Travel Advice for UK Travellers to Pakistan

Pakistan is a charming country with mystical radiance. Numerous Britons plan to book flights to Pakistan to enjoy the incredible grandeur of this country. Travellers, however, must take care of all aspects while planning a tour to Pakistan.

Pakistan is beautiful country that attracts leisure travellers from all across the world. Pakistani cities like Karachi and Peshawar are highly popular among tourists who seek a rendezvous with a unique culture and mesmerising natural marvels. It comes as a no surprise that flight tickets to Pakistan remain in vogue among Britons. However, it is also a no big secret that Pakistan has been facing political and social turmoil for years now, making tourists apprehensive regarding country’s safety and security scenario. UK citizens planning holidays to Pakistan must pay heed to the following travel advice and instructions.

Entry Requirements

• British passport holders need a visa to travel to Pakistan. Any visa violation is a criminal offence and could therefore result in a fine or detention.
• British nationals travelling on a Pakistani passport will also require a visa to re-enter the UK.
• Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months at the time of visa application.
• For detailed information on entry requirements to Pakistan, log onto FCO’s official website.

Pakistan’s Major Airports

Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi are considered the major gateways to Pakistan. Britons travelling to Pakistan are most likely to land up at any of these three cities.

Jinnah International Airport (previously Quaid-e-Azam International Airport) is the country’s largest international airport. This airport in Karachi is served by a range of international airlines, including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and PIA. Jinnah International Airport is located some 15 km northeast of the city.

Allama Iqbal International Airport is located 18km southeast of Lahore. It features three terminals and is served by carriers such as Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Thai Airways and Kuwait Airways.

Benazir Bhutto International Airport (formerly known as Islamabad International Airport) is the third largest airport in Pakistan. It is located 8km southeast of the city and easily accessible from different parts of the city.

For British travellers, London Heathrow is perhaps the ideal choice to take cheap flights to Pakistan as the airport is served by most airlines. One is perhaps more likely to find cheap flight tickets to Pakistan from London Heathrow than other British airports.

General Health and Safety Tips

• As per FCO’s website, there is a high threat from terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan. There have been attacks at spots and places that are renowned to be tourist hang out zones. Travellers must be highly vigilant of their surroundings.
• Travellers must insure that they seek medical advice before boarding flights to Pakistan. All vaccinations should be up to date.
• Several parts of the county face floods from time to time. This increases the risks of different water-borne diseases, such as diarrhoea.
• It must be known that apart from major cities in Pakistan, not many hospitals are available that match up to the UK standards.
• British travellers to Pakistan are recommended to pay heed to the latest travel advice posted on the website of Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk.

Insurance

Insurance is a vital aspect of any travel. Apart from comprehensive medical coverage, tourists must insure that their insurance policy covers each and every adventure activity they intend to undertake during their Pakistan tour. Different facets of an insurance policy that must be taken care of are:

• Medical cover for sudden injury or illness
• Personal liability
• Lost and stolen belongings cover
• Emergency assistance
• Cancellation and curtailment cover

Social Conventions While in Pakistan

• Majority of the Pakistanis follow Islam. Life in Pakistan is highly influenced by Islamic tenets and beliefs – be it food, clothes, education or any other aspect. Tourists travelling to the country are advised to respect the religion as well its customs and beliefs.
• Mutual hospitality and courteousness are significant cornerstones of Pakistani society. Travellers must be aware of this.
• Women tourists are advised to dress conservatively while roaming around in the country. They should avoid wearing revealing or inappropriate clothes. Pakistani society, in general, is conservative.
• Homosexuality is illegal in the country. Same sex partners on Pakistan trip must respect local sentiments.

Best time to Visit

Different seasons are apt for visiting for different parts of the country. Winters (November to March) are the best to time book flights to Pakistan to visit regions in the Southern Pakistan (Sind, Baluchistan, Punjab). Summer is usually very hot in these regions and therefore not fit for sightseeing. Northern part of Pakistan is best visited in summer (April to October) as during winters the north is mostly snow bound.

Accommodation

Accommodation is another very major component of vacations abroad. Pakistan features a range of accommodation options for tourists, from the lavish to the budget. One must consider issues like costs, distance, security, amenities and staff before making reservations with any hotel in the country.