Pakistan officially reopened its borders for tourism on October 5th with specific COVID-19 entry requirements for all incoming passengers.
Pakistan originally closed its borders back in March when the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Prior to the pandemic, Pakistan was seeing a surge in tourism brought on by rave reviews of the friendly culture and being a budget friendly destination.
Here is everything you need to know before traveling to Pakistan during COVID-19 and what requirements are needed.
Countries Permitted To Visit Pakistan
Travelers from all countries are permitted to visit Pakistan under regular visa requirements.
Travel Authorization To Visit Pakistan
All travelers must submit contact information on the Pass Track app/site 48 hours before boarding a flight to Pakistan. This can be done through their mobile app or web based form
COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements
Travelers coming from all countries will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate no older then 96 hours from the time the test was taken to arriving in Pakistan.
The following countries are EXEMPT from the test requirement (Accurate as of December 16:
- Australia
- China
- Cote d'Ivoire
- Cuba
- Fiji
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Kazakhstan
- Laos
- Maldives
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Rwanda
- South Korea
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Singapore
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Togo
- Uruguay
- Vietnam
- Zambia
Quarantine Entry Requirements
Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in Pakistan.
Important Note: Passengers traveling to Pakistan showing COVID-19 symptoms may be tested upon arrival. If you are found to be symptomatic, you will be allowed to proceed to your destination but you will be required to have a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of arrival and submit the results of the test to the authorities. If the test is positive you will have to self-isolate in line with Pakistan’s guidelines.
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
All incoming travelers should have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Pakistan.
COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Pakistan
All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in Pakistan:
- Wearing a mask when instructed
- Follow social distancing markers and instructions
COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements
A vaccine for COVID-19 is not yet available to the public. Pakistan currently has no plans of making a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) mandatory for entry.
Visa Entry Requirements For Pakistan During COVID-19
All travelers arriving in Pakistan will need to follow regular visa requirements.
The below countries are eligible for a visa on arrival.
Countries not listed above must apply for a visa at the Pakistan consulate/embassy in their home country before travel.
Pakistan Covid-19 Entry Requirements:
- Complete online travel authorization.
- Get required visa if needed
- Check if you need a negative COVID-19 test before arrival (list above)
- Follow all health protocols while in Pakistan
Sources: Pakistan Government / Pass Track / UK Gov
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Originally published October 3, 2020
rabia nadeem
Sunday 13th of December 2020
Nice information. Keep it up
humayoun
Wednesday 2nd of December 2020
Tourism, as an ‘industry’ is known to contribute to various sectors of the economy, which are the hospitality sector, the food industry, transportation including air, road, and water transport, tour agencies, cultural events and activities, recreational activities, trade and lastly, area-specific tourism activities.
Many countries like Switzerland, Singapore, Turkey, Philippines, Maldives, and Thailand have established ‘sustainable tourism’ as a vital tool for development.
Jeff H
Tuesday 1st of December 2020
Hello, I got my COVID test done at Chughtai Lab in Lahore at a cost of 6500 Pakistani rupees. Turkish Airlines has listed acceptable places to get it done. I'm not sure if it varies by airline but it's a good guide (link)
alex
Saturday 9th of January 2021
Hey Jeff, did they make you get a Polio vaccine before leaving pakistan? that is the one thing preventing me from going.
Jeff H
Saturday 28th of November 2020
Hello, I just visited Pakistan - and yes there's a mandatory test to leave the country. I asked about it - and it's a move under the Pakistan government, it doesn't matter which country you're going to after Pakistan.
Kashlee Kucheran
Saturday 28th of November 2020
Hi Jeff, Thank you for the update. How/Where did you obtain the test before leaving?
Charles M
Monday 16th of November 2020
I read you have to take a Covid test on leaving Pakistan as a tourist as well regardless of the country you are returning too. Is this correct please?
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 16th of November 2020
Hi Charles, I have not personally heard of a mandatory test for all departures.