Newcomer Guide

Topic 1 of 14

Before you land

Visa, cash, downloads, the pre-flight checklist

Pakistan runs an online e-visa system for most nationalities. Apply only through the official government portal (visa.nadra.gov.pk), third-party 'visa agent' sites charge extra for nothing and sometimes worse.

  1. 1Apply for the e-visa well before flying; print a copy and keep a PDF offline.
  2. 2Buy travel insurance that covers Pakistan, check the fine print, some policies exclude it.
  3. 3Bring some cash in USD, EUR or GBP for the first day, crisp, newer notes exchange best.
  4. 4Download offline maps of Islamabad (Google Maps offline area) before you fly.
  5. 5Install the apps Pakistan actually runs on, inDrive or Yango for rides, Foodpanda for delivery, WhatsApp, and SafePak, obviously. Our Pakistan Stack page has the full verified list.
  6. 6Note your embassy's address and emergency line, SafePak's Emergency page pins it for you.
If your itinerary includes certain northern or border areas, you may need an NOC (No Objection Certificate), see the Laws & permits topic before you plan.
Screenshot your hotel's name and address in English AND ask the hotel for it written in Urdu, gold for taxi drivers.
Next upArrival & the airport