Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded e-Visa Access
Pakistan's e-Visa system has been streamlined for 2026, allowing online applications for over 175 countries with faster processing times of 3-5 days. The fee is $35 for tourist visas, and it's valid for single or multiple entries up to 30-90 days. Apply via the official Pakistan Online Visa portal to ensure authenticity and avoid scams.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Pakistan, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Ensure it meets biometric standards, as non-compliant passports may be rejected at borders.
Photocopy your passport and keep digital copies accessible, especially for remote areas like Gilgit-Baltistan where facilities are limited.
Visa-Free Countries
Currently, no countries enjoy visa-free access to Pakistan, but citizens of Turkey, Malaysia, and Iceland can obtain visas on arrival for tourism purposes under specific conditions.
For all others, pre-approval is mandatory; check the latest list on the official immigration website as policies can change based on diplomatic relations.
Visa Applications
Apply for an e-Visa online through the official portal, providing scanned passport pages, a recent photo, itinerary, proof of funds (at least $500), and hotel bookings. The process is digital, with approvals emailed directly, but paper visas are still available via Pakistani embassies for those preferring in-person submission.
Fees range from $35-$110 depending on nationality and visa type, with processing times of 4-10 working days; apply at least one month in advance for peace of mind.
Border Crossings
Major entry points include Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports, where e-Visas are verified electronically; land borders like Wagah-Attari with India require prior approval and can involve security checks lasting several hours.
For overland travel from China via Khunjerab Pass, ensure seasonal openings (May-October) and carry all documents, as remote crossings lack digital verification.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended and often required for visa approval, covering medical evacuation (essential in mountainous regions), trip delays, and lost baggage; opt for policies that include adventure activities like trekking in the Karakoram.
Comprehensive plans start at $2-5 per day from international providers, ensuring coverage for high-altitude illnesses and political instability risks in certain areas.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days can be applied for at the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports in major cities like Islamabad or Lahore, requiring proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
Fees are approximately PKR 2,000-5,000, and approval isn't guaranteed, so plan extensions early to avoid overstay fines of up to $15 per day.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Pakistan uses the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Islamabad or Lahore by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during peak seasons like spring cherry blossom viewing.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at dhabas (roadside eateries) for authentic biryani or karahi under PKR 500, avoiding upscale restaurants to save up to 60% on food expenses.
Local bazaars like Anarkali in Lahore offer fresh fruits, spices, and snacks at bargain prices, perfect for self-catering in guesthouses.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for the Pakistan Railways tourist package for intercity travel at PKR 2,000-5,000 for multi-day journeys, significantly reducing costs compared to flights.
City-specific cards or apps like Careem for ridesharing can bundle transport and include discounts on fuel surcharges in urban areas.
Free Attractions
Explore UNESCO sites like Mohenjo-Daro or Mohatta Palace gardens without fees, and wander historic streets in Peshawar's Qissa Khwani Bazaar for cultural immersion at no cost.
Many forts and mosques, such as Lahore Fort on certain days, offer free entry, allowing you to stretch your budget for unique experiences.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in major hotels and malls, but carry PKR cash for rural areas, bazaars, and small vendors where digital payments are unreliable.
Use ATMs from banks like HBL or UBL for withdrawals to get better rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge high commissions.
Combo Tickets
Purchase bundled entry passes for sites like the Lahore Heritage Trail at PKR 1,000, granting access to multiple monuments and saving 40% on individual fees.
For northern adventures, group tours to Swat Valley often include transport and entries, making it economical for solo travelers.
Smart Packing for Pakistan
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack modest, loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders and knees, such as shalwar kameez for women or long-sleeve shirts for men, to respect cultural norms in conservative areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Include layers for varying altitudes, from hot plains to cool mountains, and quick-dry fabrics for dusty travels between cities like Karachi and Quetta.
Electronics
Bring adapters for Type C, D, and M plugs (220-240V), a solar charger for remote treks in Chitral, offline maps via apps like Maps.me, and a VPN for unrestricted internet access.
Pack a rugged phone case and extra batteries, as power outages are common in rural Pakistan, and download Urdu/English translation tools for local interactions.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, altitude sickness pills for northern hikes, and vaccinations proof for hepatitis and typhoid.
Include high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brim hats for intense sun in Sindh, and water purification tablets, as tap water isn't safe—stick to bottled sources.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable backpack for day trips to bazaars, a reusable water bottle with filter, a scarf for dust and sun protection, and small PKR notes for tips and vendors.
Bring passport copies, a money belt for valuables, and a lock for budget accommodations, especially when traveling by overnight bus to Gilgit.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy trekking boots for trails in the Himalayas or Margalla Hills, and comfortable sandals for urban exploration in Lahore's humid climate.
Water-resistant shoes are vital for monsoon-season visits to Swat, and extra socks help with dusty roads and long walks at ancient sites like Taxila.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized toiletries including wet wipes for limited facilities in remote areas, moisturizer for dry high-desert winds in Balochistan, and a compact fan for hot summers.
Include hand sanitizer, insect repellent for malaria-prone regions, and biodegradable items to minimize environmental impact in fragile ecosystems like the Indus Valley.
When to Visit Pakistan
Spring (March-May)
Perfect for blooming landscapes in the north, with mild temperatures of 15-25°C in Islamabad and cherry blossoms in Nathiagali, ideal for hiking without extreme heat.
Fewer crowds at sites like Fairy Meadows, and festivals like Basant kite-flying in Lahore add vibrant cultural touches to your itinerary.
Summer (June-August)
Best for high-altitude escapes to cooler northern areas like Hunza Valley (10-20°C), while southern plains like Karachi hit 30-40°C—head to hill stations for relief.
Monsoon rains bring lush greenery to Punjab, great for river rafting in Swat, though avoid flood-prone areas and book accommodations early for peak season.
Autumn (September-November)
Excellent for golden foliage in the Karakoram with comfortable 15-25°C weather, prime time for trekking to K2 base camp or exploring ancient ruins in Gandhara.
Harvest festivals in rural Sindh and lower hotel rates make it budget-friendly, with clear skies enhancing photography in the Thar Desert.
Winter (December-February)
Budget season for snow adventures in Murree (0-10°C) and cultural events like Urs festivals in Sufi shrines, with mild weather in the south around 20°C.
Ideal for indoor pursuits like visiting museums in Karachi or relaxing in Quetta's cooler climate, avoiding summer heat while enjoying off-peak discounts.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR). ATMs are available in cities; exchange at banks for best rates. Cards accepted in urban areas but cash is king elsewhere.
- Language: Urdu is official, with English widely used in business and tourism. Regional languages like Punjabi, Pashto, and Sindhi are common.
- Time Zone: Pakistan Standard Time (PKT), UTC+5
- Electricity: 220-240V, 50Hz. Type C, D, M plugs (mix of round and square pins)
- Emergency Number: 15 for police, 1122 for ambulance, 16 for fire, 112 for general emergencies
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% in restaurants, PKR 50-100 for guides and drivers
- Water: Tap water is not safe; drink bottled or purified water to avoid health issues
- Pharmacies: Easily found in cities; look for "dawa khana" signs. Basic meds available over-the-counter