Pakistan
Country Specific Information
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August 31, 2012

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Pakistan is a parliamentary federal republic in South Asia, with a population of over 170 million people. Pakistan held successful elections in February 2008 and has a coalition government. Pakistan is a developing country with some tourist facilities in major cities but limited in outlying areas. The infrastructure in parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) regions was devastated by an October 8, 2005, earthquake and have not yet been fully rebuilt. Massive flooding in 2010 destroyed infrastructure throughout the Indus River valley. Many parts of the country are also affected by militancy and violent extremism. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Pakistan for additional information.

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SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Pakistan, please take the time to tell our Embassy or Consulates about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates .

U.S. Embassy in Islamabad
The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5.
Telephone: (92-51) 208-0000
Consular Section telephone: (92-51) 208-2700
Fax: (92-51) 282-2632
Emergency Contact Information: (92-51) 208-0000

U.S. Consulate General in Karachi
The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi is located at Plot 3-5 New TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road. U.S. citizens requiring emergency assistance should call the Consular Section in Karachi.
Telephone: (92-21) 3527-5000
Fax: (92-21) 3561-2420
Emergency Contact Information: (92-21) 3527-5000

U.S. Consulate General in Lahore
The U.S. Consulate in Lahore is located on 50 Sharah-E-Abdul Hamid Bin Badees (Old Empress Road), near Shimla Hill Rotary.
Telephone: (92-42) 3603-4000
Fax: (92-42) 3603-4212
Emergency Contact Information: (92-42) 3603-4000

U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar
The U.S. Consulate in Peshawar is located at 11 Hospital Road, Cantonment, Peshawar.
Telephone: (92-91) 526-8800
Fax: (92-91) 528-4171
Emergency Contact Information: (92-91) 526-8800

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: U.S. citizens require a valid passport and valid Pakistani visa to enter and exit Pakistan for any purpose. U.S. citizens must obtain visas at a Pakistani Embassy or Consulate in the country of their usual residence prior to entering Pakistan as there are no provisions for visas upon arrival. Those arriving without a valid passport and a valid visa are subject to fine, arrest, incarceration and/or deportation. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan are unable to assist when U.S. citizens arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens in Pakistan are responsible for monitoring their own visa status and for ensuring that they are in compliance with Pakistani immigration regulations. The U.S. Mission in Pakistan is unable to intervene with the Government of Pakistan in helping citizens extend their visas. U.S. citizens may apply for extension of stay at the following address:

Section Officer (Visas)
Ministry of Interior
Pakistan Secretariat, ‘R’ Block,
Islamabad

Telephone: 051-920-7290

If a foreign citizen, including a U.S. citizen, overstays his or her Pakistani visa, or otherwise violates Pakistani visa regulations, the traveler may require a clearance from the Ministry of Interior in order to leave the country. Such travelers generally must pay a fine, and in some cases, may be jailed until their deportation can be arranged. Additional information on visas can be obtained from the Embassy of Pakistan at 3517 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel. 202-243-6500. The Embassy may be contacted via email .

Travelers may also contact one of the Consulates General of Pakistan in:

  • Boston: 1032 Main St., Suite 5, Millis, MA 02054; telephone: (617) 267-9000; fax: (617) 266-6666
  • Chicago: 333 North Michigan Ave., Suite 728, Chicago, IL, 60601; telephone: (312) 781-1831; fax: (312) 781-1838 or (312) 781-1839
  • Houston: 11850 Jones Road, Houston, TX, 77070; telephone: (281) 894-6606; fax: (281) 890-1433
  • Los Angeles: 10850 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1250, Los Angeles, CA 90024; telephone: (310) 441-5114; fax: (310) 441-9256
  • New York: 12 East 65th St., New York, NY 10021; telephone: (212) 879-5800; fax: (212) 517-6987
    The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for U.S. citizens traveling to Pakistan.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

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THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: A number of extremist groups within Pakistan continue to target U.S. citizens and other Western interests and Pakistani officials. Terrorists have demonstrated a willingness and capability to attack targets where U.S. citizens are known to congregate or visit. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings -- including vehicle-borne explosives and improvised explosive devices -- assassinations, carjackings, assaults, and kidnappings. Pakistani military forces are engaged in a campaign against extremist elements across many areas of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, formerly known as Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP). In response to this campaign, militants have increased attacks against both civilian and government targets in Pakistan’s cities and rural areas.

