International Travel

All travel to Waziristan is advised against. It is advised that nationals only undertake essential travel to northern and western Baluchistan and the Sui area, western North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas and Agencies (FATA), and border areas except for official crossing points. The Khyber pass is currently closed to visitors due to unsettled conditions in Afghanistan. If visiting Karachi, visitors should take particular care, avoiding traveling on foot and only traveling in vehicles between secure, well-guarded premises. There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Pakistan. British nationals of Western origin are particularly likely to be targeted by terrorists, including for kidnap. Everyone is at risk from indiscriminate attacks and from sectarian violence. The rail network in Baluchistan should be avoided due to previous incidents of bombs planted on the line.

Internal Travel

Road
Traffic drives on the left. The highway network between cities is poorly maintained. Caution should be taken when driving at night as roads are badly lit. It is advised that tourists to Pakistan travel with local drivers or guides. When driving it is advised to keep doors and windows locked at all times. Bus: Regular services run between most towns and villages. Lahore–Rawalpindi–Peshawar has an hourly service. Air-conditioned coaches/buses are recommended for long distances. Advance booking is advised. Car hire: Available in major cities, as well as at Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi airports. Most hotels can book cars for guests. Documentation: An International Driving Permit or own national license is required.

Urban
Extensive bus and minibus services operate in Lahore, Karachi and other towns, although services can be crowded. Taxi: Reasonably priced and widely available, they are by far the most efficient means of urban travel. Note that they may not operate after sunset during Ramadan. Auto-rickshaws are also available.

Road
From China: The Khunjerab Pass is often snow-covered and, during the rainy season (December to April), it is closed due to the high risk of mudslides. Transport includes buses, vans and 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
From India: Wagha is the only land border open between Pakistan and India (Lahore–Amritsar route). The border post is open daily 0830-1430 from 16 April to 15 October, and 0900-1500 from 16 April to 15 October. A minibus runs from Lahore railway station to Wagha and there are also taxis available (travel time – 30 minutes). The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) operates two weekly buses from Lahore to Delhi on Friday and Tuesday, returning on Saturday and Wednesday (travel time - 12 hours). The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) also operates two weekly services from Delhi.
From Iran: travel is only possible via the Quetta–Taftan–Zahedan route. The border is open from 0900-1300 and 1400-1700. Several buses and coaches leave daily from Quetta to Taftan (travel time – 18 hours). There is also a road from Kabul, Afghanistan to Peshawar.
Note: Visitors exiting Pakistan by land routes are subject to a road toll. Travel to the federally administered tribal areas and the border areas with Afghanistan is not recommended. For further information, visitors should seek official advice.