Safety and security

Personal ID

You should carry photographic ID at all times

Unrest

The security situation in Pakistan is unstable and dangerous. You should avoid all large gatherings and areas which are known to be vulnerable to unrest.

Sectarian violence

There is an ongoing threat of sectarian violence particularly in Baluchistan and North West Frontier Province and you should be cautious during Islamic festivals and on Friday in the vicinity of mosques.

Demonstrations

Avoid political demonstrations and large crowds assembled for political or religious purposes as there is a risk that these gatherings may turn violent. Keep yourself informed of what is going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your local contact, hotel or tour organiser.

Terrorism

There is a high risk of terrorism in Pakistan. In addition to an established pattern of terrorist attacks on military and Government installations, there have been a lot of indiscriminate terrorist attacks on public places and these have resulted in large numbers of casualties. Locations frequented by Western nationals - hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and diplomatic Missions – have been targeted.

Kidnapping

The threat of kidnap of foreign nationals across Pakistan remains high. Kidnappers don’t discriminate between nationalities or religions so you should follow these basic precautions:

• Get advice from your local contacts about staying safe
• Avoid travelling at night, particularly inter-city
• Avoid travelling alone
• When driving, ensure all car doors are locked
• Vary your routes and departure times – avoid patterns which could be tracked
• Pay careful attention to local media for reports of kidnapping activities

Crime

Crime levels in Pakistan are high, especially in Karachi and much of Baluchistan, rural Sindh and the North West Frontier Province, including the former FATA (Federally-Administered Tribal Areas), have a high incidence of lawlessness.

Violent crime

Criminal violence, including armed car-jacking, robbery, kidnap and murder, is common in Pakistan, especially in Karachi. Travellers have also been offered drugged food and then robbed. Always be aware of the risks and take personal security precautions.

Reporting a crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Pakistan, report it to the local police immediately. You can also contact the Honorary Consul if you need help.

Driving

If you are planning to drive in Pakistan, you should be extremely careful. Local driving standards are erratic, especially at night, road conditions are poor and there is a risk of car-jacking. Take particular care on long road journeys and when travelling cross-country.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Muslim culture

Pakistan is an Islamic Republic and you should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Dress conservatively; men and women should cover their shoulders and legs when in public. Women should cover their heads when entering mosques or other holy places, and when travelling in more rural areas.

Ramadan

Always be aware of your actions and take care not to offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or other religious festivals, or if you intend to visit religious areas.

During Ramadan, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. To avoid offence, you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during this time.

LGBT

Homosexuality is illegal. We advise caution and discretion at all times.

Co-habitation

Co-habitation by an unmarried couple is also illegal.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including prison terms. Drug smuggling can attract the death penalty.

Forbidden products

It is illegal to import alcohol and pork products.

Photography

We advise you not to take photographs at military establishments, airports or any infrastructure, including bridges and dams or from aircraft.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens may apply for a visa online through the Pakistani Government’s Official Visa Portal: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/  

If you are unsure of the entry requirements for Pakistan, including visa and other immigration information, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Pakistan.

Your passport must have six months validity.

Passports

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Travelling with children

A single parent or other adult who is not the child’s parent may need to provide documentary evidence of parental responsibility, particularly if the child is of Pakistani origin, before the immigration authorities will allow the child to leave the country.

Typhoid

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for Pakistan.

Typhoid vaccination is recommend for all travellers from Ireland to typhoid-endemic countries, including Pakistan. In addition, travellers should be aware of precautions to take to reduce their risk of acquiring typhoid infection including:

• wash hands before eating
• avoid ice and drink only bottled water
• avoid risky foods – undercooked food, raw, unpeeled, unwashed fruit and vegetables or fruit and vegetables washed in unsafe water

More information is available on the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre website.

Polio vaccination is recommended for all travellers from Ireland to countries where polio transmission is a risk. Before travelling to areas where poliomyelitis cases are still occurring, travellers should ensure that they have completed the recommended age-appropriate polio vaccine schedule and have received a booster dose, if necessary. More information is available on the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre website.