The presence of al-Qaida, Taliban elements, and indigenous militant extremist and sectarian groups poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan, especially in the western border regions of the country. Continuing tensions in Muslim-majority countries and territories also increase the possibility of violence against Westerners. Although the Pakistani government has heightened its security measures, particularly in the major cities, terrorist groups continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where U.S. citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit, such as shopping areas, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events.

Visits by U.S. government personnel to Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi are limited, and movements by U.S. government personnel assigned to the Consulates in these cities are severely restricted. The security situation in many rural areas is extremely hazardous. U.S. citizens, including officials, are required to obtain advance permission from local or federal authorities to travel to the FATA, large parts of KP Province, and Balochistan Province. U.S. officials in Islamabad are instructed to restrict the frequency and to minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, and other locations. Only a limited number of official visitors are placed in hotels, and for limited stays. Depending on ongoing security assessments, the U.S. Embassy places areas such as hotels, markets, and/or restaurants off limits to official personnel. U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures and to maintain good situational awareness, particularly when visiting locations frequented by Westerners.

Suicide bombing attacks and political violence continue to occur throughout the country on a regular basis, often targeting government authorities such as police checkpoints and military installations, as well as public areas such as mosques and shopping areas. On January 4, 2011, well-known Governor of Punjab Province Salmaan Taseer was assassinated in the Kohsar Market area of Islamabad. On March 2, 2011, Federal Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, the sole Christian member of Pakistan’s cabinet, was also gunned down on the outskirts of Islamabad. On May 20, 2011, a U.S. consulate general vehicle in Peshawar was attacked, killing one person and injuring a dozen, including two U.S. employees of the Mission. On May 22, 2011, more than a dozen gunmen stormed Pakistani Naval Station Mehran in Karachi. On May 26, 2011, a suicide bomber blew up a car laden with explosives at a checkpoint near a police station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing 32 persons and injuring 60 others. On June 13, 2011, a bomb attack occured in the I-8 Markaz commercial area of Islamabad. On August 19, 2011, a suicide bomber attacked a mosque in Jamrud town, near Peshawar in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. At least 43 people were killed and more than 115 were injured. On September 19, 2011, a suicide bomb attack targeted the home of a senior policeman in Karachi. At least 8 people were killed and others have been injured. On November 12, 2011, at least four people were killed and another injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire outside a district court in Rawalpindi. 

Since late 2007, occasional rockets have been targeted at areas in and around Peshawar, including in the direction of Peshawar International Airport. In June 2009, the Peshawar International Airport closed for two days for unspecified security concerns. Also in July 2009, some airline carriers suspended service to the airport. For the most up-to-date information on aviation safety and security, U.S. citizens should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website.

U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan have been kidnapped for ransom stemming from personal disputes, or by terrorist elements including al-Qaida. Reported incidents include two separate kidnappings in the summer of 2011 in Lahore. One victim was a USAID contractor. Earlier occurrences include the 2010 kidnapping of a U.S. citizen child in Karachi, and the 2009 kidnapping of a U.S. citizen official of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Balochistan. The kidnapping of Pakistani citizens and other foreign nationals, usually for ransom, continues to increase dramatically nationwide.

We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Rallies, demonstrations, and processions occur regularly throughout Pakistan on very short notice and have often taken on an anti-American or anti-Western character. Additionally, rolling electrical blackouts--known locally as "load shedding"-- are commonplace for many hours a day and have led to sporadic demonstrations and violence in many cities throughout Pakistan. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Because of the possibility of violence, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid all public places of worship and areas where Westerners are known to congregate. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Information regarding demonstrations in Pakistan can be found on the websites of U.S. Embassy-Islamabad and Consulates in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar.

During the Islamic (Shia) religious observance of Muharram, hostilities targeting religious sects often increase. We advise U.S. citizens to avoid areas where large crowds of religious observers gather in order to avoid this threat.

