Planning a trip to Pakistan from the UK
Pakistan is one of the UK's most travelled long-haul destinations, and whether you're visiting family, attending a wedding, travelling for Eid or combining a trip with Umrah, there's more to planning it well than simply picking a departure date. Visa rules, baggage allowances, transit requirements and customs regulations all differ depending on your nationality, your route and your destination city, and getting these details wrong can mean anything from an unexpected fee to being turned away at check-in.
This guide walks through everything you need to know before booking, in the order most travellers need it — starting with how to choose your route, then working through visas, baggage, airports, immigration and the practical details of arriving in Pakistan. If you're ready to compare live fares, our flights to Pakistan page compares all ten airlines serving this route.
Direct flights vs one-stop flights to Pakistan
British Airways and PIA are the only two airlines operating non-stop flights from the UK to Pakistan, both departing London Heathrow. PIA flies direct to Islamabad and Lahore, while British Airways flies direct to Islamabad only. Every other route — and every departure from Manchester, Birmingham or any UK airport outside London — connects via a hub city.
| Route type | Airlines | Typical duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct (non-stop) | British Airways, PIA | ~8 hours | Travellers prioritising speed, departing London Heathrow |
| One-stop via Gulf | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Kuwait Airways, Saudia | 9–13 hours | Best fares, widest choice of UK departure airports |
| One-stop via Istanbul | Turkish Airlines | 10–14 hours | Widest UK regional coverage, including Edinburgh |
For a full airline-by-airline breakdown, see our guide to the best airlines from the UK to Pakistan, or our guide on how to find cheap flights to Pakistan if fare is your priority.
Flight duration: how long does it take to reach Pakistan?
Total journey time depends on your destination city, your departure airport and whether you fly direct or connect through a hub. As a general guide:
- London to Islamabad (direct): approximately 8 hours with British Airways or PIA.
- London to Lahore (direct): approximately 8 hours with PIA.
- London to Karachi (one-stop): approximately 9–13 hours total, including a connection via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul, since no non-stop London to Karachi service currently operates.
- Manchester or Birmingham to any Pakistani city (one-stop): approximately 12–14 hours total, including the connection.
Layover length varies by airline and can range from around 90 minutes up to several hours. A longer layover in Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi or Muscat can often be used as a free stopover, letting you add a short city break either side of your Pakistan trip.
Visa requirements for UK travellers to Pakistan
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and heritage, so it's important to confirm your specific status before booking.
- NICOP or Pakistan Origin Card holders: British nationals of Pakistani origin holding a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or Pakistan Origin Card (POC) can enter Pakistan visa-free for any length of stay.
- Other British passport holders: a Pakistan e-Visa is required, applied for online in advance through the official Pakistan Online Visa System, typically taking five to ten working days to process. Apply well ahead of your travel dates, especially before Eid or summer.
- Dual nationals: British-Pakistani dual nationals travelling without a valid NICOP or POC will need the same e-Visa as any other British passport holder.
- Passport validity: your passport should generally have at least six months' validity remaining from your date of entry.
Visa rules can change with little notice. Always check the official UK Government's Pakistan entry requirements page and the official Pakistan Online Visa System before booking and before you travel.
Baggage allowance by airline
Checked baggage allowance varies significantly by airline and fare class, which matters for VFR travellers who often carry more luggage than a typical holiday trip. Here's how the major airlines compare in economy class.
| Airline | Economy checked baggage | Cabin baggage |
|---|---|---|
| PIA | Up to 30kg+ (diaspora/VFR fares) | 1 bag, typically 7kg |
| British Airways | 23kg (1 bag) | 1 bag, typically 23kg |
| Emirates | 30kg | 1 bag, typically 7kg |
| Qatar Airways | 30kg | 1 bag, typically 7kg |
| Turkish Airlines | 23–30kg | 1 bag, typically 8kg |
| Etihad Airways | 23–30kg | 1 bag, typically 7kg |
| Saudia | 23kg | 1 bag, typically 7kg |
| Gulf Air / Oman Air / Kuwait Airways | 30kg | 1 bag, typically 7kg |
Allowances vary by fare class and can change without notice. Always confirm your exact allowance at the time of booking, particularly for VFR travel where extra baggage is common.
Pakistan airport guide: Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad
Pakistan's three main international airports each serve a different region, and choosing the right one for your trip can save significant onward travel time.
- Jinnah International Airport, Karachi (KHI): Pakistan's busiest airport, serving the country's largest city and southern Sindh province. Best for travellers heading to Karachi itself or onward destinations across Sindh.
- Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore (LHE): serves Lahore and the wider Punjab region. Popular with travellers heading to Lahore, Faisalabad or Gujranwala.
- Islamabad International Airport (ISB): serves the capital region including Rawalpindi, and is the UK's only fully direct Pakistan route. A practical choice for travellers heading to northern Punjab or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including onward travel to Peshawar.
All three airports have dedicated arrivals halls for international flights, currency exchange counters, SIM card kiosks and pre-paid taxi desks. Arriving during Eid or peak summer periods means busier immigration queues, so building extra time into your onward travel plans is worthwhile.
