This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack and volatile and unpredictable security situation. Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you are comfortable travelling to Pakistan knowing that you may be caught up in a terrorist attack. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to Pakistan, you should exercise extreme caution. If you are in Pakistan and concerned for your safety, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

We continue to receive a stream of credible reports indicating that terrorists are in the advanced stages of planning attacks against a range of targets in Pakistan. These attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Pakistan. The Pakistani authorities have increased security throughout the country due to the threat of attacks.

The assault by Pakistani forces to end the siege at the Red Mosque complex (Lal Masjid) has resulted in further violence and civil disorder across Pakistan. Recent credible reports indicate that terrorists may be planning retaliatory attacks on aviation, government and military targets, as well as Western interests, including Australian interests, and Western embassies in response. Possible locations include Islamabad, Peshawar, Karachi, Mardan, Nowshera, Lahore and Quetta.

Hardline groups have been calling for attacks against the government following the siege at the Red Mosque. Since 12 July 2007, more than 400 people, most of them police and troops, have been killed in a series of suicide attacks and shootings in Islamabad, Baluchistan, the North West Frontier Province (including Swat) and in the federally-administered tribal areas (including Waziristan).

On 1 November 2007, the United Kingdom reissued its travel advisory to note that Pakistani authorities believe there is currently a high risk of suicide attacks in the Islamabad/Rawalpindi area targeting both government and diplomatic interests. On 2 June 2008, a car bomb exploded outside the Danish Embassy in Islamabad. Eight people were killed and dozens of others were injured.

Recent credible reporting indicates a potential terrorist threat against Western hotels in Islamabad. There is a general terrorist threat to Islamabad supermarkets frequented by Western diplomats, including Jinnah Supermarket in F7 and supermarkets in F6.

On 15 March 2008, an explosion at an Islamabad restaurant popular with foreigners in F6 killed at least one person and injured a number of others. Further attacks are possible in the short term. Australian High Commission staff have been advised to avoid restaurants frequented by foreigners.

Recent reports suggest that terrorists are planning attacks against Western, including Australian, individuals and interests in Peshawar and Islamabad, but we emphasise that attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Pakistan.

Recent credible information indicates terrorists are planning attacks against targets in Karachi. Consulates, including the Australian Consulate, may be targeted, as well as major international hotels. The Australian Consulates in Karachi and Lahore have been closed until further notice for security reasons.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on 27 December 2007 following a political rally in Rawalpindi. Scores of bystanders were killed and injured. The assassination followed bomb attacks in Karachi on 18 October 2007 that targeted the former Prime Minister's motorcade. According to media reports, well over 100 people were killed and many more were injured.

Suicide bombers have regularly targeted political, military and civilian targets in Islamabad and Rawalpindi since July 2007. These attacks underscore the very high threat of terrorism at this time. Further attacks are likely.

On 6 September 2007, the US Embassy in Islamabad reissued a warden message advising American citizens that has received non-specific information regarding terrorist attacks, possibly suicide attacks, against US people and interests and places frequented by Westerners. The threat includes the major cities in Pakistan, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar and locations such as Christian churches, markets, the diplomatic enclave and convention centre (Islamabad), and other crowded areas. The Embassy has advised Americans to take every precaution, avoid popular markets and restaurants, and vary routes and times. We recommend Australians follow this advice.

Terrorist attacks could be directed against any locations known to be frequented by foreigners, such as international hotels, restaurants, markets and tourist sites, as well as premises and symbols associated with the Pakistan Government and Western interests. Be aware that terrorists may have different national backgrounds, including from Western countries. Some terrorist attacks have involved multiple, consecutive explosions.

International non-government organisations and their employees have been targeted in attacks over recent months, particularly in North-West Frontier Province and federally-administered tribal areas. Further attacks cannot be ruled out.

Recent credible reports indicate terrorists may be planning kidnappings or attacks against western interests, including the oil industry, in Karak in the North West Frontier Province.

Recent credible reports indicate terrorists are planning to kidnap foreigners in the Gwadar region of Baluchistan.

On 11 February 2008, the United States embassy alerted its citizens to safety concerns following an increased number of terrorist attacks targeting compact disc and video shops in the North-West Frontier Province and the federally administered tribal areas.

Premises and symbols associated with the Pakistani Government could also be targeted. On 10 January 2008, over 20 people were killed and many more injured in a bomb explosion outside the High Court in Lahore. On 17 February 2007, 15 people were killed and 35 were injured in a bomb explosion in a courtroom in Quetta. Further similar attacks against judicial targets are likely. On 19 February 2007, at least 67 people were killed and more than 50 injured when a series of blasts hit the Lahore-bound Samjhauta Express in India. Another bomb exploded outside Islamabad international airport on 6 February 2007. On 30 January 2007, a suicide bomb attack occurred in Dera Ismail Khan killing three people and injuring six. On 27 January 2007, a suspected suicide bomb exploded at a bazaar in Peshawar killing 15 and injuring many more, and a bomb exploded outside the Marriot Hotel in Islamabad on 26 January 2007.

At least 15 people were killed and dozens injured on 14 January 2008 when a bomb fixed to a motorcycle detonated near a clothing factory in Karachi. On 2 March 2006 a suicide bombing near the US Consulate and Marriott Hotel in Karachi killed four people, including a US diplomat. In the past, attacks have been conducted against Western fast food outlets in Karachi and a crowded bazaar in Peshawar among many others.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided at venues. Possible targets include clubs, restaurants, embassies and high commissions, schools including international schools, international hotels, expatriate housing compounds, places of worship, shopping centres, markets, outdoor recreation events, tourist areas and other crowded places, transport hubs and identifiably Western interests, including businesses. Terrorists have kidnapped foreigners in the past and more kidnappings are possible.

In the past, militants have mounted attacks in the lead-up to and on days of national significance such as Independence Day (14 August) and Pakistan National Day (23 March) and there is a heightened risk of sectarian violence on days of religious significance and during associated celebrations. On 11 April 2006, a bomb exploded at a religious rally in Karachi. Fifty-five people were killed and dozens were injured. On 20 October 2006 shortly before Laila-Tul-Qadar, the 27th night of Ramadan, a bomb exploded in a market in central Peshawar causing nine fatalities and injuring more than 40 people.

Security at the Australian High Commission in Islamabad is at a high level as a precautionary measure and the Australian Government has, since 5 May 2004, authorised the voluntary departure of the dependants of Australian High Commission staff in Islamabad. Following the 2 March 2006 suicide bombing near the US Consulate and Marriott Hotel in Karachi, the Government has advised Australian diplomatic and consular staff in Pakistan to exercise extra security vigilance. These attacks demonstrate that terrorists continue to target western interests.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

The security situation in Pakistan remains volatile, unpredictable and could deteriorate unexpectedly. Australians could be caught up in violent unrest. You are responsible for ensuring you are able to depart Pakistan and that your travel documentation remains up-to-date.

Regular demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings should be expected and may turn violent. We strongly urge you to avoid all such events as you could be caught up in violence or attacks directed at others. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations, you should find a safe location, remain indoors and heed local advice. You should continue to closely monitor local information sources for information about possible safety and security risks.

International events and political developments in the region may also prompt large demonstrations in Pakistan. The release of a film by Netherlands politician Geert Wilders and the republication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed in Danish newspapers have led to protests in Pakistan. The Netherlands Government has said it was taking account of serious threats to Dutch people and Dutch interests in a number of countries. You should read our travel bulletin entitled Release of a film by Netherlands MP Geert Wilders.

On 9 February 2008, at least 25 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a suicide bomb attack at a political rally in Charsadda, North-West Frontier Province. Two days later, seven people were killed and 13 injured in an attack on an election candidate's convoy in North Waziristan.

Following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto on 27 December 2007, incidents of violent unrest occurred across the country. Police in Sindh province were ordered to shoot to kill those involved in arson or other acts of civil disturbance. While this unrest has largely subsided, the security situation remains precarious and could deteriorate without warning. The threat of being caught up in rioting and lawlessness remains. We advise you to avoid any unnecessary local travel. You should closely monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.

More than a dozen people were killed and more than 40 injured when a suicide bomber targeted a political rally at an Islamabad market on 17 July 2007. On 12 May 2007, scores of people were killed in political violence during a protest in Karachi. On 28 April 2007, the Interior Minister narrowly survived a suicide bomb attack that killed 28 people and wounded more than 35 people in Charsadda in the North West Frontier Province.

Sectarian violence is also common in many parts of Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, Sindh, Baluchistan, the North West Frontier Province and the northern areas. On 11 April 2006, 47 people were killed and more than 100 injured when a bomb exploded at a Sunni Muslim religious congregation in Karachi.

Australians should be particularly vigilant including during religious festivals as militants have in the past used such occasions to mount attacks. Australians could be caught up in attacks directed at others. Frequent suicide bombings (several aimed at mosques) and assassinations have killed bystanders. The likelihood of attacks may increase during religious festivals, including the Islamic month of Muharram (10 January to 6 February 2008). On 17 January 2008, a suicide bomber attacked a Shiite mosque in Peshawar. Twelve people were killed and more than 25 others were injured. Other Muharram ceremonies have, in the past, been marred by violence and large gatherings such as processions may be targeted. Retaliation in response to attacks is common and has in the past resulted in further deaths.

Federally administered tribal areas and border areas with Afghanistan and to the line of control in Kashmir: We advise you not to travel to the federally-administered tribal areas due to security concerns. With the exception of the official border crossings, which all are currently open, foreigners are prohibited from travelling within 50 kilometres of the border with Afghanistan in the Northern Areas and within 15 kilometres of international borders and the Kashmir Line of Control. While there has been improvement in India-Pakistan relations since April 2003, the situation could change with little notice. Members of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been and continue to be targets of threats of violence and kidnappings.

Baluchistan and North-West Frontier Province: We advise you not to travel to Baluchistan and the North-West Frontier Province due to high levels of civil unrest and the volatile security environment. Attacks against government and security interests in Baluchistan are likely, as are attacks against oil, natural gas and other power infrastructure and railways. Potentially violent anti-government protests could occur in other provinces.

Ongoing attacks on transport, including the railway network, communications and energy infrastructure in Baluchistan have intensified since the start of 2005 particularly in the Sui/Dera Bugti area. There have been attacks in 2005 and 2006 on both Pakistani and foreign workers in these sectors in both Baluchistan and other parts of south-west Pakistan. In May 2006, multiple bombs exploded at a police training facility outside Quetta, killing several police officers and injuring many others. At least five people were killed and many more injured by a bomb explosion in Quetta in June 2006. On 25 October 2007, 17 soldiers and a number of civilians were killed in a bomb attack on a military truck in Swat (North-West Frontier Province).

If you are in Baluchistan, the North-West Frontier Province (including Swat) and the federally-administered tribal areas and borders with Afghanistan and India, you should consider leaving.

Crime

Violent crime, including armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping, occurs in many parts of Pakistan, particularly in Karachi.

There is a high incidence of lawlessness in most of Baluchistan, rural Sindh and the North West Frontier Province, including the federally-administered tribal areas.

Pick-pocketing and petty theft is common in Pakistan.

Local Travel

Following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto on 27 December 2007, violent unrest was reported across the country. The security situation in Pakistan is very precarious and could deteriorate further. You should avoid any unnecessary local travel. Contact your travel agent and airline regarding temporary disruptions or suspension of transport services. Trains, buses, other vehicles and banks have been attacked and police checkpoints are in place in major cities. While many services are now returning to normal, some may not be available for some time. We advise you to avoid rail travel until the situation becomes clearer.

Road accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Road conditions and driving standards are poor, requiring extreme caution to be exercised all times.

Carjacking is a risk in Pakistan. You should drive with the doors locked and windows up.

