Last updated: 26 Jun 2026
Pakistan
About
| Pakistan certainly offers great variety, from hidden bazaars in the narrow streets of Rawalpindi to architecture that rivals the Taj Mahal in Lahore. Opportunity for adventure abounds, with watersports, mountaineering, trekking, whitewater rafting, Jeep safaris all popular and rewarding activities. Explore Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan since it has an air of spaciousness, with parks, gardens and fountains below the silhouette of the Margalla Hills. Rawal Lake, situated about 8km from the capital, has an abundance of leisure facilities for watersports and a picnic area. | |
| Official Name: | Islamic Republic of Pakistan |
| Local Name: | Islami Jamhooriya-e-Pakistan |
| Capital: | Islamabad (ISB) |
| Currency: | Pakistani Rupee (PKR) |
| Language: | Urdu. Many local languages are spoken. English is widely understood. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 92 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +5 (3 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left |
| Best Time to Go: | October - February |
| Best For: | Archaeological and Religious Sites |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two- or three-pin plugs are in use. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. Bottled water is available, but ensure that the seal is intact. Avoid fruit juices which may have had contaminated water added to it. |
| Health: | Outside of major cities, medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | As a predominately Islamic country, dress should always be conservative: men should wear long pants, and women should keep their arms and legs covered. Respect to religious customs should be shown, particularly during the month of Ramadan. The right hand should be used for greeting, eating and exchanging items. Public displays of affection should be avoided. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Photography of military installations, personnel and airports is illegal. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans – foreigners of Western descent are targets for terrorist activities. Credit cards, especially American Express, are accepted, but cash is preferred. ATM’s are widely available. Women should not travel alone. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Pakistan by travellers over the age of 18 without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco • Gifts up to a value of Rs2,000 • 250ml of eau de toilette or perfume For residents of Pakistan, the gift allowance is reduced to Rs1,000 for a second trip within a calendar year. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Alcohol, matches, fruit, plants (unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate), and unauthorised arms and ammunition. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Antiques, certain chemicals, gems, and counterfeit and pirated goods. |
Issuing Authorities
High Commission of Pakistan
312 Brooks Street, Menlo Park 0081, Pretoria
Tel: (012) 362 4072-3
E-mail: pahicpretoria@mofa.gov.pk or pareppretoria1@telkomsa.net
Web: mofa.gov.pk/pretoria
Also accredited to: Mozambique, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho & SADC
Public Holidays 2026: Feb 5; Mar 20-23; May 1, 27-29; Jun 25-26; Aug 14, 26; Nov 9; Dec 25-26
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Visas can only be applied for online at visa.nadra.gov.pk/
REQUIREMENTS
- Photograph
- Passport
- Valid Credit Card/Debit Card for online payment of your application fee.
- Accommodation booking details
Visa Processing Time
- 7-10 days (Working Days)
Visa Validity
- Single Entry for duration up to 3 months
Visa Cost
Tourist Visa: USD 20
SA Representative
South African High Commission
House 7 Street 58, Sector F-7/4, Islamabad, 5120, PAKISTAN
Tel: +92 51 261 1312
E-mail: islamabad.consular@dirco.gov.za
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
