🇵🇰 Pakistan · Asia
Safety Pakistan
Vigilance conseillee
Pakistan has a reputation far worse than the reality on the tourist ground. The North (Hunza, Skardu, KKH) and the main tourist cities are welcoming and generally safe, but some regions (Balochistan, Afghan border) are formally not advised due to terrorism and kidnapping.
Specific risks
Theft & petty crime
2Globalement sur
Scams
3Vigilance conseillee
Natural disasters
4Risques importants
Health risks
3Vigilance conseillee
Political stability
4Risques importants
Areas to avoid
- Balochistan province — advised against in its entirety (terrorism, kidnappings, insurgency)
- Zone des 50 km le long de la frontiere afghane (hors postes officiels), interdite aux etrangers
- Certain tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (former FATA), Parachinar, Dera Ismail Khan
- Border with India (Kashmir, Line of Control) — tensions and militarized zone
- Certain neighbourhoods of Karachi at night (urban crime)
Emergency numbers
Police
15
Ambulance
1122
Fire department
16
Health & precautions
Vaccinations
- None required except yellow fever if coming from an at-risk area
- Recommended: hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, rabies for rural stays
- Polio: up-to-date vaccine recommended, a certificate may be required on exit
Drinking water
Never drink tap water. Sealed bottled water only, avoid ice cubes.
Mosquitoes
Dengue risk in the plains (Punjab, Sindh) especially after the monsoon, and malaria in some lowland areas. No mosquitoes at high altitude in the North.
General notes
Take out good repatriation insurance: limited care outside the big cities, complex medical evacuation in the North. Real altitude sickness above 3,000-4,000 m (Khunjerab, treks).
Women travelers
Pakistan is doable solo for women but requires preparation. Attract less attention by covering up (shoulders, legs, a light headscarf, essential at religious sites). The North (Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan) is noticeably more relaxed and safe than the plains. Verbal harassment/stares exist mainly in big cities; avoid traveling alone at night. The hospitality of local families is a real asset.
LGBTQ+ travelers
Homosexuality is illegal and deeply taboo socially. No public display of affection would be tolerated. The utmost discretion is essential.
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