Avoid travel after dark and the use of public transport, including buses, trains and taxis, due to the security risk.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

Pakistan is in an active earthquake zone.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

Cyclones can occur in coastal areas of Pakistan. See our Severe Weather: Hurricanes, Cyclones and Typhoons travel bulletin.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas. Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Pakistan, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug offences are severe in Pakistan and include the death penalty. Possession of even small quantities of "soft drugs" for recreational purposes can result in lengthy jail sentences, large fines and deportation. The death penalty may also be imposed for other crimes including murder, rape, blasphemy and unlawful assembly.

Homosexuality is illegal. The act of sodomy is illegal in Pakistan and penalties include life imprisonment. It is also illegal for unmarried heterosexual couples to live together.

Although rare, corporal punishment may be imposed for some offences including robbery, public drunkenness and consumption of alcohol by a Muslim.

Importing alcohol and pork products is illegal in Pakistan.

You are advised not to take photographs of airports or military and government buildings and installations.

Attempting to convert a Muslim or encouraging a Muslim to abandon their religion is illegal.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Pakistan. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Wearing short-sleeved garments and shorts should be avoided, as should physical contact between men and women in public. Women may be targets of harassment, particularly if they are unaccompanied.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.

Information for Dual Nationals

Pakistan does not recognise dual nationality. If you or your father were born in Pakistan you may be considered by authorities to be a Pakistani national even if you do not hold a Pakistani passport. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide you with consular assistance if you are arrested or detained.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of Pakistan for the most up to date information.

If you are arriving from or have transited a country infected with yellow fever, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever certificate to be granted entry into Pakistan.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical facilities and care in Pakistan is generally limited, with the exception of a select number of clinics and hospitals in major cities which approach western standards. In most towns, rural and remote areas, medical facilities are extremely limited. Hospitals in Pakistan usually require up-front payment, confirmation of insurance cover, or guarantee of payment prior to admission. In the case of a serious illness or accident, a medical evacuation to Australia, or a similar destination, would be considered necessary. Depending on the immediacy, severity and circumstances of the case, a medivac could cost $A100,000.

Malaria is common in Pakistan, except in areas above 2000m. Chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistant strains are reported. Other insect-borne diseases (including Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis) are present in Pakistan with outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling, taking the appropriate prophylaxis against malaria when necessary and taking measures to avoid insect bites, including using an insect repellent.

Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, measles and polio) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and uncooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

Avoid temporary 'black henna' tattoos as they often contain a dye which can cause serious skin reactions. For further information see the Australasian College of Dermatologists' website.

Avian influenza. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a human death from avian influenza in Pakistan. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Pakistan for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. You should seek medical advice before taking antiviral medicines. Australians intending to travel to Pakistan for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.

If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Pakistan should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Pakistan should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.

The Australian Government has decided as a precautionary measure to hold a limited supply of the antiviral medicine oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and protective face masks at most of its overseas missions. The antivirals would primarily be used to protect emergency staff providing consular and other essential services in the event of a widespread outbreak of avian influenza amongst humans. Australian missions will not be in a position to provide influenza antiviral medicines to Australians in affected areas. It is the responsibility of individual Australians to secure their own supply of such medicines (such as Tamiflu or Relenza), if required.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

Access to the diplomatic zone in Islamabad, where the High Commission is located, has been restricted by the Pakistani Government for security reasons. Access to the High Commission is on foot from the UN Boulevard entrance to the enclave on Constitution Avenue, or via bus from the National Convention Centre at the corner of Constitution Avenue and Shahrah-E-Kashmir Road. An office in the car park of the Convention Centre has been set up to sell tickets and direct customers to the bus.

You can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian High Commission
Constitution Avenue and Ispahani Road
Diplomatic Enclave No. 1
Sector G-5/4
Islamabad PAKISTAN
Telephone: (92 51) 282 4345
Facsimile: (92 51) 282 0112
E-mail: consular.islm@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.pakistan.highcommission.gov.au

If you are travelling to Pakistan, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we strongly recommend you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High or Consulate.

The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

The Australian Consulate in Karachi was closed until further notice due to security concerns on 8 September 2007. The Australian Consulate in Lahore has been closed to the public until further notice for security reasons. In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.