Pakistan

Terrorist and separatist groups hostile to foreign interests operate in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Counter-terrorism operations occur across the country. 

The threat of attack remains very high, especially in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) provinces, which suffer regular and sometimes large-scale terrorist attacks. If you travel to Pakistan, you should remain cautious and vigilant, including in major cities.

Reporting continues to identify the potential for attacks in Islamabad. In response, heightened security arrangements are in place, including an increased security force presence and additional checkpoints. Terrorists may also target places frequented by foreigners, transport infrastructure (including trains and airports) and places of worship. Some public events have been banned. Australian officials in Islamabad have been advised to maintain vigilance, review personal security plans, and monitor the media for the latest updates.

Previous attacks have included the use of grenades, firearms, and bombing, including suicide bombs. Some terrorist attacks in Pakistan have involved multiple explosions, one after the other, combined with small-arms fire.

Security officials may cut mobile phone services when the threat of an attack is imminent or directly after an incident.

If you go to Chitral district or Gilgit Baltistan, travel by commercial aircraft, not by road, as the safety and security risks are significant.

In the past, terror attacks have targeted Pakistan's government, military and police, including:

• buildings and government symbols
• military and security forces
• judicial buildings such as courts
• police stations and checkpoints

Terror attacks have also targeted:

• international hotels
• embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic interests
• places of worship, such as mosques, shrines, and churches
• shopping centres, banks, hospitals, cinemas, markets (markaz) and bazaars
• humanitarian workers
• foreign aid agencies
• hikers
• schools
• public transport and transport infrastructure, including trains and airports
• religious sites and processions, especially during religious festivals
• demonstrations and political events
• rallies and polling stations during elections

Terrorists may target places associated with foreigners, including:

• tourist areas
• clubs, restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets and other places foreigners tend to visit
• foreign businesses and other Western symbols
• foreign non-government organisations (NGOs)
• universities and international schools
• convention centres, outdoor sporting and recreation events

Times when attacks may occur

Militants may mount attacks in the days leading up to and on days of national or commemorative significance. These include: 

• Pakistan National Day (23 March)
• the storming of the Red Mosque in Islamabad by government troops (10 July)
• the Islamic month of Muharram (particularly on the Day of Ashura)
• Independence Day (14 August)

Diplomatic security measures

Terrorist and separatist groups hostile to foreign interests operate in Pakistan. The threat of attack remains very high. Australian officials in Pakistan always use enhanced security measures and are urged to maintain vigilance. The Australian Government has a 'no children at post' policy for Islamabad.

The Australian Government has also advised staff to:

• limit restaurant use
• not linger in shopping areas
• be cautious when walking in Islamabad

For the same reasons, the British High Commission and the US Embassy sometimes restrict the movement of their staff in Pakistan.

These restrictions may be applied at short notice. Areas put 'out of bounds' tend to include markets, shopping centres, restaurants and hotels.

Staying safe

Ensure you have a security plan in place. Make sure tour providers have security measures in place before you travel.

Ask about safety from local business partners and universities before travelling to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for business or academic reasons. Take security precautions.

If, despite the risks, you travel to Pakistan, be very cautious and avoid:

• public gatherings
• crowded places
• places of worship
• places that foreigners tend to go
• other places terrorists tend to target

When you plan your activities, receive updates on the level of security at venues and your route to them.

• Wherever you go, have a clear exit plan in case there's a security incident or attack.
• leave the area straight away if it's safe to do so and avoid the affected area straight after the attack, because of the risk of secondary attacks
• follow the advice of local authorities

Subscribe to this travel advice to stay up to date on new terror threats and monitor:

• the media and other sources
• the UK Foreign Travel Advice for Pakistan
• British High Commission Islamabad 
• US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan Alerts and Messages

Those websites will also contain updates on restrictions on movement that apply to their diplomatic staff.

Check flight status and airport operations before each of your flights. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime. 

The overall kidnapping risk in Pakistan is high and is especially high in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Criminal gangs, armed groups and terrorist groups are known to kidnap for financial gain. 

