Visiting Pakistan

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Pakistan page at Yoogo.

The currency is the Pakistani rupee (PKR), and cash remains essential for markets, transport, and smaller establishments. Card payments and mobile wallets are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, though it is wise to carry rupees once you travel into rural or mountain areas where ATMs can be scarce.

Conditions vary considerably by region, and the security picture can change, so it is sensible to consult your government's current travel guidance before and during your trip. Popular destinations such as Lahore, Islamabad, and the northern valleys see steady tourism, and many travellers find Pakistani hospitality warm and welcoming once on the ground.

Intercity travel is served by comfortable coach services, an expanding motorway network, and domestic flights that link the major cities with northern hubs like Skardu and Gilgit. Within cities you will find ride-hailing apps, metro bus systems in Lahore and Islamabad, and traditional rickshaws, while travel into the mountains often relies on hired jeeps and local drivers.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) generally bring the most comfortable weather across much of the country, with mild temperatures and clear mountain views. The northern valleys are best enjoyed from late spring through early autumn when high passes are open, while the southern plains around Karachi and the Indus are most pleasant in the cooler winter months.

Urdu is the national language and English is an official language widely used in government, business, and higher education, so you will often find English understood in hotels, airports, and tourist settings. Regional languages such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi are spoken across the provinces, and learning a few words of Urdu is warmly received.

Consult a travel health professional or your government's health guidance well before departure, as routine and travel vaccinations may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the seasons. It is generally advised to drink bottled or treated water, take care with street food until you adjust, and carry a basic medical kit, particularly when travelling in remote mountain regions far from clinics.

Tipping, known locally as baksheesh, is customary and appreciated for good service, with around five to ten per cent common in restaurants that do not already add a service charge. Small notes for porters, drivers, and hotel staff are a normal courtesy, though tipping is rarely demanded and remains at your discretion.