Immigration and customs on arrival
On arrival, all passengers pass through immigration before collecting checked baggage and proceeding through customs. Having the right documents ready speeds this up considerably.
- Documents to have ready: your passport, visa or NICOP/POC, and ideally a printed or digital copy of your return flight itinerary and accommodation details.
- Duty-free allowance: a standard personal allowance applies for gifts, personal effects and a limited quantity of tobacco. Allowances and restricted items are set by Pakistan Customs and can change, so check current limits before travelling with high-value goods.
- What to declare: currency above the permitted threshold, commercial quantities of goods, and anything exceeding your personal duty-free allowance should be declared at the red channel.
- Electronics and gifts: new electronics, particularly multiple units of the same item, can attract customs attention. Carrying proof of purchase helps if asked.
Customs rules and duty-free allowances can change. Check the latest guidance on the UK FCDO travel advice for Pakistan page before you travel.
Transit rules when connecting through Gulf and Turkish hubs
Most one-stop itineraries to Pakistan connect through a small number of hub airports, and transit requirements are generally straightforward for UK passport holders staying airside.
- Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain: no transit visa is required for UK passport holders connecting airside to a same-day onward flight.
- Istanbul: no transit visa is required for airside connections on the same day.
- Jeddah / Riyadh (Saudia): airside transit does not require a separate visa, though travellers combining their trip with an Umrah stopover will need a Saudi visa for that portion of the journey.
- Long layovers: if your layover is long enough to leave the airport, separate visa requirements may apply depending on the country — check before planning a stopover city break.
Transit requirements can change, so always confirm current rules for your specific hub and layover length with your airline or our team before travelling.
Currency: what to take and how to pay in Pakistan
The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is the local currency, and cash remains widely used, particularly outside major city centres.
- Exchanging money: exchange rates in Pakistan are generally better than pre-ordering PKR in the UK, so many travellers exchange a small amount at the airport on arrival and the rest at a bank or licensed exchange bureau in the city.
- Cards: UK debit and credit cards work at ATMs and many hotels, restaurants and larger retailers in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, though it's worth notifying your bank before travel and carrying a backup card.
- Cash for smaller purchases: markets, local transport and smaller shops typically expect cash, so carrying Pakistani Rupees for day-to-day spending is practical.
- Currency declaration: carrying large amounts of cash above the declared threshold should be reported at customs on arrival and departure.
SIM cards and staying connected
Prepaid tourist SIM cards are widely available and inexpensive, making them an easy way to stay connected throughout your trip.
- Where to buy: Jazz, Zong, Telenor and Ufone all operate kiosks at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports, as well as shops across every major city.
- Registration: SIM registration with your passport is a legal requirement in Pakistan — airport kiosks handle this on the spot, which is usually faster than registering in the city.
- Coverage: 4G coverage is strong across major cities and most towns, though it can be patchier in rural or mountainous areas.
- UK roaming: check your UK provider's roaming charges for Pakistan before travelling, since a local SIM is often significantly cheaper for calls, texts and data during an extended stay.
Travel insurance for Pakistan
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entry, but it's strongly recommended for every trip, since the UK has no reciprocal healthcare arrangement with Pakistan.
- Medical cover: ensures treatment costs, hospital stays and emergency evacuation are covered without falling entirely on you.
- Trip cancellation and delay: covers non-refundable costs if illness, bereavement or another covered reason prevents travel.
- Baggage cover: protects against delayed, lost or damaged luggage, which is particularly relevant for VFR travellers carrying valuable gifts.
- Extended family visits: if you're staying for an extended period, check that your policy covers the full length of your trip, since some standard policies cap single-trip cover at 30 or 60 days.
Health, vaccinations and safety guidance
No vaccinations are mandatory for UK travellers entering Pakistan, but a few precautions are commonly recommended by UK travel health services.
- Commonly recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus boosters, alongside ensuring routine UK vaccinations are up to date. Speak to your GP or a travel health clinic six to eight weeks before departure.
- Drinking water: bottled or filtered water is recommended over tap water in most areas.
- Travel advice: safety conditions vary by region across Pakistan. Always check the latest UK FCDO travel advice for Pakistan before booking and again before you travel, since guidance can change with little notice.
Best time to visit Pakistan
Weather varies significantly by region and season across Pakistan's major cities.
- September–November & February–April: generally the most comfortable months, with mild temperatures across Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
- May–August: hot across most of the country, with high humidity in Karachi and intense heat in Punjab; monsoon rains affect parts of the country from July.
- December–January: cool to cold, particularly in Islamabad and northern regions, with occasional fog affecting flight schedules at some airports.
Weather is worth weighing alongside fare pricing — our guide on how to find cheap flights to Pakistan covers the cheapest months to fly, several of which also offer the most pleasant travel weather.
What to pack for a trip to Pakistan
- Documents: passport, visa/NICOP/POC printouts, travel insurance details, and a copy of your return itinerary.
- Modest clothing: lightweight, modest clothing is advisable across most of Pakistan, particularly for visits to religious or rural areas.
