Is It Safe to Travel to Pakistan in 2026?

Last updated: Jun 23, 2026

Pakistan is not under a blanket travel ban, and its northern valleys of Hunza, Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan still draw climbers and trekkers in large numbers. But every major government keeps a “reconsider travel” advisory in place, and several regions remain firmly off-limits.

This guide breaks down what the advisories say as of June 2026, which areas are safe, the everyday risks to plan around, and the visa and entry rules you need before you book.

Table of Contents

What the latest travel advisories say about Pakistan

Four of the most-followed governments rate Pakistan in the second-highest caution tier. None ban travel outright, but all flag terrorism, armed conflict, crime and kidnapping.

The US State Department keeps Pakistan at Level 3, “Reconsider Travel,” in a June 2026 update, urging Americans to avoid Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the vicinity of the Line of Control entirely.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), last updated on 6 June 2026, advises against all travel to several regions and against all but essential travel to others, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Australia’s Smartraveller rates Pakistan “Reconsider your need to travel,” citing terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime.
Canada tells citizens to exercise a high degree of caution throughout the country and avoid non-essential travel to Karachi.

Which parts of Pakistan to avoid

Pakistan’s safety map is sharply regional. Governments are consistent about which areas to stay out of.

The UK FCDO and the US State Department advise against all travel to:

Within 10 miles of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border
Most of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Bannu, Swat, Dera Ismail Khan and North and South Waziristan
All of Balochistan province
The N45 Highway between Mardan and Chitral, and the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas
Within 5 miles of the India border and within 10 miles of the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

The FCDO also now advises against all but essential travel to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and to northern Sindh province above Nawabshah, where kidnapping and armed crime are high.

Which parts of Pakistan are considered safer

The northern mountain belt is the main exception and continues to attract foreign trekkers and climbers. Hunza, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan and the upper Karakoram Highway corridor have a solid recent track record.

Pakistan received roughly 965,000 international visitors in 2024, with most heading to the northern valleys.

That said, the north is not without friction. Keep these in mind:

All foreign nationals must register with local authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan
Mountaineering permits can take weeks to arrange
Roads such as the Babusar Pass close seasonally
Political activity around the June 2026 assembly elections can trigger short-notice road closures

Major cities like Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi are not off-limits but call for heightened situational awareness, especially around religious sites, markets and public gatherings.

Flights to Pakistan: current status

The Gulf airspace closures that disrupted Pakistan flights earlier in 2026 have largely cleared. The UAE lifted its remaining air-traffic restrictions in May 2026, and Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have reopened their airspace.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Gulf carriers have resumed most routes, though some schedules are still being restored. For a route-by-route picture, see Wego’s PIA flight status guide.

Before you fly, use the Wego flight tracker to confirm your route is operating and check whether your fare allows free changes.

Everyday safety risks to plan around

Beyond the headline security zones, day-to-day travel carries risks worth planning for.

Terrorism

Militant attacks remain a real threat, concentrated in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but occasionally reaching major cities. A suicide bombing struck a train near Quetta in May 2026, and smaller attacks continue in border districts.

Avoid religious processions, large rallies and crowds near mosques and shrines, particularly on Fridays.

Civil unrest and political demonstrations

Protests happen regularly and can turn violent without warning. Road closures, curfews and internet shutdowns can appear overnight.

Check local news before leaving your hotel, and register with your embassy’s alert system on arrival.

Crime

Petty theft, bag snatching and vehicle break-ins occur in urban areas, especially Karachi. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, phones or large amounts of cash.

Use only hotel-arranged or reputable ride-hailing transport, and don’t share your itinerary publicly on social media while you’re still in the country.

Road and mountain safety

In the north, landslides, rockfalls and flash floods can close the Karakoram Highway and alpine passes without warning. Build buffer days into any northern itinerary and travel only in daylight on mountain roads.

Use licensed guides for treks above 3,500 meters. Altitude sickness is a bigger threat than crime in Hunza and Skardu.

Entry rules and visas for 2026

Since 1 January 2026, Pakistan has suspended the free Visa Prior to Arrival scheme for 126 nationalities that previously allowed a free visa within 48 hours.

Travelers from those countries now apply through the Pakistan Online Visa System run by NADRA, with processing typically taking 7-10 working days.

Who still gets easier entry

Some passport holders still qualify for visa-free entry for short tourist visits:

Citizens of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait — up to 90 days
Citizens of Nepal and the Maldives

GCC residents who are not GCC citizens still need an e-visa. The tourist e-visa is valid for stays of up to three months and can be extended by six months once inside Pakistan.

Visa fees by nationality

Fees vary by passport. As of June 2026, the NADRA fee calculator shows indicative charges of around USD 35 for most EU nationals and around USD 60 for US, Canadian and UK nationals.

Run your passport through the calculator for the latest figure before applying.

Practical tips before you book

If you’ve decided to travel, a few steps make a real difference:

Register with your embassy on arrival and sign up for travel-alert emails from your home government
Buy travel insurance that explicitly covers countries under a “reconsider” advisory — many standard policies exclude Pakistan
Book flexible fares and monitor your route on the Wego flight tracker before departure
Carry digital and printed copies of your passport, visa and flight documents
Avoid travel after dark, especially in Karachi and on intercity roads
Keep USD 300-500 in cash for emergencies, as ATM outages are common
Save the emergency numbers: 15 for police, 1122 for rescue and ambulance

To start planning, compare flights to Islamabad, flights to Lahore or flights to Karachi, and check hotels in Islamabad and hotels in Lahore on Wego.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pakistan safe for solo female travelers?

Proceed with heightened caution. Solo female travelers do visit the northern valleys safely, but harassment is reported in cities and on public transport. Dress conservatively, avoid travel after dark, and consider an organized group tour for the first few days.

Can I still visit Hunza and Skardu in 2026?

Yes. These areas remain open and relatively safe, and foreign advisories do not list Gilgit-Baltistan’s main tourist areas among regions to avoid. All foreign nationals must register with local authorities, and altitude, weather and road conditions require careful planning.

Do I need a visa to visit Pakistan from the Gulf?

GCC citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. GCC residents who are not Gulf citizens must apply for an e-visa via the NADRA online portal, which typically takes 7-10 working days to process.

Are flights between Pakistan and the Gulf operating normally?

Largely, yes. Gulf states reopened their airspace by mid-2026 and PIA and Gulf carriers have resumed most routes, though some schedules are still being restored. Check the Wego flight tracker before departure.

Can I cross into Pakistan from India by land?

No. The Attari-Wagah border is closed to general tourist traffic. India shut the crossing after the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, and it remains closed as of June 2026.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.