Pakistan’s a safe country for westerners, but there are some things to keep in mind. It’s a cash-based economy and you will need special permits for some of the best treks, like the K2 Base Camp.

Locals aren’t used to seeing foreigners, so they may stare or harass you. This is especially true of women.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Pakistan

A few safety tips for Westerners to Travel Pakistan to keep in mind. The most important tip for women, but also men, is to buy a Shalwar Kameez. It’s the outfit that you see every single Pakistani wear and it is a must-have for visiting mosques and conservative regions in the country. Women are advised to avoid wearing shorts and men should not wear tank tops, unless they are in physical danger.

There is a risk of kidnapping for ransom throughout the country, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In addition, political demonstrations are common and can turn violent quickly. It is recommended to monitor local media for updates and to follow the instructions of local authorities.

Severe flooding and landslides are possible during the monsoon season from June to October. The northern mountains are particularly susceptible to these conditions and it is a good idea to travel with a guide or on public transportation.

Vaccinations are necessary for travel to Pakistan, including a polio vaccine due to the recent resurgence of the disease, as well as hepatitis A and B and typhoid. Additionally, a malaria vaccine is recommended for travelers to the country.

While the country does experience random attacks from terrorist groups, these incidents usually happen in remote areas that are not accessible to foreigners. Also, the Pakistani military is pretty on-top of their security and they close off borders if there’s any indication that a region is dangerous.

Safety Tips for Women Traveling to Pakistan

Despite what you might have seen on TV, Pakistan can be safely traveled for women who are willing to follow certain rules and boundaries while visiting. It’s important to note that traveling to Pakistan as a woman is not about going on a carefree fanciful vacation but rather a semi-adventurous trip to a theocratic country where you’ll need to respect cultural differences.

This includes things like wearing a headscarf (hijab) when outside, not taking pictures with men, and declining one-on-one invitations from men for coffee or lunch. It’s also important to note that women are not allowed in the same places as men and some religious sites.

It’s also a good idea to carry a headscarf with you at all times and be wary of giving out your phone number or Facebook profile to anyone in case they start harassing you online (which can happen to people of both genders). Harassment is not uncommon, especially for long-term travelers who are perceived as foreigners.

The most serious health concerns you may face in Pakistan include waterborne, foodborne, and parasitic diseases like typhoid, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis are also common. The country can also experience natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides during the monsoon season from late June to early October.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Northern Pakistan

With massive mountain ranges, hospitality that you thought only existed in movies, and more historic sites than you can count, Pakistan is the adventure traveler’s wet dream. It’s also not as dangerous as the Western media makes it out to be, especially if you know what to expect and follow a few simple safety tips.

For starters, keep in mind that most terrorist attacks happen in regions far away from tourist destinations. Also, don’t let the recent bombings deter you from visiting Pakistan. It’s still safe to travel the country and it’s actually safer than many other countries around the world (just not as good as Turkey, the Philippines, or Japan).

You can absolutely travel to northern Pakistan if you have your own transport, but do your research first and be prepared for potential security issues. It’s also worth getting travel insurance, which should be a must for any independent travelers. Look into policies like Safety Wing, which offer month-to-month payments and no itineraries—the perfect solution for long-term travelers and digital nomads!

For female travelers, remember that this is a Muslim country and wear clothes that are respectful of local culture. You may be stared at, especially if you have lighter skin or red hair, so it’s always best to keep a headscarf handy. Lastly, make sure to avoid traveling to Balochistan and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) due to terrorism and kidnapping risks.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Southern Pakistan

Many people who travel to Pakistan get obsessed and keep coming back for years. It is truly a magical country. But as with all places in the world it does have its risks. You should always be aware of your surroundings and follow common sense, especially in big cities like Karachi. You also should exercise a high degree of caution and avoid non-essential travel to the southern part of the country due to ongoing political demonstrations, sectarian violence, the threat of terrorism and other security concerns.

find people to be incredibly warm and friendly in Pakistan, but there are some things that should be noted. For women, be sure to pack a shalwar kameez (the pants and shirt that Pakistanis wear). If you see people wearing short sleeves don’t be afraid to ask them to roll up their sleeves. You should also be wary of men who ask to take photos with you, particularly if it isn’t a one-on-one situation.

Conclusion

It’s also worth mentioning that some parts of the country, particularly those in the northwest, can be very remote. So, if you are hiking make sure you have sufficient food and water in case of an emergency, and be sure to trek with a tour company that has experience operating in these areas. Lastly, keep up to date with your vaccinations before visiting. A polio vaccination is essential and you should have up to date typhoid and hepatitis vaccines as well.