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:  

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings  
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk  
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures  
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone  
• notify family or friends of planned travel, and share your location  
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs  
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours  
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone  

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.  

Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information:

• Kidnapping

The security situation in Pakistan is volatile. It could get worse at short notice. Political protests and demonstrations occur frequently and can escalate quickly.

Demonstrations and protests

Protests in Pakistan can turn violent quickly, particularly during election periods or in response to Quran burnings overseas. Avoid large groups of people, demonstrations and protests. The security situation is evolving and remains unpredictable. Major roads, including to the Islamabad International Airport, could be disrupted at short notice. Monitor media for information on the latest developments and follow the instructions of local authorities.

In response, authorities may suspend internet and mobile phone networks and close roads and highways at short notice.

To stay safe during a period of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations and large-scale public gatherings
• avoid areas where people congregate after Friday prayers
• monitor the media and other sources for possible unrest and avoid those areas
• if you're near an affected area, find a safe place, stay indoors and seek local advice
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violence in Karachi

Political, sectarian and gang violence often occurs in Karachi. Bombings have also occurred. Many people have died as a result of this violence.

There's a higher level of public security across much of the city, with police and paramilitary rangers conducting counter-terrorism operations in the city from time to time.

Reprisal attacks by militants or criminals can occur anywhere.

Border with Afghanistan

Cross-border tensions increase security risks in the regions bordering Afghanistan.

The Pakistani military has ongoing operations in these border areas.

Foreigners are prohibited from travelling within 50km of the border with Afghanistan in Gilgit Baltistan. However, it is legal to cross the border at official crossings.

Attacks against government, security and military interests in Balochistan are very likely. Attacks are also likely against infrastructure for:

• oil and natural gas
• power
• communications
• transport, including the railway network

If you go to Chitral district or Gilgit Baltistan, travel by commercial aircraft, not by road, as the safety and security risks are significant.

Border with India

There is an ever-present risk of rising tensions between Pakistan and India over the disputed region of Kashmir. 

If tensions between Pakistan and India rise again, airspace restrictions may be imposed with little or no warning. This may impact an airline's ability to operate flights and your ability to leave the country quickly.

Higher security is in place where Pakistan borders India. This reflects the volatile security situation. 

Foreigners are prohibited from travelling within 15km of the Kashmir Line of Control and the entire border with India. However, it is legal to cross the border at official crossings. 

The situation is more stable in the border region cities of:

• Lahore
• Wagah
• Kasur
• Narowal
• Sialkot

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs in many parts of Pakistan, particularly in major cities. This includes:

• armed robbery
• assault
• carjacking
• kidnapping

Incidents can increase around major religious holidays.

Incidents have occurred with people posing as police officers with fake police ID cards. This has occurred in cities across Pakistan, including Islamabad.

Petty crime

Petty crime is common. It can include pickpocketing and theft of mobile phones.

Sexual harassment of women occurs, particularly when women are travelling alone.

Gunfire

Be aware of celebratory gun fire (firing guns into the air in celebration). Although illegal, it's common across Pakistan and tends to occur on major holidays, at weddings, other celebrations and following sporting victories. Falling or ricocheted bullets and spent cartridges can cause injury or death.

Staying safe

Be alert to your surroundings. Pay attention to your safety and security and:

• keep car doors locked, windows up, and valuables out of sight, even when moving
• lock your accommodation doors and windows against intruders

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Carefully consider the risks before commenting on local political events on your social media. Don't assume that tolerance levels for acceptable comments or debates are the same as in Australia, particularly on social or political topical issues. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information: 

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. 

Get urgent medical attention if you think you or someone else has been drugged.

Methanol can be used in unregulated alcohol production to lower costs. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Act quickly if you suspect you or someone you're travelling with has been poisoned. Urgent medical attention could save your life or save you from permanent disability. Report suspected cases of methanol poisoning to the police.

• be careful drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits
• drink only at reputable licensed premises
• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
• Labels on bottles aren't always accurate.