It is best to avoid public transportation. For security reasons, U.S. Mission personnel are prohibited from using trains, taxis, or buses. (See the Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section below). Men and women are advised to dress conservatively, with arms and legs covered, and to avoid walking alone. It is unwise for anyone to travel on the streets late at night. Visitors to Pakistan should maintain a low profile and be aware of their surroundings.

Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly known as the Northern Areas):Northern Pakistan has the greatest concentration of the highest peaks in the world. This environment attracts trekkers and mountain climbers from all over the world. Trekking in Pakistan involves walking over rugged, steep terrain, where one is exposed to the elements, often at high altitudes. The Ministry of Tourism has defined trekking as walking below 6000 m. It has designated three trekking zones: open, restricted, and closed. U.S. citizens may trek anywhere in the open zone without a permit or the services of a licensed mountain guide. For trekking in the restricted zone, U.S. citizens must pay a $20 per person, per trek fee (subject to change) to obtain a trekking permit from the Ministry of Tourism. To hike in the restricted zone, U.S. citizens must also hire a licensed mountain guide, buy a personal accident insurance policy for the guide and the porters, and attend a mandatory briefing and de-briefing at the Ministry of Tourism. No trekking is allowed in closed zones, which are located near the Pakistan-Afghan border and near the Line of Control between Pakistan-administered and India-administered Kashmir.

While we continue to discourage non-essential travel to Pakistan, the safest option for trekkers is to join an organized group or use a reputable firm that provides experienced guides and porters. Trekkers are also advised to sign-up with STEP and to provide a copy of their itinerary to family or friends in the United States. While overall crime in the northern areas is low, there have been occasional assaults on foreigners. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad strongly recommends that U.S. citizens exercise extreme caution when trekking at high altitudes. Only experienced trekkers should tackle the northern mountains of the Hindukush, the Karakorams, and the Himalayas.

All peaks and routes for mountain climbing--sometimes referred to officially as "mountaineering"-- in Pakistan have been designated as open or restricted. The Ministry of Tourism issues permits for climbing and fees vary by altitude and time of year. A Pakistani Army Liaison Officer must accompany all mountain climbing expeditions. Visit the Pakistan Tourism Development Cooperation website for the most current trekking and mountaineering information.

Recent unrest and sectarian violence in Gilgit-Baltistan led to unsafe conditions along roadways and the cancellation of all flights into and out of the region in April 2012. U.S. citizens should be aware that adverse weather conditions often delay or cause flights to be cancelled without notice. 

Khyber Pahktunkhwa (KP) Province, formerly known as the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP), and Gilgit-Baltistan:Because of the high security threat level, the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar no longer provides routine consular services. The U.S. government currently allows only essential travel within the FATA and KP Province by U.S. officials. Security and logistical challenges may affect the Consulate’s ability to provide emergency consular services in this area. Pakistani security forces are currently engaged in a campaign against extremist elements across many areas of the FATA and parts of KP Province. Access to many areas of Pakistan, including the FATA along the Afghan border, is restricted by local government authorities for non-Pakistanis. Travel to any restricted region requires official permission by the Government of Pakistan. Failure to obtain permission in advance can result in arrest and detention by Pakistani authorities. Even in the settled areas of KP Province, terrorist activity and sectarian violence are common. Terrorists and their sympathizers regularly attack civilian, government, and foreign targets. U.S. citizens are also frequently targeted. There have been bombings in Peshawar of varying sophistication since September 2006. Members and supporters of the Taliban and al-Qaida are known to be in the FATA, and may also be in the settled areas.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir: While direct military hostilities between India and Pakistan across the Line of Control (LOC) are infrequent, militant groups engaged in a long-running insurgency on the Indian side of the LOC have bases and supporters operating from the Pakistani side. Most of these groups are anti-American, and some have attacked U.S. citizens and other Westerners. The Government of Pakistan restricts access to many parts of this region and requires that U.S. citizens obtain a permit from the Ministry of Interior before traveling.

Punjab Province:Violence has increased in Punjab Province in the past three years. In addition to the incidents cited above, there have been several incidents of violence since late 2010. On April 24, 2012, an explosion at the Lahore Railway Station killed three people and injured at least 30 others. On October 25, 2010, a bomb exploded in the eastern gate of the Baba Farid Shrine in the Pakpattan district of Lahore, killing six persons and injuring several others. On January 25, 2011, an attack on a Shia procession in Lahore reportedly killed 11 people and injured 50. On March 8, 2011, an attack on a gas station in Faisalabad reportedly killed at least 20 people and injured over 120.

