Is Pakistan Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Honest Safety Guide

Is Pakistan Safe for Travelers in 2025? My Personal Security Assessment

The first time I landed at Jinnah International Airport (KHI) in Karachi back in 2018, my heart was racing. Everything I’d heard about Pakistan from western media had me clutching my backpack a little tighter than usual. Fast forward to my seventh visit earlier this year, and I found myself casually chatting with shopkeepers in broken Urdu while navigating the bustling streets of Lahore without a second thought.

Pakistan’s safety situation has evolved dramatically over the past decade. While the country once struggled with significant security concerns, the Pakistan of 2025 presents a much different picture for international travelers. Having spent a cumulative 9 months exploring everything from the Karakoram Highway to the beaches of Gwadar, I’ve developed a nuanced perspective on safety here that goes beyond headlines.

In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) about staying safe while experiencing the extraordinary hospitality and stunning landscapes that make Pakistan one of my favorite destinations.

The Current Safety Situation in Pakistan (2025 Update)

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Pakistan has had a complicated security history. However, since 2015, the country has seen a dramatic decrease in terrorism-related incidents, with a 90% reduction in terrorist attacks compared to the peak years of 2009-2013.

In 2025, Pakistan continues this positive trajectory with significant improvements in security infrastructure, particularly in major tourist areas. The government has invested heavily in tourism development, recognizing its economic potential and implementing special tourist police forces in popular destinations.

Insider Tip: Download the Pakistan Citizen Portal app. As of 2025, it now includes a dedicated tourist support section where you can report issues or get assistance. I’ve used it twice for minor concerns and received surprisingly quick responses.

That said, Pakistan isn’t homogenous in its safety profile. Some regions remain challenging while others are as safe as many popular Asian destinations. Let’s break it down:

Region-by-Region Safety Assessment

Karachi (KHI) and Sindh Province

Karachi, home to Pakistan’s busiest international airport (KHI), has transformed significantly. Once plagued by crime, the city has seen street crime drop by 60% since 2020 thanks to increased police presence and CCTV coverage.

During my last visit in early 2025, I wandered through the historic Empress Market and explored the trendy Clifton neighborhood without incident. The city still has rough edges—I mistakenly ventured into Lyari after dark (not recommended) and quickly grabbed a Careem (local ride-share) to exit.

Rural Sindh has beautiful cultural sites like Mohenjo-daro, but travel with local guides is recommended, especially in border regions near Balochistan.

Lahore and Punjab

Lahore is widely considered Pakistan’s safest major city for tourists. The walled city, with its magnificent Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, feels similar to wandering through parts of Istanbul or Marrakech. The liberty market area buzzes with energy well into the night, with families and young people enjoying street food and shopping.

During Basant (the kite festival) in February, I encountered only friendly curiosity as locals invited me to join rooftop celebrations. One family in Anarkali Bazaar even insisted I join them for kheer (rice pudding) after I asked for directions.

Islamabad and Northern Areas

Pakistan’s capital is easily the country’s most secure city, with extensive security infrastructure and a layout that makes navigation straightforward. It feels remarkably orderly compared to other South Asian capitals.

The northern areas (Gilgit-Baltistan) including Hunza, Skardu, and the Fairy Meadows are statistically safer than many European tourist destinations in terms of crime. My nights camping near Nanga Parbat were among the most peaceful (and spectacular) I’ve experienced anywhere.

In 2025, the new tourism corridor along the Karakoram Highway has significantly improved access and safety for independent travelers.

Balochistan and FATA

These regions remain the most challenging for travelers. While Balochistan has some truly remarkable landscapes (the Hingol National Park looks like Mars on Earth), separatist movements continue to create security concerns.

Most foreign governments still advise against travel to these regions, and I personally haven’t ventured deep into either area without significant local support. The coastal highway from Karachi to Gwadar has improved security in 2025, but still requires advance planning.

Region	Safety Level	Special Considerations
Islamabad	Very High	Standard precautions
Northern Areas	High	Road conditions, weather events
Lahore/Punjab	High	Petty theft in crowded areas
Karachi	Moderate	Avoid certain neighborhoods, especially at night
Rural Sindh	Moderate	Travel with guides recommended
Peshawar	Variable	Check current conditions, avoid border regions
Balochistan	Low to Moderate	Only visit with proper planning and local support
FATA	Low	Not recommended for tourism in 2025

Cultural Awareness and Safety

Understanding Pakistan’s cultural norms isn’t just about respect—it significantly impacts your safety and how locals perceive you.

Dress Code Considerations

I’ve learned that appropriate dress varies dramatically by region. In upscale areas of Islamabad or Karachi, you’ll see locals in western attire, while rural areas are much more conservative.

Women travelers should generally wear looser clothing covering shoulders and knees in urban areas, with more coverage in rural regions. A dupatta (scarf) is useful to have ready. Men should avoid shorts in most settings outside of high-end hotels.

