Pakistan Travel Advice, Embassies & Tourist Offices

Travellers are advised against all travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and much of North West Frontier Province, including the areas of Peshawar, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki and Dera Ismail Khan; to the city of Peshawar and districts south of the city; to Northern and Western Balochistan and all but essential travel to Quetta and parts of Interior Sindh to the north of Nawabshah.

Travellers are also advised against all travel to Swat, Buner, and Lower Dir, including travel on the Peshawar to Chitral road via the Lowari Pass. In these areas there are ongoing reports of military or militant activity. A curfew has been imposed in parts of these districts. Large numbers of people have evacuated these areas. The risk from lawlessness and kidnapping remains severe.

There has been a recent increase in sectarian violence in Gilgit and the authorities have introduced restrictions on public gatherings. Travellers are also advised against using the rail network across the whole of Pakistan.

Caution should be taken when visiting central Punjab due to a high likelihood of spontaneous sectarian violence. If you are intending to travel to Pakistan, you should follow the developing situation in the news media and consult FCO Travel Advice regularly. You are also recommended to register with the British High Commission. You may wish to seek local advice on the latest situation from the Security Section of the British High Commission in Islamabad or the British Deputy High Commission in Karachi.

There is a high threat from terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan. Events across the country show that the series of major terrorist attacks is continuing. Statements issued by militant groups have threatened more attacks. The Pakistani authorities are also concerned about the threat to foreigners of kidnapping.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisaions for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel