Is Pakistan safe to visit? What the US, UK and Canadian advisories say, region by region

Is Pakistan safe to visit? It depends on where you go. As of October 2026 the US rates Pakistan Level 3: Reconsider Travel, Canada says exercise a high degree of caution, and the UK gives no single level. All three advise against any travel to Balochistan, most of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Line of Control with India.

None of them puts Islamabad or Lahore on an “avoid” list, but all three warn of terrorism. We don’t rate countries ourselves. This page sets out what each government says, region by region, with the date we read it (16 Oct 2026), so you can compare them and decide.

What level is the Pakistan travel advisory?

The US page itself, travel.state.gov, blocked our checks. We read the same advisory from the State Department’s own advisory data feed, which shows the 15 June 2026 date. Our Pakistan visa guide quoted an older January 2026 version; we follow the newer data-feed date here.

Where do the US, UK and Canada say not to go?

This table puts the three side by side for the places visitors ask about most. “Avoid all” means the strongest level each country uses for a region.

Sources: US State Department (15 Jun 2026), UK FCDO (13 Oct 2026), Global Affairs Canada (15 Oct 2026).

Is Pakistan safe to visit right now?

Two things changed in the weeks before we checked.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On 11 October 2026 the president signed an emergency proclamation, and the province came under governor’s rule. The Express Tribune reports the emergency covers 12 districts: the eight former tribal districts plus Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu and Lakki Marwat. Hazara and Mardan divisions are exempt.

The UK reports road closures, more security and internet disruption in parts of KP, and Al Jazeera reports schools and colleges were shut in Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera on 12 October.

Azad Kashmir. The UK says local authorities have advised visitors to avoid the area and those already there to leave, after demonstrations that led to road closures, mobile and internet cuts and deadly clashes. Reuters reported at least 11 people killed in Rawalakot on 7 June 2026. On 13 September 2026 the local administration said blockades were disrupting traffic in Rawalakot and Thorar tehsils, including Banjosa.

Regional tension. Canada notes that on 26 February 2026 Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan, and says further strikes could come without warning. The UK says airspace closures in May 2025 led airlines to suspend flights, and that UK help, including evacuation, may be very limited in a crisis.

Is Islamabad safe?

Neither the UK nor the US puts Islamabad on an “avoid” list, and Canada applies its country-wide “high degree of caution”. But the US and UK both say attacks have happened in the capital. The UK lists a suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad on 6 Feb 2026 that killed at least 36 people, and one outside the district courts on 11 Nov 2025 that killed 12.

What the advice asks you to do in Islamabad:

• UK: take care in outlying sectors such as I-8, I-9, I-10 and I-11 and areas further west, and avoid protests around Lal Masjid, Aabpara Market and the Press Club.
• Canada: keep a low profile, avoid Lal Masjid, be careful around western-style restaurants and shopping centres, and stay only in hotels with strong security, such as metal detectors and closed perimeters.

Is Lahore safe?

Lahore has no “avoid” level from any of the three. The UK says it has a widespread police presence but has seen recent terrorist attacks on public places and security forces, and advises avoiding religious events and large crowds. Canada lists Lahore among the cities where security forces were on high alert as of 15 Oct 2026.

For daily life in the three big cities, see our comparison of Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi.

Is Karachi safe?

This is where the advice differs most. Canada says avoid non-essential travel to Karachi, except these areas, where a high degree of caution applies:

• District of Karachi (formerly Karachi South), including Clifton and DHA Phases 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 (with some exclusions near Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road and Main Korangi Road)
• DHA Phase 7 Extension in Korangi
• Lalazar, Naval Officers Residential Estate 1 and the Port Tower Complex in Keamari
• Jinnah International Airport and Shahrah-e-Faisal between the airport and the city

The UK sets no “avoid” level for Karachi but reports a recent rise in armed robbery. It asks you to be especially careful in Lyari, Malir, Quaidabad, Orangi Town, Baldia Town, New Karachi Town, Surjani Town and Gulistan-e-Jouhar. The US doesn’t name Karachi in its regional list, but says attacks have happened there.

Is the north (Hunza, Skardu, Naran) safe?

The three governments disagree most on the north, so read each one for your exact route.

Gilgit-Baltistan (Hunza, Skardu). The UK doesn’t advise against GB itself. It says foreigners must register with local authorities on arrival, flights to Gilgit and Skardu can be unreliable, and you should not trek alone.

Canada says “Do not travel by road to Gilgit-Baltistan province”, citing clashes between protesters and security forces. The US doesn’t name GB.

The Karakoram Highway (KKH). The UK and Canada both say avoid all travel on the KKH between Mansehra and Chilas. The UK adds: don’t drive the KKH at night, and every section north of Battagram to China has had landslides. The UK also says the Babusar Pass road is liable to close in snow.

See Hunza or Skardu for 2026 road closures and flights, and our Fairy Meadows guide if you are heading there.

Naran, Kaghan and Swat (in KP). For Americans, all of KP is “do not travel”. For Canadians, Mansehra district, which includes Naran and Kaghan, falls under “avoid all travel” because only Haripur, Abbottabad and Chitral are excepted.

The UK doesn’t list Mansehra district, but it does advise against all travel to Swat. Our Swat or Naran Kaghan guide covers this in more detail.

What do the advisories say about trains, buses and taxis?

The UK is the most specific:

• Trains: avoid the railway network, because of the risk of terrorist attacks and derailments. Canada also warns of frequent rail accidents.
• Buses: avoid public transport, including the Rawalpindi to Islamabad Metro Bus, because of crime.
• Taxis: avoid street taxis and ride-hailing apps; use licensed companies you phone, where the operator sends the driver.
• Driving: you need a 1968 International Driving Permit and your UK licence. Canada says drive in daylight only, especially on mountain roads.

Our guide to getting between cities compares flights, trains and buses.

Is Pakistan safe for women?

Canada says women travelling alone may face harassment and verbal abuse, and advises against travelling alone, especially at night, and being careful with strangers or new acquaintances. The UK asks both men and women to cover shoulders and legs in public, and women to cover their heads in mosques, holy places and rural areas.

What else do the advisories warn about?

• Protests: the US says protesting without a permit is illegal, US citizens have been detained for joining protests, and posts seen as critical of the government or military can lead to detention. Internet and mobile cuts are common during protests.
• Crime: the US says the most reported crimes are pickpocketing, bag-snatching and phone theft. The UK and Canada both say credit card fraud is common.
• Photos: the UK says don’t photograph military sites, airports, bridges or dams. British nationals have been arrested on suspicion of spying.
• Weather: the UK says monsoon floods and landslides usually run from late June to early October.
• Dates: Canada says the risk of attack rises around 23 March, 14 August, Muharram (especially Ashura) and both Eids.
• Health: Canada says ambulances are “virtually non-existent” in most of Pakistan, good hospitals are limited to a few in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, and most want cash upfront. If you stay more than four weeks, you must show a polio vaccination from the past 12 months when you leave.

Is Pakistan safe for overseas Pakistanis and dual nationals?

The advice has extra warnings for you. The UK says British nationals of Pakistani origin have been targeted by criminals, including kidnappers, because they are seen as wealthier. The US says it has limited ability to help dual US-Pakistani citizens who are arrested, because Pakistani law treats them as Pakistani only.

The UK says it will not normally get involved between dual nationals and the Pakistani authorities.

If you are visiting family, the region rules above still apply to you. Before you go, sort out travel insurance, a local SIM and how you’ll use foreign cards and ATMs.

Who do I call in an emergency in Pakistan?

The UK lists 1122 for ambulance and fire, and 15 for police. The UK, US and Canadian pages all change at short notice: the UK offers email alerts when its advice is updated, so sign up before you go.

More guides: Pakistan visa, best time to visit northern Pakistan, places to visit in winter, all Visas, Phones & Money guides.