All travellers

You will need a visa to enter or travel through Pakistan as a visitor. For further information consult the High Commission for Pakistan in London.

Passengers aged 12 and above require full vaccination against COVID-19 in order to undertake inbound flights to Pakistan. Some exemptions apply.

On 28 December 2022, the Government of Pakistan Border Health Services announced that 2% of passengers arriving on international flights will be randomly selected and tested for COVID-19. The test will be in the form of a lateral flow with those testing positive then receiving a PCR test. Anyone who tests positive will be advised to self-isolate for five days.

If you’re transiting through Pakistan

Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.

Transiting through Pakistan is permitted for travellers who are fully vaccinated.

Land Borders

The majority of Pakistan’s land borders are open but the FCDO advise against travel to most of the Afghanistan and Iran border areas.

The Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan is open to those crossing with valid passports and Pakistan visas, which you can apply for on the Ministry of Interior website. All borders with Afghanistan are liable to close at short notice and there have previously been reports of crowding and violence at open crossings. Those crossing into Pakistan may have to comply with coronavirus testing and quarantine measures. The FCDO currently advises against all travel to Afghanistan and Iran.

Illegal entry to Pakistan is a serious offence. If you cross from Afghanistan without the correct documentation you may be subject to detention and/or deportation. There is currently no process for regularisation of status for illegal entrants, which is necessary for onward travel.

If you’re fully vaccinated

Pakistan accepts vaccines which are currently on the WHO Emergency Use Listing.

On 24 February 2022 Pakistan removed the requirement for a negative COVID-19 PCR test for vaccinated travellers entering the country.

Travellers to Pakistan are no longer required to provide their contact information through the Pass Track App. You may have to fill in a health declaration form on arrival. Pakistan government guidance is available on their COVID-19 website.

Proof of vaccination status

Passengers aged 12 and above must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated to take inbound flights to Pakistan.

Pakistan will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

If you’re not fully vaccinated

Non-vaccinated passengers who are aged 12 years and above are required to possess a negative PCR test result conducted within 72 hours prior to commencing travel to Pakistan, unless one of the exemptions apply.

Children and young people

Children below 12 years of age do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter Pakistan.

Exemptions to Vaccination Rules

Exemptions to the vaccination rules may apply for:

• Passengers who hold a medical certificate stating that they have been medically advised not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine
• Passengers who travelled outbound from Pakistan before 1 October 2021 who have connecting flights in Pakistan.

If one of these exemptions apply, you are required to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken up to 72 hours before the start of travel.

Partial, or non-vaccinated travellers seeking further exemption from the vaccination or PCR testing requirement may apply through the relevant Pakistani High Commission to an Exemptions Committee for inbound travel to Pakistan.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Passport Validity

If you are visiting Pakistan, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date of your visa application.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Visas

If you’re travelling to Pakistan on a British passport, you will need to get a visa before you travel. Visa violations can be treated as a criminal offence and could result in a fine or detention.

Journalists’ visas often have additional travel restrictions, which you should observe.

For further information consult the High Commission for Pakistan in London, including for information on any changes in visa process during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)

You can enter Pakistan visa free and remain there for an unlimited period of stay if you hold a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or Smart National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (SNICOP). For more information visit the website of the High Commission for Pakistan in London.

Travelling with children

A single parent or other adult who is not the child’s parent may need to provide documentary evidence of parental responsibility, particularly if the child is of Pakistani origin, before the immigration authorities will allow the child to leave the country.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

Screening on departure

If you are leaving Pakistan, you may be screened at the airport for any symptoms of COVID-19. You may also be subject to thermal screening for high temperatures. If you are vaccinated and free from symptoms you will be allowed to travel. If you’re suspected of having symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough and breathing difficulty, you will be subject to a secondary screening by a medical professional or undergo rapid antigen testing. After which, you may be allowed to board if it is assessed that you do not have symptoms, have not been at risk of exposure and do not have a fever. If the secondary screening assesses that you may have COVID-19 you may be asked to self-isolate 5 days before you can travel. You may also be referred to a medical facility.