Destination Guides
Pakistan

 
assport/Visa
 
Passport/Visa

Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes

 
Restricted entry and transit

The Government of Pakistan refuses entry to nationals of Israel, even for transit. Nationals of Afghanistan are refused entry if their passports or tickets show evidence of transit or boarding in India. Holders of Taiwan (China) passports are refused entry except in transit or airport transit.

 
Passports

Passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay required by all.

 
Visas

Required by all except the following:
(a) holders of a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) regardless of nationality for unlimited stay;
(b) nationals of Tonga and Trinidad & Tobago for an unlimited period;
(c) nationals of Iceland, Maldives and Zambia for stays of up to a maximum of three months;
(d) nationals of Nepal and Samoa, and holders of Chinese passports issued in Hong Kong (SAR), for stays of up to 30 days;
(e) transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided they are holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport;
(f) holders of UN laissez-passer.

 
Note

Nationals of Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Nigeria, Palestinian Authority passport holders, Serbia & Montenegro, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Yemen must report to the nearest Foreigners Registration Office for registration, except for those issued Work permits/visas in the managerial category. In certain circumstances, this may also be applicable to other nationals and will be indicated on their passports.

 
Types of visa and cost

Price of visa varies according to nationality. For UK nationals, prices are: Single-entry: £40; Double-entry: £54; Multiple-entry: £74. These prices are identical to those issued for the Visa for Media Professionals, which must be routed through the Information Division of the Pakistan High Commission. For Pakistanis holding dual nationality, prices are: Adult: £20; Child (up to 18 years old): £10; valid for stays of up to one year. Applicants with parents holding Pakistani passports get the same concession, provided they produce the original detailed birth certificate and their parents’ Pakistani passports. Pilgrim (Single-entry): £45. This is issued to those wishing to visit holy places (Shrines/Gurdawaras) in Pakistan and is allowed for groups of pilgrims, normally restricted to a specified period. Business: £68 (Single-entry); £90 (Double-entry); £122 (Multiple-entry).
Note: An 80 pence bank surcharge per application for a visa or passport is required. Certain nationals are issued visas free of charge, but they must be obtained prior to travel. For further information, consult the High Commission or Embassy.

 
Validity

Single-entry/Double-entry: six months from the date of issue for stays of up to three months. Multiple-entry: six months to one year.

 
Application to

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Passport/Visa Information.

 
Application requirements

(a) Original valid passport, plus one photocopy. (b) One application form. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Confirmed return/onward ticket. (e) Proof of sufficient funds for duration of stay. (f) Fee payable by cash or postal order only. (g) For business trips, a letter of invitation from a company in Pakistan.

 
Note

There may be slightly different application requirements for Indian nationals and the nearest Consulate/Embassy should be contacted for further information prior to travel.

 
Working days required

Depends on nationality (in UK, visas are normally granted within 24 to 48 hours). Enquire at the nearest Consulate or Embassy. Pilgrim visas require two months' processing time.

 
Passport/Visa Information

High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the UK
34-36 Lowndes Square, London SW1X 9JN, UK
Tel: (020) 7664 9200 or 9204.
Website: www.pakmission-uk.gov.pk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1730; 0930-1200 (visa submission); 1600-1700 (visa collection).

Consulate General of Pakistan in the UK
Pakistan House, 137 Dickenson Road, Rusholme, Manchester M14 5JB, UK
Tel: (0161) 225 2005.

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the USA

3517 International Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 243 6500.
Website: www.embassyofpakistan.org

Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the USA
12 East, 65th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
Tel: (212) 879 5800 or 517 7541.
Website: www.embassyofpakistan.org

 
 
 
ontact Addresses
 
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC)

Information Service, P.O. Box 1465, Agha Khan Road, Markaz F-6 (Supermarket), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
Tel: (51) 921 2760 or 920 2766
Website: www.tourism.gov.pk

 
High Commission for Pakistan in the UK

34-36 Lowndes Square, London SW1X 9JN, UK
Tel: (020) 7664 9200 or 9204.
Website: www.pakmission-uk.gov.pk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1730; 0930-1200 (visa submission); 1600-1700 (visa collection).

 
Consulate General of Pakistan in the UK

Pakistan House, 137 Dickenson Road, Rusholme, Manchester M14 5JB, UK
Tel: (0161) 225 2005.

 
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the USA

3517 International Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 243 6500.
Website: www.embassyofpakistan.org

 
Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the USA

12 East, 65th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
Tel: (212) 879 5800 or 517 7541.
Website: www.embassyofpakistan.org

 
 
 
ealth
 
Health

No 1
2 No
3 N/A
4 N/A

 
1

Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required of all travellers arriving within six days from any part of a country in which yellow fever is endemic. Infants under six months of age are exempt if the mother’s vaccination certificate shows her to have been vaccinated prior to the child’s birth. Countries and areas within the endemic zone are regarded as infected.

 
2

Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Pakistan. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix.

 
3

Vaccination against typhoid is advised. There are reports of typhoid drug resistance.

 
4

Malaria risk exists throughout the year in all areas below 2000m (6560ft). The malignant falciparum strain is present and has been reported as chloroquine-resistant.

 
Food & drink

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Avoid food from street vendors.

 
Other risks

Hepatitis A and E occur and hepatitis B is endemic. Trachoma and typhoid fever are common. Between June and January, Japanese encephalitis is a risk in rural areas. Dengue fever may also occur. Do not walk barefoot.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

 
Health care

Medical facilities can be very limited. There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure. The main hospitals are: Agha Khan Hospital, Karachi; Doctor's Hospital, Lahore; and Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad.

 
Note

A certificate proving the visitor to be HIV-negative is required if planning on staying over one year in the country.

 
 
 
ublic Holidays
 
Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.

Jan 13 2006
Eid ul-Azha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Feb 9 Ashoura. Mar 23 Pakistan Day. Apr 11 Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet). Aug 14 Independence Day. Oct 22-24 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Nov 9 Allama Muhammad Iqbal Day. Dec 25 Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday. Dec 31 Eid ul-Azha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
Jan 29 2007 Ashoura. Mar 23 Pakistan Day. Mar 31 Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).

 
Note

(a) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Most restaurants are closed during the day and there is a restriction on smoking and drinking in public places. Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul-Azha may last from two to four days, depending on the region. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix. (b) Christian holidays are observed by the Christian community only.