- Adapter: Pakistan uses UK-compatible Type G sockets in most modern buildings, though a universal adapter is a safe backup.
- Medication: pack any prescription medication in original packaging with a copy of the prescription, along with a basic travel health kit.
- Gifts and extra baggage: if travelling for VFR purposes, check your airline's baggage allowance in advance and consider pre-paying for extra baggage online, which is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
Explore flights to Pakistan's major cities
Every city has its own routes, airline mix and fare patterns. Choose your destination below for a dedicated flight guide, or compare everything together on the main flights to Pakistan page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to travel from the UK to Pakistan?
British nationals holding a valid NICOP or Pakistan Origin Card can enter visa-free. All other British passport holders need a Pakistan e-Visa, applied for online in advance, which typically takes five to ten working days to process.
How long is the flight from the UK to Pakistan?
Direct London Heathrow to Islamabad or Lahore flights with British Airways or PIA take around 8 hours. One-stop flights via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Jeddah, Bahrain, Muscat or Kuwait typically take between 9 and 14 hours in total, including the layover.
What is the baggage allowance for flights to Pakistan?
Baggage allowance varies by airline and fare class. PIA, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air and Kuwait Airways typically allow around 30kg in economy, while British Airways allows 23kg, and Etihad, Turkish Airlines and Saudia vary between 23kg and 30kg depending on fare.
Is it better to fly direct or one-stop to Pakistan?
Direct flights with British Airways or PIA save three to five hours of travel time but are only available from London Heathrow to Islamabad or Lahore. One-stop flights are often cheaper and depart from more UK airports, so the better choice depends on whether time or price matters more to you.
Which airport should I fly into in Pakistan?
This depends on your destination. Jinnah International Airport serves Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport serves Lahore, and Islamabad International Airport serves the capital region including Rawalpindi. Choose the airport closest to your final destination or family location.
Do I need a transit visa when connecting through Dubai, Doha or Istanbul?
UK passport holders transiting airside through most Gulf hub airports, including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Bahrain, for a connecting Pakistan flight do not need a transit visa. Istanbul similarly does not require one if you remain airside on a same-day connection.
What currency should I take to Pakistan?
The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is the local currency. It's best to carry a mix of cash exchanged after arrival and a UK debit or credit card for ATM withdrawals and card payments in major cities, since exchange rates in Pakistan are often better than pre-ordering PKR in the UK.
Can I use my UK debit or credit card in Pakistan?
UK debit and credit cards work at ATMs and many hotels, restaurants and larger shops in major cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, though cash is still widely used outside city centres, so it's worth carrying some Pakistani Rupees for smaller purchases.
Do I need travel insurance for Pakistan?
Travel insurance isn't a legal requirement for entry but is strongly recommended, since it covers medical treatment, trip cancellation, delayed or lost baggage and emergency evacuation, none of which are covered by the UK's healthcare arrangements abroad.
What vaccinations do I need for Pakistan?
No vaccinations are mandatory for UK travellers entering Pakistan, though Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus boosters are commonly recommended, along with keeping routine vaccinations up to date. Check current guidance with your GP or a travel health clinic before departure.
How much duty-free can I bring into Pakistan?
Pakistan customs allows a standard duty-free allowance for personal effects, gifts and a limited quantity of tobacco. Amounts and restricted items change periodically, so check current allowances with Pakistan Customs or the FCDO travel advice page before travelling with high-value goods.
Can I buy a SIM card at the airport in Pakistan?
Yes, prepaid tourist SIM cards from operators such as Jazz, Zong, Telenor and Ufone are available at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports, though you'll need your passport for mandatory SIM registration, which is a legal requirement in Pakistan.
How early should I arrive at the airport for a Pakistan flight?
For long-haul flights to Pakistan, arriving at least three hours before departure is recommended from UK airports, and slightly earlier during Eid and summer peak periods when check-in queues are longer.
What documents do I need at Pakistan immigration?
You'll need a valid passport with at least six months' validity, your visa or NICOP/Pakistan Origin Card if applicable, and it's advisable to carry a printed or digital copy of your return flight itinerary and accommodation details.
Is Pakistan safe to travel to?
Millions of UK travellers visit Pakistan safely every year, particularly for VFR and family travel, though safety conditions vary by region. Always check the latest FCDO travel advice for Pakistan before booking and before you travel, as guidance can change with little notice.
What's the best time of year to visit Pakistan?
September to November and February to April offer the most pleasant weather across Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, avoiding the intense summer heat of May to August and the winter chill in northern regions.
Can dual nationals travel to Pakistan on a British passport?
Dual British-Pakistani nationals can travel on either passport, though those without a valid NICOP or Pakistan Origin Card travelling on a British passport will need a Pakistan e-Visa in advance, the same as any other British passport holder.
What should I declare at Pakistan customs?
Passengers should declare currency above the permitted threshold, commercial goods, and any items exceeding the standard duty-free allowance. Prohibited and restricted items are listed by Pakistan Customs, so checking current rules before packing is recommended, especially for electronics and gifts of significant value.