Planning to explore Pakistan’s breathtaking mountains, vibrant culture, and historic sites? Before you pack your bags, here’s everything you need to know about visa requirements, customs, health tips, and travel regulations for foreigners visiting Pakistan.
✈️ Passport & Visa Requirements
✅ Passport
- All foreigners must have a valid passport to enter Pakistan.
✅ Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of the following countries can visit without a visa for the mentioned duration:
- 3 Months: Iceland, Maldives, Zambia
- 1 Month: Hong Kong, Nepal, Western Samoa
- Unlimited Stay: Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago
✅ Tourist Visa
- Pakistani embassies/consulates abroad issue 3-month tourist visas (double entry allowed).
- Valid for foreigners from 175 countries (List A).
- Applications must be made from country of origin or permanent residence.
✅ Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Available for 1 month (multiple entry) for tourists from 24 friendly countries, if they book through authorized tour operators in Pakistan.
Eligible countries include: Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, UK, USA.
Conditions:
- Must apply via authorized Pakistani tour operator.
- Tour operator is responsible for tourists’ stay, exit, and visa extension (if required).
✅ Visa Extensions
- Tourist visa can be extended up to 6 months.
- Applications at passport offices in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi.
- In Northern Areas (Gilgit & Skardu), Deputy Commissioners can grant extensions up to 3 months.
✅ Visa Validity & Registration
- Visa is valid within 6 months of issue.
- Single-entry visa = up to 3 months stay.
- Multiple-entry visa = up to 5 months stay at a time.
- Tourists staying over 30 days must register with the District Foreigners Registration Office.
👉 For latest details: Ministry of Interior, Pakistan
💉 Health & Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from affected countries.
- Recommended: Vaccination for Cholera, Hepatitis, Typhoid, Polio.
- Malaria exists year-round (chloroquine-resistant type also present).
- Travelers staying more than 1 year require an AIDS-free certificate.
🛃 Customs & Allowances
Tourists may bring the following duty-free:
- Personal clothing, toiletries, handbags, travel goods.
- 1 watch, 1 camera (with 10 rolls), 1 video camera with VCR.
- Spectacles, physical aids, binoculars.
- Musical instruments, sound recorders, typewriter, sports equipment.
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), or tobacco (1 pound).
- Gifts/souvenirs worth Rs. 1000.
- Children’s toys, strollers, games.
- 1 electric shaver or hair dryer.
🍷 Liquor Policy in Pakistan
- Import of liquor is prohibited.
- If mistakenly brought, it will be detained by Customs and returned on departure.
- Non-Muslim foreign tourists can buy liquor from licensed hotels or through a permit issued by the Excise & Taxation Department.
- Drinking in public places is strictly prohibited.
🚗 Import of Tourist Vehicles
- Tourists may temporarily import vehicles under a Carnet-de-Passage (valid for 3 months).
- Must declare at Customs entry point.
💱 Currency Regulations
- No restriction on foreign currency import.
- Pakistani rupees can be reconverted at banks/money changers upon exit.
- Import/export of local currency limited to Rs. 100.
💎 Export Rules for Tourists
- Allowed to export precious stones/jewelry (excluding gold) worth up to:
- Rs. 2000 (general foreign tourists)
- Rs. 1000 (Afghan, Bangladeshi, Iranian nationals)
- Export of antiques (e.g., Gandhara sculptures) and drugs is strictly prohibited.
✅ Quick Tips for Foreign Tourists
- Apply for visas well in advance.
- Keep multiple photocopies of passport, visa, and travel insurance.
- Respect local laws on alcohol and customs.
- Register your stay if visiting longer than 30 days.
- Follow health precautions, especially in rural/mountainous areas.
🌍 Final Words
Pakistan offers incredible travel opportunities — from the peaks of K2 and Nanga Parbat to the Mughal heritage of Lahore and the coastlines of Gwadar. But before you explore, make sure your passport, visa, health checks, and customs requirements are in order for a smooth journey.
👉 Our travel agency is here to guide you through the process and make your trip safe, easy, and unforgettable.