As a precaution against these possible dangers, U.S. citizens are cautioned to maintain good situational awareness. The Wagah border crossing into India near Lahore remains open daily (from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) for travel to and from India if the passport holder has a valid visa for both countries. U.S. citizens are advised to confirm with Pakistani authorities the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. U.S. citizens traveling to Jhang, Attock, Dera Ghazi Khan and Khushab Tehsils, as well as Jauharabad Tehsil in Muzaffargarh district, require permission from the Ministry of Interior.

Sindh Province:In Karachi and Hyderabad, there has been recurring violence characterized by bombings, violent demonstrations, and shootings. The most notorious attack occurred in October 2007, when a suicide attack on former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto killed more than 130 and injured approximately 375 people in Karachi. Over the last two years, Karachi has been wracked by political violence. On October 7, 2010, eight persons were killed and over 60 injured in a suicide attack at the Abdullah Shah Ghazi shrine in Karachi. On November 11, 2010, another major attack targeting a police installation in Karachi killed 20 persons and injured 150 in a suicide car bomb blast at the Crime Investigation Department. On December 28, 2010, an explosion wounded several students at Karachi University. In many areas of the city, there is resentment toward outsiders. On November 16, 2011, a vehicle driven by suicide bombers exploded in the Defence area of Karachi, killing the three bombers and two police officers. Non-essential travel to Karachi is strongly discouraged.

From the start of 2011 to the present, armed factions linked to certain political parties have engaged in the targeted killings of their opponents. In these targeted killings, it is not uncommon for bystanders to become victims.

U.S. citizens and other Westerners continue to be potential targets of hostility and anti-Western mob violence. The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi in particular has been the target of several major terrorist attacks or plots in recent years. Both Sindh and Balochistan are trans-shipment points for U.S. military equipment en route to Afghanistan. Personnel, ports, vehicles, and storage areas believed to be supporting U.S. military shipments have been the subject of terrorist attacks. In rural Sindh Province, the security situation is hazardous, especially for those engaged in overland travel. The Government of Pakistan recommends that travelers limit their movements in Sindh Province.

Balochistan Province: The Province of Balochistan, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan, is notorious for narcotics and other forms of cross-border smuggling. Members of the Taliban and al-Qaida are also believed to be present there. Tribal unrest sometimes turns violent. Travelers wishing to visit the interior of Balochistan should consult with the province’s Home Secretary, as the provincial police presence is limited. Advance permission from the provincial authorities is required for travel into many areas. Local authorities have detained travelers who lacked proper permission. Quetta, the provincial capital, has experienced an increase in bombings and occasional gun battles in the streets. Terrorist attacks against Pakistani government installations and infrastructure have been reported from 2009 to the present.

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CRIME: Crime is a serious concern for foreigners throughout Pakistan. Carjacking, armed robberies, house invasions, and other violent crimes occur in many major urban areas. These crimes have also occurred infrequently in other areas. Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common. U.S. citizen travelers to Pakistan are strongly advised to avoid traveling by taxi and other forms of public transportation, and have members of their host organizations or families meet them at the airport. In the past, several U.S. citizen travelers arriving at the international airport in Lahore, who were met by their families, were robbed outside the airport of cash and jewelry, after being stopped by a car with fake government license plates. Such schemes are common. Travel outside urban centers should only be undertaken during daylight hours. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates have seen a large increase in the number of U.S. citizens alleging the loss of property or financial investment due to the unfair business practices of their Pakistani partners.

Don’t buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too. 