On my first trip, I made the mistake of wearing shorts in Peshawar’s old city. While nothing dangerous happened, the uncomfortable stares made exploring less enjoyable. Simple clothing adjustments make a world of difference in how you’re received.

Religious Sensitivity

Pakistan is an Islamic republic where religion plays a central role in daily life. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking publicly during daylight hours. When visiting mosques, women should cover their heads with a scarf.

I’ve found that expressing interest in Islamic culture opens doors. Learning simple phrases like “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) and “Shukria” (thank you) demonstrates respect that Pakistanis deeply appreciate.

Photography Etiquette

Always ask before photographing people, particularly women. Avoid taking pictures of military installations, checkpoints, or government buildings—this can create serious problems. I nearly had my camera confiscated near a military facility in Rawalpindi until my local friend intervened.

Transportation Safety

Road Travel

Pakistani roads present varying challenges. The newly expanded motorways between major cities are excellent, but mountain roads can be treacherous, especially during monsoon season (July-September).

I prefer hiring drivers for longer journeys rather than self-driving. A reliable driver with local knowledge costs about 4,000-6,000 PKR (roughly $15-22 USD) per day in 2025, and significantly enhances safety.

Money-Saving Insider Tip: Instead of booking through hotels (which add substantial markups), use the Careem app to find a driver you like, then negotiate directly for multi-day service. I saved 30% on my Lahore-Islamabad-Peshawar circuit this way.

Public Transportation

Pakistan’s public transportation ranges from modern metro systems in Lahore and Islamabad to colorful but chaotic buses elsewhere. The Lahore Metrobus and Orange Line are safe, efficient options for city travel.

For longer distances, Pakistan Railways has improved significantly, with the Karachi-Lahore route now offering reasonably comfortable overnight sleeper services. Book 1st or 2nd class for longer journeys—the additional cost (around 1,000 PKR/$4 USD difference) is worth the comfort and security.

Domestic flights have excellent safety records, with PIA, Airblue, and SereneAir connecting major cities. Flight prices remain reasonable in 2025, often around 15,000 PKR ($55 USD) one-way between major cities.

Health and Medical Safety

Pakistan’s medical infrastructure varies dramatically between urban and rural areas. Major cities have excellent private hospitals, while rural healthcare can be limited.

Water and Food Safety

Despite the incredible cuisine, stomach issues remain the most common traveler complaint. I stick to bottled water (check seals), avoid raw vegetables in budget eateries, and carry Imodium, rehydration salts, and probiotics.

My worst case of food poisoning came not from street food but from an expensive hotel buffet that had been sitting too long! Fresh, hot street food from busy stalls is often safer than empty restaurants with questionable refrigeration.

Vaccinations and Medications

Before visiting Pakistan, consult with a travel doctor about vaccinations for hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and potentially rabies if you’ll be in rural areas. Malaria prevention is recommended for Sindh province and rural areas below 2,000 meters, especially during monsoon season.

As of 2025, COVID protocols have largely been lifted, but it’s wise to check current requirements before travel.

Medical Care Access

I recommend travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. For minor issues, pharmacies in urban areas are well-stocked and surprisingly affordable. Aga Khan University Hospital (Karachi) and Shifa International (Islamabad) are top-tier facilities comparable to Western standards.

Safety for Female Travelers

As a solo male traveler, I’ve spoken extensively with female travelers and Pakistani women to better understand their experiences. Pakistan presents unique challenges for women but is increasingly accessible with proper preparation.

Female travelers report that harassment is generally less aggressive than in some neighboring countries, but unwanted attention remains common. Modest dress significantly reduces issues, as does confident body language.

In conservative areas, women should avoid traveling alone after dark. During daytime, urban areas like Islamabad’s F-9 Park, Karachi’s Clifton Beach, and Lahore’s Liberty Market are generally comfortable for solo female travelers.

Many female travelers find that the “pink taxi” services (female drivers for female passengers) available in major cities provide additional security. The Women on Wheels initiative has expanded to five major cities as of 2025.

Digital Safety and Connectivity

Internet connectivity has improved dramatically, with 4G available in most urban areas and tourist destinations. A local SIM card (Zong offers the best coverage for travelers) costs about 200 PKR ($0.75 USD) plus credit.

While Pakistan doesn’t have China-style internet restrictions, certain content is blocked. I recommend installing a VPN before arrival, as some VPN websites are blocked within Pakistan.

Money-Saving Insider Tip: Instead of expensive international roaming, get a Jazz SIM with their weekly tourist package (1,500 PKR/$5.50 USD for 20GB data plus calls). Available at any Jazz outlet with your passport.

Money Safety and Scams

Pakistan remains largely cash-based, though card acceptance is improving in urban areas. ATMs are widely available in cities, but can be scarce in rural regions. I typically carry several days’ worth of cash when heading to remote areas.

