Pakistan: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Pakistan requires a visa for most nationalities, processed as an e-visa through the country's online system for most passports, though the requirement and process vary by traveler's nationality. Urdu is the national language and English is an official language, widely used in documents and major cities.
Private medical care in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi is adequate for most cases, but outside the major cities the hospital network is limited. Beyond the traditional police and fire department lines, the 1122 rescue service operates in an integrated way across much of the country for medical emergencies and accidents.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Most nationalities need an e-visa to enter Pakistan, applied for through the official portal before the trip.
Health & travel insurance: Private care in the main cities is adequate; outside them, medical infrastructure is more limited, so insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Most nationalities must apply for an e-visa before traveling through Pakistan's official visa portal, presenting an itinerary and proof of accommodation. Approval time and exact documents vary by passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Approved e-visa before travel in most cases.
- Travel insurance recommended to cover medical care during the stay.
Health, Hospitals, and Medical Insurance
Private hospitals in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi offer good-quality care for most emergencies, but in rural or mountainous areas, popular for trekking in the north of the country, medical infrastructure is much more limited.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Pakistan, including medical evacuation when needed; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote for the plan.
Transport and Currency
The currency is the Pakistani rupee (PKR); cards have limited acceptance outside major hotels, so it's best to carry cash. The 1122 rescue service, pioneered in Punjab province, has expanded to several other regions of the country for medical emergencies and traffic accidents.
When to Travel
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather in the main cities. Summer in the north of the country (Karakoram, Hunza) is the ideal season for trekking, while the southern plains are extremely hot during those months.
Travel checklist for Pakistan
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Pakistan.
- Check the visa requirement for Pakistan based on your passport: Most nationalities need an e-visa to enter Pakistan, applied for through the official portal before the trip.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Private care in the main cities is adequate; outside them, medical infrastructure is more limited, so insurance with evacuation coverage is recommended.
- Save Pakistan's emergency number: 15 (police) / 1122 (rescue and ambulance), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Pakistani rupee (PKR)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Pakistan?
Yes, most nationalities must apply for an e-visa before the trip through the official portal.
What's the emergency number in Pakistan?
Police operates on 15, and the 1122 rescue service handles medical emergencies and accidents across much of the country.
Are hospitals in Pakistan good for tourists?
In the main cities private care is adequate; in rural or mountainous areas infrastructure is more limited.
What currency is used in Pakistan?
The Pakistani rupee (PKR); it's best to carry cash outside major hotels and shops.