More information: 

• Partying safely while overseas 

Pakistan experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• floods
• landslides and avalanches
• cyclones
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

The Pakistan Meteorological Department offers weather warnings.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media
• register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep friends and family up to date about your welfare

Flooding and landslides

The monsoon season is from July to September. During this time, flooding and landslides can occur. They can happen with little warning.

During floods, fresh drinking water and food can be in short supply.

There's still a risk of contracting a waterborne disease after flood waters recede.

Floods often hinder services and transport.

Avalanches

Avalanches and glacial lake outbursts occur in mountainous regions of Pakistan and have killed people in recent years. When you're travelling in these areas, monitor local weather and safety conditions, particularly during severe weather and follow the advice of local authorities.

Cyclones

Cyclones and storms can disrupt key services, including:

• emergency and medical care
• telecommunications
• transport
• food and water supplies

If there's a cyclone or storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Pakistan is in an active seismic zone and experiences earthquakes.

Coastal areas are also at risk of tsunamis. Be alert to warnings. A tsunami could quickly follow a tremor or earthquake.

If near the coast, move to high ground straight away if:

• local authorities advise you to
• you feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• you feel a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• you see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• you hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media and weather services.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuations and repatriation of remains in case of death. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care. You cannot be assured that treatment will be the same as received in Australia.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up   
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Pakistan. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Typhoid fever

To reduce your risks of contracting typhoid:

• ask your doctor about getting vaccinated
• take care to avoid anyone who's sick or has recently been sick

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is common in Pakistan, except in areas above 2,000m. Chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistant strains of malaria have been reported.

Other insect-borne diseases occur, including:

• dengue
• Japanese encephalitis
• Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF)

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. In late 2019, there was a severe outbreak of dengue.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is mosquito-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common. Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the risk of infection.

Many Pakistanis, including children, have recently been reported as HIV+ in interior areas of Sindh Province.

Polio

Polio (poliomyelitis) is endemic. An increase in polio cases has been reported.

In March 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) agreed that the risk of international spread of polio remains a 'public health emergency of international concern'. WHO extended its temporary recommendations.

Before you travel, make sure your polio vaccinations are up to date. This includes getting a booster dose, as per the Australian Immunisation Handbook. Carry evidence of your polio vaccination.

Rabies

Rabies is endemic in Pakistan. Stray dog bites cause most infections. There are thousands of cases of dog bites and deaths by rabies each year. Avoid contact with stray dogs. If you're planning an extended stay or work assignments in remote or rural areas, we recommend you have pre-exposure rabies vaccinations before travelling to Pakistan.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. They include:

• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• measles 
• COVID-19
• Mpox (Australian Government)

More severe outbreaks occur from time to time.

There have been periodic reports of cholera cases in Sindh.

Reports of skin infections, acute diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections usually increase after flooding.

Some bottled water may be contaminated. The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources produces reports that list safe and unsafe bottled water brand names. Reports are available under the publications and information tab.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids that are listed as safe
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Air pollution

Air pollution is an environmental health risk in Pakistan. The risk is higher during winter, particularly in much of Punjab.

Take precautions when increased levels are recorded.

More information:

• Pakistan environmental health (WHO)
• Pakistan air quality index (Airvisual)

Medical facilities at a small number of clinics and hospitals in major cities are reasonable but not to Australian standards. Facilities are extremely limited in most towns and rural and remote areas.

Before they'll admit you, hospitals in Pakistan usually require you to either:

• pay up-front
• confirm insurance cover
• guarantee payment 

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to evacuate to somewhere with more suitable facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

If you have an accident while hiking or undertaking other adventure activities in the north of Pakistan, medical evacuation can take days and requires your insurance company to guarantee the payment of the flights.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.

Penalties for small amounts of drugs include:

• long jail sentences
• large fines
• deportation

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Family laws

Domestic violence against women, from partners or male relatives, is common in Pakistan. Standards of support services, including legal and police protection for those affected by domestic violence, are far lower than similar services available in Australia. You should consider these risks if you're planning to travel to Pakistan.

