This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Terrorism (Pakistan Government security threat warning). 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. Targets could include diplomatic missions, international hotels, shopping centres, international schools and other places frequented by foreigners. These attacks could target Western or Australian interests and individuals and occur at any time, anywhere in Pakistan. The Pakistani authorities have increased security throughout the country due to the threat of attacks. See the list of possible terrorist targets below. Be aware that terrorists may have different national backgrounds, including from Western countries.

In late December 2008 the arms cache seized by Pakistan security forces in the July 2007 Red Mosque raid was reported stolen from a police station and is once again in circulation. The Pakistan Government subsequently issued a warning to diplomats of a security threat to foreigners, especially in Islamabad and Dera Ismail Khan. It has advised diplomatic staff to exercise extra caution and vigilance especially during their outdoor activities.

On 21 November 2008, the Pakistan Government advised all foreign missions of security threats, especially in Islamabad and Peshawar, and asked foreign diplomats to exercise caution in their movements. In August 2008, militants warned terrorist attacks would be carried out in Pakistani cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad in response to military action near the Afghan border. The warning followed a double suicide attack at an army munitions factory near Islamabad, where around 60 people were killed and scores of others were injured.

Terrorist attacks have involved multiple, consecutive explosions.

On 23 and 24 September 2008, the US Embassy in Islamabad advised that all US Government staff are no longer permitted to stay at or frequent major hotels in Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar and Lahore. They have also been advised to avoid public restaurants in those cities and restrict the number and frequency of trips to markets. The warden message noted that there are reports that further terrorist attacks may take place in Islamabad, and that markets and restaurants may be among the intended targets and its citizens are advised to avoid these locations if possible.

Kidnapping: Terrorists have kidnapped foreigners in the past. Recent credible reports indicate there is a continuing high threat of kidnapping against Westerners, including Australians and those working for non-government and international organisations, in Pakistan, particularly in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas, North-West Frontier Province and Baluchistan.

Reports also indicate terrorists may be planning kidnappings or attacks against Western interests, including the oil industry, in Karak in the North West Frontier Province.

Red Mosque: Hardline groups have been calling for attacks against the government following the siege at the Red Mosque which ended in July 2007. Since then, hundreds of 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).

Credible reports indicate terrorists may also be planning retaliatory attacks on aviation, government and military targets, as well as Western interests, including Australian interests, and Western embassies.

Recent incidents include:

• On 20 September 2008, over 50 people were killed and hundreds of others injured when a truck bomb exploded outside the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.

• Gunmen stopped and shot at a US diplomat's vehicle in Peshawar in August 2008.

• Six bomb blasts in Karachi in July 2008 killed one person and injured 37 others, including seven children.

• Eighteen police officers and a civilian were killed in a suicide attack near a rally at the Melody Market near the Red Mosque in Islamabad in July 2008.

• Eight people were killed and dozens wounded when a car bomb exploded outside the Danish Embassy in Islamabad in June 2008.

• In March 2008, an explosion at an Islamabad restaurant popular with foreigners killed one person and injured 11 others.

• Twenty-six people were killed and more than 100 injured in two bomb blasts in Lahore on March 2008. One explosion occurred outside the provincial police headquarters.

• Two security guards were killed in a suicide attack at the Marriott Hotel, Islamabad in January 2007.

These attacks underscore the very high threat of terrorism at this time. Further attacks are likely.

Terrorist targets: Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere in Pakistan. Major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, and Quetta have been targeted.

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 places frequented by foreigners, clubs, restaurants, fast food outlets, embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic interests, schools including international schools, international hotels, expatriate housing compounds, places of worship, shopping centres, markets, bazaars and supermarkets, airports, compact disc and video shops (particularly in North-West Frontier Province and federally-administered tribal areas), convention centres, outdoor recreation events, tourist areas and other crowded places, identifiably Western interests, premises and symbols, including businesses and non-government organisations (NGOs).

Premises and symbols associated with the Pakistani Government could also be targeted. Judicial buildings, such as courts, public transport and transport infrastructure, including trains and airports have been attacked, along with military and police interests and personnel. Further attacks are likely.

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).

Advice to High Commission staff: 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.

Since March 2006, the Government has advised Australian diplomatic and consular staff in Pakistan to exercise extra security vigilance. Staff have been advised to avoid restaurants frequented by foreigners.

Following terrorist activity in September 2008, security measures have been heightened further at the Australian High Commission in Islamabad. Staff have been advised to minimise the use of international hotels and other places frequented by foreigners and exercise increased vigilance and security awareness.

The Australian Consulates in Karachi and Lahore have been closed until further notice for security reasons.

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.

Demonstrations and rallies: 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 closely monitor local information sources for details about possible safety and security risks.

International events and political developments in the region may also prompt large demonstrations in Pakistan. You should also read our travel bulletin entitled Re-publication of cartoons.

Sectarian violence: Sectarian violence is also common in many parts of Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, Sindh, Baluchistan, the North West Frontier Province and the northern areas.

Australians should be particularly vigilant including during religious festivals and days of religious significance as militants have in the past used such occasions to mount attacks and the likelihood of attacks may increase. In the past, ceremonies held during the Islamic month of Muharram (29 December 2008 to 26 January 2009), religious rallies and celebrations have been marred by violence. Large gatherings, such as processions, and mosques may be targeted. Retaliation is common and has 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. If you are in these areas, you should consider leaving.

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.

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. 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.

Attacks against government, security and military interests in Baluchistan are likely, as are attacks against oil, natural gas, power and communications infrastructure and transport, including the railway network.

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.

Local Travel

The security situation in Pakistan is uncertain and could deteriorate at any time. Contact your travel agent and airline regarding temporary disruptions or suspension of transport services.

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.

During the monsoon season (July to September), flooding and landslides can occur with little warning throughout the country. Services and transport are often affected.

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

Some mountainous areas of Pakistan are subject to winter avalanches.

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 be imposed for 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 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 World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Pakistan. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website.

Where to Get Help

The Australian High Commission in Islamabad may close temporarily to the public at short notice should concerns arise about security in the vicinity of the High Commission. You should telephone ahead before going to the High Commission. If you require emergency consular assistance, you should first telephone the High Commission or the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra.

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) 835 5500
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 in September 2007. The Australian Consulate in Lahore has also 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.