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As you prepare to start on your journey to Pakistan, a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, mouth-watering cuisine, and limitless hospitality. From the moment you set foot in Pakistan, you’ll be amazed by its vibrant culture and warm-hearted people through unforgettable tourism experiences.
From obtaining your Pakistan tourist visa to exploring top destinations, ensuring safety, local transportation, and providing other essential information for visitors new to the country, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to ensure your visit is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Tourist Visa and Entry Requirements:
Before you start on your journey, make sure to check the visa requirements for Pakistan. Many nationalities have the option of obtaining an e-visa or visa on arrival for entry into Pakistan.
Pakistan Visa on arrival is issued for nationals of 64 countries. However, this does not mean that you can simply get this visa upon arrival at Pakistani airports. You are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) 48-72 hours before your trip. The ETA will be issued instantly and is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Sometimes, you will be asked to submit additional documents by email after applying for the ETA, such as screenshots of hotel bookings. Make sure to have these ready and share them if requested, as failing to do so may result in a delay in obtaining your ETA.
You need to present the ETA along with your passport, photograph and hotel booking to obtain the visa on arrival at Pakistani airports.
To apply for a Pakistan eVisa, you need to obtain an invitation letter from either authorized tour companies or individuals in Pakistan. A letter of invitation issued by any authorized tour company in Pakistan should include a signed letter stating your information, trip dates, and an affirmation that the tour company will be responsible for you during your trip.
Explore Pakistan eVisa Requirements & Procedure to Apply Online
Cost of Pakistan Visa
The tourist visa for less than 3 months, single entry to Pakistan costs from $35 USD (for most European countries) to $60 USD for the UK, USA, etc. You can calculate your visa cost depending on the duration of the visa and the country of application at NADRA’s fee structure page.
Flights and Travel Options for International Tourists
Most international travelers arrive in Pakistan through one of its major airports: Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad. However, some travelers choose to come from India by crossing the Wagah border.
Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Etihad Airways, Thai Airways, Saudi Airlines, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Fly Dubai, Fly Nas, Air Arabia and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) offer flights to Pakistan from various parts of the world. British Airways offers direct flights to Islamabad from the UK.
A few Pakistani private airlines, like Airblue, Fly Jinnah, Serene Air, and Air Sial, also have direct flights to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Bahrain, Oman, and Malaysia and few other countries.
Planning your next trip to Pakistan? Find the best deals on flights.
Getting Around Pakistan: Air, Train, and Bus Travel
Air Travel in Pakistan
Once in Pakistan, you have several options for local transportation. For domestic air travel, PIA, Airblue, Fly Jinnah, Air Sial and Serene Air operate flights between major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. There are multiple flights available throughout the day to major cities, so if you need to book last-minute, you’ll likely find tickets easily. However, during holiday seasons such as Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, or the summer vacation in June, it may be challenging to secure seats on the spot.
Flights to Skardu are limited and are only serviced by PIA and Airblue. Therefore, it is highly recommended to book these flights in advance if you are planning to visit during the summer.
Make sure to read my complete guide on air travel in Pakistan before you embark on your journey!
Train Travel in Pakistan
For a more scenic and relaxed journey, Pakistan Railways offers an extensive train network connecting major cities and towns across the country. Trains such as the Green Line and Karakoram Express are popular choices among foreign tourists for luxury, comfortable and affordable travel on routes between Karachi and Islamabad or Lahore, and vice versa.
Opting for Business class, AC parlour, or parlour car cabins may include complimentary food services. Additionally, passengers have the option to purchase food onboard, as there is a separate restaurant cabin within these trains. You can either have your meal delivered to your cabin or dine in the restaurant cabin and enjoy the experience with fellow travelers.
It is highly recommended to purchase your train tickets in advance, especially if you plan to travel in AC parlor or AC business cabins during holiday seasons in Pakistan. For more detailed information on train travel within Pakistan, including how to book tickets, choosing train class options, fares, and timings, read my complete train travel guide here
Bus Travel in Pakistan
Pakistan’s bus network is extensive and efficient. Companies like Daewoo Express, Faisal Movers, and Q-Connect provide comfortable and reliable bus services between cities and towns. Additionally, Gilgit-Baltistan, including destinations like Skardu and Hunza, is covered by NATCO bus service.
All major companies have their own bus terminals, such as the Daewoo bus terminal or Faisal Movers bus terminal, where you can book tickets. Their tickets are not available at local bus stops. They also offer ticket reservations over the phone; however, payment must be made at their bus terminals to confirm the reservation, at least one hour or more before the scheduled departure.
With few exceptions, Pakistan boasts an excellent motorway network that connects major cities through well-maintained roads. Pakistani buses have improved their services by introducing high-quality recliner seats, complimentary amenities, and entertainment systems for travelers.
Most Pakistani bus service providers have introduced sleeper buses on longer routes, enhancing the comfort and convenience of long-distance travel. For a comprehensive guide on bus travel in Pakistan, including details on different bus companies, fares, booking procedures, and major routes, check out my complete article here.
A Guide to Intra-City Travel in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Beyond
Rickshaws, Taxis, and Ride-Hailing Apps like Indrive & Yango
After the emergence of ride-hailing apps like Uber, Careem, Indrive, and Yango, traditional taxi services have become increasingly rare on the streets of Karachi and Lahore. Uber has ceased operations in Pakistan, while Careem is less frequently used by drivers.
Currently, Indrive is the most commonly used ride-hailing app in major cities across Pakistan. Indrive allows users to input their desired price for a trip: after selecting your destination (point A to B), multiple drivers send you fare offers, allowing you to choose based on fare and driver rating. Personally, I prefer selecting drivers with higher ratings.