Australian parents of Pakistani origin, especially women, sometimes have trouble leaving Pakistan with their children. This happens when one parent refuses to let the children return to Australia. If that parent withholds the children's passports, the other parent can't bring the children back to Australia. Plan carefully if you think this could happen to you. Before you leave Australia:

• think about the risk of not being able to return to Australia with your children
• speak to a lawyer to identify and resolve any child custody or other family law issues
• make sure you know your legal rights and limits on those rights

Serious crime

The death penalty can apply to crimes including terrorism, murder, rape, blasphemy and unlawful assembly.

Those charged with blasphemy can spend years in prison, undergo lengthy trial processes and are in constant danger from members of the public or prisoners. Australians who have made public comments, including on social media that may be construed as blasphemous should not travel to Pakistan.

Other laws

Activities that are illegal in Pakistan include:

• same-sex sexual acts
• unmarried heterosexual couples living together
• importing alcohol
• importing pork products
• taking photos of airports, military or government buildings or installations
• flying unregistered drones 

Be particularly careful to avoid raising religious sensitivities. It's illegal to:

• try to convert a Muslim
• encourage a Muslim to abandon their religion

Capital punishment, while rare, is a penalty available to courts under the penal code. 

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Kite flying

Do not bring kites with you or fly kites in Pakistan.

Some provinces have banned kite-flying due to fortified kite strings that injure or kill people. There's also a ban on the sale of kite equipment and the use of premises to fly kites.

These types of strings are used for flying kites in kite-fighting competitions. Competitors coat their kite strings with metal, crushed glass or chemicals to help cut opponents' kite strings. These strings can fall across roads, cutting motorcycle riders' throats or contact power lines, causing electrocution.

Don't bring kites with you or fly kites in Pakistan.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs
• Forced marriage

Pakistan recognises dual citizenship.

If you or your father were born in Pakistan, authorities may consider you to be a Pakistani national. This applies even if you don't hold a Pakistani passport.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Pakistan.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice. Also:

• avoid wearing shorts or short-sleeved clothes
• avoid physical contact between men and women in public

Ramadan (Ramazan in Urdu)

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Pakistan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws, particularly at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visa conditions

You'll need to get a visa in advance to enter Pakistan. See the Pakistan Online Visa System for information. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate for the latest details. You will need to apply for a visa prior to arrival if travelling for diplomatic or official purposes. 

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Pakistan High Commission for details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

To exit Pakistan, you must have either:

• a valid visa
• a Pakistani national identity card
• a valid Pakistani passport

Authorities may stop you from boarding your flight if your visa has expired. You could also face heavy penalties, including fines and detention.

Take care not to overstay your visa.

If your visa has expired, contact the Ministry of Interior for an exit visa.

Illegal entry into Pakistan is an offence and subject to deportation or imprisonment. There is currently no process for regularisation of status for illegal entrants, which is necessary for onward travel.

Border measures

You're required to complete a Health Declaration Form on arrival, and you could be screened for Mpox symptoms. This is in response to the global spread of Mpox. Monitor your health closely and follow the advice of local authorities. The current policies for travellers entering Pakistan can be found on Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority website.

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Pakistan from a country with yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 151KB)

Travel with children

If a child travels unaccompanied, or with only one parent or guardian, local immigration authorities may ask for either:

• documents to prove that the children have consent to travel, or
• proof of parental responsibility

This is particularly the case if the child is of Pakistani origin.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for at least 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate

Dual passport holders

If you're a dual national and hold a Pakistani passport, seek advice about when to use it.

Use your Australian passport to leave from and return to Australia.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information: 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the Pakistan Rupee (PKR).

US dollars and euros are the most accessible currencies to change.

ATMs are widely available in urban areas, though fraud occurs.

International hotels and some shops in major centres accept credit cards.

Pakistan is primarily a cash-based society, but this is changing with the broader acceptance of credit and debit cards in major centres. Arrange to have enough local currency to meet your needs.

