http://Peshawar.usconsulate.gov/.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 20, 2005 to update sections on Safety and Security, and Registration/Embassy and Consulate Locations.