In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, private cars serving as taxis are more common. These can be hailed anywhere on the road, and fares can be negotiated with the driver. However, many of these cars are outdated, lacking AC and proper maintenance. Private car taxi drivers in Rawalpindi or Islamabad may sometimes quote higher prices, especially if they perceive you as a foreigner or if you’re not from the local area.
Rickshaws, on the other hand, are abundantly found on the roads of all cities and towns in Pakistan. They are the fastest mode of travel, especially in busy areas. When taking a rickshaw, it’s advisable to negotiate prices. If you find the price too high, waiting a few minutes often yields another option on the road.
Rickshaws are generally cheaper than local taxis or ride-hailing apps. However, some rikshaw drivers may ask for the same fare as taxis. Therefore, it’s advisable to have apps like Indrive and Yango on your mobile device to check fares and ensure that rikshaw drivers do not demand unfair prices.
A Guide to LAHORE Public Transportation for Foreigner Travelers
Lahore is the only city in Pakistan with a well-developed urban public transport system, including metro buses and the Lahore Orange Line train.
The Lahore Metro Bus has 27 stops, starting from Shahdara to the last stop, Gajjumata. Metro buses in Lahore operate on dedicated corridors with elevated rotaries, ensuring they are typically free from the city’s traffic congestion. This setup has dramatically reduced the travel time between these two points in Lahore. Metro bus stations across Lahore also feature well-designed signboards in Urdu and English, making it easy for foreign travelers to navigate the stations.
If you are planning to visit one of the most famous historical sites, the Badshahi Masjid, it is located just opposite Azadi Chowk Metro Station. The Metro Bus System in Lahore offers two main ticketing options. You can either buy tokens for single rides or opt for a Metrobus Card. Single tokens, valid for a single one-way journey, cost PKR 30 (0.1 USD) each.
To address the increasing traffic in Lahore, the Punjab Mass Transit Authority has launched the Orange Line Metro Train. The train covers a total of 26 stations. The fare for the Orange Line Metro Train ranges from Rs 25 to a maximum of Rs 40 (approximately 0.1 USD), depending on the distance traveled.
Travelers can purchase tickets from automated ticket vending machines available at every station or from ticket counters. The vending machines accept coins and banknotes, while the ticket counters accept cash and mobile payments.
The Orange Line Train Card is also available as a rechargeable smart card, enabling commuters to travel on the Orange Line Train in Lahore without needing to buy a ticket for each journey. The card can be recharged at any station, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to use train.
The Orange Line Train in Lahore operates from Monday to Sunday, with service hours running from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Tourist Sim
In Pakistan, obtaining a SIM card isn’t as straightforward as walking into any store. Instead, you’ll need to visit specific customer care centers equipped to issue SIM cards to foreigners. Foreigners are required to submit a copy of their Pakistan visa and passport. For a detailed guide on how to get a SIM card in Pakistan, including the best plans and providers, check out my comprehensive article
Safety and Security in Pakistan
Pakistan is a safe and welcoming destination for tourists, but like any other country, it’s essential to exercise caution and stay informed about current travel advisories. Popular tourist destinations like the urban hubs of Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, Peshawar or the picturesque mountains of Gilgit Baltistan, Skardu, Fairy Meadows, Swat, Hunza and Kalash are considered safe for travel by foreigners.
In certain locations, foreign tourists are provided with armed security personnel to accompany them during their travels. It is highly recommended to stick only to well-known tourist areas.
In Pakistan, security protocols mandate a document known as a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) for travelling to certain high-risk regions. It’s advisable to refrain from traveling to remote areas and small towns without a local guide, and to avoid regions that require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Pakistan’s security organizations. Foreigners are prohibited from visiting any part of Balochistan without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is typically only issued for travel crossing into or out of Iran.
Pakistan is a country with strong cultural norms. Dress modestly, particularly in rural areas and religious sites, and be respectful of local customs and traditions. It is better to avoid large political or religious gatherings.
Always use reputable transportation options. Ride-hailing apps like Indrive and Yango are recommended for their reliability and safety. Similarly, consider utilizing business class cabins on well-known trains such as the Green Line and Karakoram Express for intercity travel in Pakistan. Additionally, Daweoo Express, Faisal Movers, or Q-connect buses are reputable options for intercity travel. Utilize the services of local guides or tour operators who are familiar with the areas you plan to visit.
Local customs and Traditions
Family values are deeply cherished in Pakistan, fostering strong bonds among relatives and extended family members. The traditional attire, including shalwar kameez for men and vibrant attire for women, beautifully enhances the country’s cultural landscape. Festivals like Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha are celebrated with enthusiasm, uniting communities in jubilant gatherings. These customs and traditions stand as a testament to Pakistan’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, enriching the tapestry of its societal fabric.
Additionally, it’s important to note that in Pakistan, locals may often approach you casually and may even ask to take selfies with you. This is a normal and friendly gesture in Pakistani culture, reflecting the warmth and welcoming nature of its people.
Stick to well-traveled areas, avoid political demonstrations, and respect local customs and traditions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Essential Tips
- Dress modestly in public areas and respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, particularly in the hotter months.
- Bargain when shopping in local markets and bazars to get the best deals.
- Try the local cuisine, including mouth-watering dishes like biryani and spicy Karahi in Karachi, lahori chargha, nihari, and Haleem in Lahore, tender meat kebabs, Qabli pulao, and richly spiced chapli kebabs in Peshawer, and aromatic multani sohan halwa in Multan.