Driving permit

To drive in Pakistan, you need both:

• an Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.

You can apply for a local driver's licence if you're a long-term resident. To apply, you have to take a road sign test and provide:

• a supporting letter from your employer
• a copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months
• a copy of your Australian driver's licence
• a medical fitness certificate from a government hospital in Pakistan
• Pakistan visa valid for at least 6 months
• proof of residency

Road travel

Road travel in Pakistan is hazardous.

You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Pakistan than in Australia. Road accidents are a common cause of death and injury.

Hazards include bad roads and poor driving standards.

Severe flooding of major waterways can occur. This causes widespread damage to transport infrastructure.

Dense fog in northern Pakistan during the winter months can disrupt road travel. Motorways may close until the fog lifts.

Heavy snowfalls in mountain regions cause road blockages each winter. Leading to lengthy and, at times, dangerous traffic jams. This is due to the combination of snow and:

• many cars visiting mountain areas are ill-equipped for driving in snow
• too many vehicles
• lack of snow-clearing equipment
• poor traffic management

In January 2022, 22 people died after being trapped in their vehicles in a snowstorm and traffic jam near Murree, north of Islamabad.

Check you have the right insurance cover before driving.

To reduce your risk on the road:

• learn about local traffic laws and practices
• avoid road travel after dark
• seek local advice and monitor local media and weather reports for information on your planned route before you travel

More information:

• Driving or riding
• Natural disasters

Motorcycles

Check your insurance policy covers using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Don't use taxis due to security concerns. Never hail a taxi on the street.

Use transport services from accredited tour operators and hotels.

Australian High Commission staff must not use taxis or other ride-sharing services.

Public transport

Avoid using public transport due to frequent accidents and security concerns. This includes buses and trains.

Only use transport services provided by accredited tour operators and hotels.

Air travel

Terrorists have targeted Pakistan's civil aviation facilities.

There are strict security measures in place at airports, but attacks could occur in the future.

Flights can be cancelled with little warning due to weather and other operational reasons.

Dense fog, especially in northern Pakistan during the winter months, can also disrupt air travel. Airports may close until the fog lifts. 

If you plan to fly within Pakistan:

• check flight status and airport operations before you travel
• contact your travel agent and airline about any disruptions to transport services
• be alert to security developments
• allow extra time to pass through airport security 

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Pakistan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

All Emergencies

Call 911

Fire and rescue services

Call 1122 or 16

Medical emergencies

Call 1122 or 115, or go to the nearest hospital.

Police

Call 15 or visit the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

The Australian High Commission in Islamabad sometimes closes to the public at short notice if security concerns arise.

Always call before going to the High Commission.

Australian High Commission, Islamabad

Constitution Avenue and Ispahani Road
Diplomatic Enclave No. 1
Sector G-5/4
Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone: (+92) 51 835 5500
Fax: (+92) 51 282 0112
Email: consular.islamabad@dfat.gov.au
Website: pakistan.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Pakistan
X: @AusHCPak

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Visiting the High Commission

The Australian High Commission is in the diplomatic enclave.

The Pakistani Government restricts access to the diplomatic enclave in Islamabad for security reasons.

You can only access the enclave if you first schedule an appointment with the High Commission.

If you have an appointment, you can access the enclave by using the Diplomatic Shuttle Service (DSS). You can also visit using a private vehicle or on foot.

Visiting by shuttle bus

The DSS office and bus station is on the corner of Third Avenue (Quaid-e-Azam University Road) and Murree Road.

You can buy bus tickets at the DSS office.

Arrive at the shuttle bus station at least one hour before your appointment to allow time for security checks.

Find out more about the DSS by calling +92 (0) 333 520 5334.

Visiting by car or on foot

To enter the enclave by car or on foot, the Diplomatic Protection Department needs to clear you in advance.

Arrange this clearance through the Australian High Commission.

Once you get entry clearance, you can enter the enclave by vehicle or on foot from either:

• the Foreign Office gate entrance on Constitution Avenue
• the Shams gate entrance on Ispahani Road

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia