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As of late 2025, direct Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe remain suspended due to the ongoing EASA ban. While privatization efforts and safety audits have progressed this year, European regulators have not yet fully cleared the airline for return. You must fly via third-country carriers—Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Qatar Airways (via Doha), and Emirates (via Dubai) remain the most reliable options for reaching Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.

The Euro is exceptionally strong against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR), currently trading around 300-310 PKR to €1. This gives European travelers massive purchasing power—a luxury meal typically costs under €10, and high-end hotels are significantly cheaper than European equivalents. However, inflation in Pakistan is high, so while your Euro goes far, local transport and imported goods prices have risen. Bring cash (Euros) to exchange at private money changers for the best rates, as ATMs often have low withdrawal limits.

Yes, Turkish Airlines increased frequency to both Lahore and Islamabad in late 2025 to capture the demand left by the PIA ban. They also expanded their codeshare agreement, offering smoother connections from secondary European cities like Lyon, Hamburg, and Manchester. This makes Istanbul (IST) the most strategic transit hub for Europeans, often offering shorter layovers than the Gulf carriers. Prices have remained competitive, with economy fares averaging €650-800 during shoulder season.

No, absolutely not. Pakistan strictly prohibits the import of alcohol by any traveler, regardless of religion or nationality. Customs officials scan all incoming baggage at major airports, and bottles will be confiscated immediately. While non-Muslims can legally consume alcohol in specific licensed venues (like 5-star hotels) with a permit, you cannot bring your own supply from Duty-Free. Don’t risk the hassle or potential fines—leave the wine and spirits at home.

Doha (Qatar Airways) and Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) are generally superior to Dubai or Abu Dhabi for this route. Istanbul offers the most direct geographic path from Europe, shaving 2-3 hours off total travel time compared to backtracking through the Gulf. Doha is excellent for connectivity, with Qatar Airways flying to multiple Pakistani cities (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Sialkot, Peshawar). Avoid tight connections (under 90 minutes) in the Gulf during winter, as fog often causes delays.

No, never drink tap water in Pakistan, not even in luxury hotels. The water contains bacteria and heavy metals that European immune systems are not conditioned for. Stick strictly to sealed bottled water (Aquafina or Nestle are reliable brands) and check the seal before opening. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth as well to avoid “Lahore Belly.” Avoid ice in drinks at street stalls or smaller restaurants, as it is often made from tap water.

Modesty is essential. Men should wear long trousers (no shorts) and shirts that cover the shoulders; buying a local shalwar kameez is extremely comfortable and appreciated by locals. Women should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover arms and legs, and carry a scarf (dupatta) to cover their head when entering mosques or conservative areas. In elite areas of Islamabad or Karachi, Western clothes are common, but in bazaars or rural areas, conservative dress prevents unwanted stares.

Yes, ride-hailing apps like Uber, Careem, and InDrive are the safest and most convenient way to get around Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. They eliminate the need to haggle and provide GPS tracking for safety. Choose the “Car” or “Comfort” option rather than “Bike” or “Rickshaw” for better safety standards. InDrive often allows you to negotiate the fare within the app, which can be cheaper, but Careem generally offers higher quality vehicles and more reliable drivers for tourists.

Pakistan typically uses Type C (European 2-pin) and Type D (Old British 3-pin round) plugs. Most European devices will fit into the Type C sockets found in modern hotels, but loose sockets are common. Voltage is 230V, same as Europe. It is smart to bring a universal adapter that supports Type D, as older buildings often use this standard. A small power bank is crucial due to frequent “load shedding” (power outages), though hotels usually have backup generators.