Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Pakistan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[92] (51) 201-5000/ [92] (51) 201-4000; US Embassy in Islamabad, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad, Pakistan; ACSIslamabad@state.gov; https://pk.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
92
Local Emergency Phone
15
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Polio vaccination within one year before travel may be required to exit Pakistan. See WHO recommendations. Note: Pakistan is one of two countries with endemic wild polio virus and considered high risk for international spread of the disease. Before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; in addition, before travel to any high-risk destination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north
Currency (Code)
Pakistani rupees (PKR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D
Major Languages
Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Urdu, Balochi, Hindko, English
Major Religions
Muslim (official) 96.5% (Sunni 85-90%, Shia 10-15%), other (includes Christian and Hindu) 3.5%
Time Difference
UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Islamabad (includes Pakistan Monument Museum, Faisal Mosque); Naltar Valley & Lakes; Neelum Valley; Skardu; Gojal Valley; Deosai National Park; Lahore (includes Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens); Hunza Valley (includes Baltit Fort); Mohenjo daro
Major Sports
Cricket, field hockey, squash, soccer, polo
Cultural Practices
It's polite to graciously accept tea and refreshments served in social situations. People wait for elders to sit down and begin before eating. Pakistanis will often use their hands to eat rather than cutlery.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping about 30-50 rupees at local restaurants is greatly appreciated. It is best to tip hotel staff directly or leave small change on the table of your hotel room. Taxis do not usually expect a tip.
Souvenirs
Shawls, carpets, onyx and other gemstones and jewelry, inlaid wood furniture and crafts
Traditional Cuisine
Chicken Biryani — a rice dish layered with curried chicken, herbs, biryani spices (including curry, turmeric, allspice, and cardamom), and sometimes potatoes or eggs
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024