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VICTIMS OF CRIME: f you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care, if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and can direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

If your passport is stolen, we can help you replace it. Although the Embassy or Consulate is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for approving an exit visa. You should immediately report the theft or loss to the police in the location where your passport was stolen. A police report, called an FIR (First Information Report) is required by the Pakistani government in order to obtain an exit visa to leave Pakistan in the event of a lost or stolen passport. This entire process can take three to four working days.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Pakistan is 15. In addition, local emergency responders in Punjab province can be reached by dialing 1122.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

Forced Marriage: The U.S. government considers the issue of forced marriage to be a violation of basic human rights and in the case of minors, a form of child abuse. Forced marriage is defined as one in which one or both parties have not consented to the marriage; it differs from arranged marriage. Often, victims of forced marriage are subjected to non-consensual sex, physical and emotional abuse, isolation, and threats of violence. International law and conventions also support an individual's right to self-determination, minimum marriage ages, and the rejection of abuse of women and honor-based violence.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Pakistan, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, but the law on this subject is vague and applied indiscriminately. In some places, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Pakistan, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. 

Persons violating Pakistani laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Pakistan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas. Please note that a consular officer might not be able to visit you for 15 working days or longer after your arrest in Pakistan.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice has more information on this serious problem.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Pakistan is largely a cash economy. Personal checks are not commonly accepted. Most Pakistanis do not use checking accounts for routine transactions. Outside major cities, even credit cards and travelers’ checks are generally not accepted, and there have been numerous reports of credit card fraud. There are bank branches as well as registered currency exchangers in all international airports. ATMs can also be found in major airports. English is widely spoken by professional-level airport staff.

The U.S. and Pakistani educational systems are very different. U.S. citizen medical students, in particular, should carefully review the fee and coursework structure prior to enrolling in a course of study.

Accessibility: While in Pakistan, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The law provides for equality of the rights of persons with disabilities, but the provisions are not always implemented in practice. Families typically care for most individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

In August 2009, President Zardari launched the "Special Persons-Special Cards" initiative, under which persons with disabilities receive reduced prices for a number of services, including transportation and financial services. The initiative also includes measures to provide disabled persons with greater physical access to public facilities. That said, access for individuals with physical disabilities to public facilities is limited in major cities and almost non-existent outside the population centers.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Adequate basic non-emergency medical care is available in major Pakistani cities but is limited in rural areas. Facilities in the cities vary in level and range of services, resources, and cleanliness, and U.S. citizens may find them below U.S. standards; facilities in rural areas are consistently below U.S. standards. Medical facilities require prepayment and most do not accept credit cards.

Water is not potable anywhere in Pakistan and sanitation in many restaurants is inadequate. Stomach illnesses are common. 

Effective emergency response to personal injury and illness is virtually non-existent in Pakistan. Ambulances are few and are not necessarily staffed by medical personnel. Any emergency case should be transported immediately to a recommended emergency receiving room. Many U.S.-brand medications are not widely available, but generic brands from well-known pharmaceuticals usually are. The quality of the locally produced medications is uneven.

You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Pakistan. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
  • Will it cover emergencies such as a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy does not go with you when you travel, it is a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. Hospitals and clinics may not process medical bills directly to the overseas insurance companies. You may still have to pay cash upfront before you submit your claim. It is good practice to carry cash to any hospital or clinic visit. Contact your insurance company before you travel to find out what is covered. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Pakistan, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Pakistan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic in Pakistan moves on the left, opposite of U.S. traffic In addition to this source of potential confusion, overland travel in Pakistan has a variety of other risks. Roads are crowded, drivers are often aggressive and poorly trained, and many vehicles, particularly large trucks and buses, are badly maintained. Donkeys, cattle, horse carts, and even the occasional camel can pose roadside hazards in some areas. Roads, including most major highways, also suffer from poor maintenance and often have numerous potholes, sharp drop-offs and barriers that are not sign-posted. Drivers should exercise extreme caution when traveling at night by road, as many vehicles do not have proper illumination or dimmers nor are most roads properly illuminated or signed. Driving without experienced local drivers or guides is not recommended.

It is best to avoid public transportation. For security reasons, U.S. Mission personnel are prohibited from using taxis or buses. (See threats to Safety and Security section above.)

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Pakistan’s national tourist office and Pakistan’s national authority responsible for road safety.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Pakistan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page. Currently there are no non-stop flights between the U.S. and Pakistan.

Two airplanes on domestic routes have crashed during the past two years and several other flights have made emergency landings.

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CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Pakistan dated October 31, 2011, to update the sections on Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)/Embassy Location, Entry/Exit Requirements for U.S. Citizens, Threats to Safety and Security, and Crime. 

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