Common scams to watch for include:

Gem scams – “Special deals” on precious stones, particularly in northern areas
Currency exchange tricks – Always count notes carefully
Unofficial guides – Particularly at popular sites like Badshahi Mosque

One scam I encountered was a taxi driver in Karachi claiming his meter was broken, then demanding 5x the normal fare. I now always agree on prices in advance or use ride-sharing apps.

Sustainability Tip That Saves Money: Instead of buying bottled water repeatedly, I use a GRAYL water purifier bottle. The initial investment (around $90 USD) paid for itself within two weeks of travel, and prevented hundreds of plastic bottles from ending up in Pakistan’s waterways.

Emergency Information

Pakistan’s emergency infrastructure has improved but remains inconsistent. Save these numbers:

Police Emergency: 15
Ambulance: 1122
Tourist Police: 1422 (major cities only)
Your Embassy: Save contact details before travel

Register with your country’s traveler program if available (like STEP for Americans) so your embassy knows you’re in the country.

Conclusion: Is Pakistan Safe in 2025?

After seven visits spanning nearly a decade, my honest assessment is that Pakistan in 2025 is significantly safer than its reputation suggests, though not without challenges. The hospitality I’ve experienced has been extraordinary—the kind where strangers become friends who insist you stay for dinner, where shopkeepers offer chai without expectation, and where helping a lost traveler is considered a matter of honor.

Security has improved dramatically in tourist areas, while some regions remain problematic. With proper preparation and cultural sensitivity, most travelers can explore Pakistan’s highlights with reasonable peace of mind.

The reality is nuanced: Pakistan isn’t Switzerland, but neither is it the dangerous frontier that outdated perceptions suggest. It’s a developing nation with incredible natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and complex security considerations that vary by region.

5-Step Action Plan for Safe Travel in Pakistan

Research and Plan Carefully: Study regional safety, weather patterns, and cultural considerations for specific destinations. The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation website has reliable 2025 information.
Register Your Trip: Inform your embassy of your travel dates and itinerary through their traveler programs.
Arrange Initial Logistics: Book at least your first two nights’ accommodation and airport pickup before arrival. Islamabad or Lahore make excellent adjustment cities before venturing further.
Connect Locally: Join Facebook groups like “Backpacking Pakistan” or “Female Pakistan Travelers” to find recent firsthand information and potential travel companions.
Start Conservatively: Begin with well-established tourist areas before attempting more challenging regions. Success in Pakistan comes from building confidence and contacts gradually.

My personal perspective: Pakistan’s tourism renaissance is still in progress. Those willing to navigate its complexities are rewarded with extraordinary experiences far from the tourist hordes of more established destinations. The country’s reputation-reality gap creates a rare opportunity to experience incredible hospitality and landscapes before mass tourism arrives.

As they say in Urdu, “Mehman Nawazi humari riwayat hai” (Hospitality is our tradition). In my experience, no phrase better captures the essence of traveling in Pakistan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Pakistan

Is it safe for Americans to visit Pakistan?

Yes, Americans can safely visit Pakistan, especially major cities and northern areas. While the U.S. State Department maintains a Level 3 advisory (“Reconsider Travel”) as of 2025, this is primarily due to specific regions rather than the entire country. American travelers should register with the STEP program and avoid border regions with Afghanistan.

Can women travel alone in Pakistan?

Solo female travel is challenging but increasingly possible in Pakistan. Urban areas and tourist destinations in the north are most accommodating. Women travelers should dress modestly, exercise additional caution at night, and may face more limitations in conservative areas. Many solo female travelers report that the additional challenges are balanced by extraordinary hospitality and unique cultural experiences unavailable to male travelers.

Do I need a tour guide to visit Pakistan?

A guide is not legally required for most parts of Pakistan in 2025. However, guides add significant value through language assistance, cultural navigation, and security awareness. For first-time visitors, I recommend guided tours for destinations outside major cities. For Balochistan and certain border areas, local guides remain essential for both safety and permit requirements.

Is Pakistan expensive to visit?

Pakistan is very affordable by international standards. Budget travelers can manage on $30-40 USD daily, mid-range travelers on $50-100 USD, and luxury travelers on $150+ USD. Food is particularly inexpensive, with excellent meals available for $3-10 USD. Transportation and accommodation costs have risen since 2023 but remain lower than neighboring countries.

What areas of Pakistan should be avoided?

As of 2025, travelers should exercise extreme caution or avoid entirely: the Afghanistan and Iran border regions, most of Balochistan (except with proper permits and guides), North and South Waziristan, and certain parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Urban areas to approach with additional caution include Peshawar outskirts and certain Karachi neighborhoods (particularly Lyari and Orangi).

Is Pakistan safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Pakistan presents significant challenges for LGBTQ+ travelers. Homosexuality remains illegal, and society is generally conservative on these issues. LGBTQ+ travelers typically need to be discreet about their identity and relationships. That said, private behavior is rarely policed, and many LGBTQ+ travelers report visiting successfully by respecting local customs publicly.