Is Pakistan Safe?
The Pakistan travellers meet is very different from the one in the headlines. Here is the honest answer from a licensed local team, and from the travellers who have been there.
Is Pakistan Safe to Visit in 2026? Yes.
Thousands of foreign travellers visit Pakistan every year, mostly in Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad and Lahore, and almost all of them leave talking about the hospitality, not danger. In the main tourist areas the real day-to-day risks are traffic, mountain weather and an upset stomach, not crime against tourists.
Pakistan is not the country you see in the news. Like any large country it has a few areas to avoid, so the smart way to travel is with a licensed local operator who knows exactly where to go.
Generally welcoming
Islamabad, Lahore, Hunza, Skardu, Gilgit, Fairy Meadows and most trekking routes in Gilgit-Baltistan. This is where most of our tours run.
Travel with extra care
Karachi (watch for street crime), parts of KP and Sindh, and any city on protest days. We plan these with local support.
We do not go
Afghan border areas, Balochistan and areas listed in official advice. We never take guests where it is not safe.
See Pakistan Through Travellers' Eyes
Some of the world's best-known travel creators have filmed across Pakistan. Watch what they found for themselves.
Travel With a Licensed Local Team
The safest way to see Pakistan is with people who live here. Everything about a TGA trip is licensed, registered and approved.
Government licensed
TGA is registered with the Government of Pakistan through the Ministry of Tourism and holds DTS licence DTS-GB-094.
Licensed, trained guides
Our tour leaders, trekking guides and drivers are experienced locals from Gilgit-Baltistan who work only on approved routes.
Permits handled for you
We arrange NOCs, trekking and climbing permits and police registration, so every trip is fully approved before you arrive.
200+ happy travellers
Since 2022 we have hosted guests from 10+ countries, including the USA, UK, France and Germany, with 20+ video reviews on YouTube.
Our Safety Measures
Safety is built into every TGA trip, from the first plan to the day you fly home. Here is exactly what we do.
Smart route planning
Before every trip we check official advice and the latest local security updates. If a road, valley or region changes, we change the route, not your safety.
Local guides and drivers
Your guide and driver are experienced locals who know every check post, road and village, speak the language and have driven these mountain roads for years.
Flights over long road sections
Where it makes sense, we fly you to Skardu or Gilgit instead of driving long highway sections, saving time and avoiding the most demanding roads.
24/7 contact with our office
Our office in Gilgit tracks every group, every day. You and your guide can reach us at any hour, and we have a US contact in Washington DC too.
Permits and registration
We handle NOCs, trekking and climbing permits and police registration where needed, so you never get stuck at a check post.
Medical backup on every trip
Our teams carry first aid on every trip. On treks we plan evacuation routes and arrange helicopter rescue support in case of emergency.
Practical Safety Tips
Simple habits that make any trip to Pakistan smoother, whether you are in the city or on a glacier.
For everyone
- Get travel insurance that covers the regions and activities on your trip
- Register with your embassy before you travel
- Avoid political rallies and large crowds
- Keep copies of your passport and visa for check posts
- Use ride-hailing apps in cities and keep your phone out of sight on the street
- Drink bottled or filtered water
For women
- Dress modestly and carry a light scarf
- Avoid walking alone late at night
- Join a women’s tour led by a female guide for extra comfort
In the mountains
- Acclimatise slowly at altitude
- Keep buffer days for landslides and flight delays
- Trek only with a licensed operator
- Pack layers: mountain weather changes fast
Still asking “Is Pakistan safe for me?” Send us your plan and we will answer honestly. Also read our guide to the tourism infrastructure of Pakistan and why Pakistan is worth the trip.
Ask our team →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pakistan safe for tourists right now?
The main tourist areas, such as Islamabad, Lahore and Gilgit-Baltistan, welcome many foreign visitors every year. Some border regions and parts of KP and Balochistan are not safe for tourists, so always check official advice and travel with a trusted operator.
Is Hunza safe to visit?
Hunza is one of the most visited places in Pakistan and is known for its friendly people. Most visitors fly to Gilgit or travel via the Babusar Pass in summer.
Is Pakistan safe for solo female travellers?
Many women travel in Pakistan safely, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan. Dress modestly, avoid being out alone late at night, and consider a tour led by a female guide.
Is Karachi safe?
Karachi is a busy city with a real risk of street crime like phone snatching. Use ride-hailing apps, avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables hidden.
Which areas of Pakistan should tourists avoid?
Areas near the Afghan border, Balochistan and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are listed by foreign governments as places to avoid. Check the latest official advice.
Does TGA change trips for safety reasons?
Yes. We follow official advice and local updates, and we change routes, use flights or postpone trips if needed.
Last reviewed October 2026. Rules and availability can change, so please confirm when you book.
