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Yes, Pakistan completely abolished visa fees for citizens of most European countries following the major policy overhaul in August 2024. You still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before traveling, but the government fee is now zero (previously €60-90). The application process is simplified, with approvals typically arriving within 24-48 hours.

However, do not confuse “free visa” with “visa-free entry”—you must have the approved ETA document in hand before boarding your flight from Frankfurt, Paris, or London. Print two copies, as immigration officers at Islamabad (ISB) or Lahore (LHE) often ask for physical proof upon arrival.

No, direct Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Europe remain suspended as of December 2025 pending final EASA safety clearance. While privatization efforts and safety audits progressed throughout 2024 and 2025, the ban affecting direct routes to London, Paris, and Milan has not yet been fully lifted for commercial passenger operations.

You must currently fly via hub carriers—Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, or Turkish Airlines remain the most reliable options. Turkish Airlines recently increased capacity from Istanbul to both Lahore and Islamabad, offering excellent connections for travelers departing from Germany and France.

You typically don’t need one to enter, but you may need one to *leave* if your stay exceeds 4 weeks. Pakistan is one of the few countries where polio remains endemic, and international regulations often require long-term visitors to show proof of vaccination at the airport upon departure.

If you plan to stay longer than a month, get a booster shot before leaving Europe and carry your yellow WHO vaccination book. Alternatively, counters at Pakistani international airports can administer the drops and issue a card for free, but sorting this out before your trip saves hassle at immigration.

No, never drink tap water in Pakistan, not even in 5-star hotels or upscale neighborhoods like Islamabad’s F-sectors. The water supply often contains bacteria and heavy metals that European immune systems are not conditioned to handle.

Stick strictly to sealed bottled water (Aquafina and Nestle are reliable brands) and use it for brushing your teeth as well. Avoid ice in drinks at street stalls or mid-range restaurants (“baraf”) as it is usually made from unfiltered tap water.

Only if you plan to stay longer than 60 days. For standard tourist trips under two months, your foreign phone will work on roaming or with a local SIM without registration.

If your trip extends beyond 60 days, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will block your IMEI slot until a substantial tax is paid (often €100-300 depending on the phone model). If you are a long-term traveler, it is much cheaper to buy a low-cost Android phone locally for €50-80 to use as a hotspot rather than paying the tax on a high-end iPhone or Samsung.

Doha (Qatar Airways) and Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) offer the most efficient connections to Pakistan’s major cities. Qatar Airways flies to multiple Pakistani airports including Sialkot and Peshawar, which can save you a 4-hour drive if your final destination is in the north or Punjab.

Istanbul is excellent for breaking up the journey, but be aware that flights from Istanbul to Lahore/Islamabad often depart late at night. Avoid connecting via separate tickets on non-partner airlines, as missed connections are common due to fog delays in Pakistan during winter.

Yes, app-based services like Uber, Careem, and Indrive are significantly safer and more hassle-free than hailing yellow taxis. They provide GPS tracking, fixed pricing estimates, and accountability that street taxis lack.

Indrive is currently the most popular option as it allows you to negotiate the fare upfront within the app. Choose the “AC Ride” or “Comfort” category for a few cents more to ensure a newer car with working seatbelts, which are not guaranteed in the basic “Mini” category.

Modesty is essential—men should wear trousers (never shorts) and women should wear loose tops that cover the hips and chest, paired with loose trousers. While foreign women are not required to cover their heads in public, keeping a light scarf (“dupatta”) handy is respectful and necessary for entering mosques or conservative bazaars.

Buying a local “Shalwar Kameez” upon arrival is highly recommended. It’s incredibly comfortable in the heat, helps you blend in, and signals respect for local culture, which often results in warmer hospitality and better prices in markets.