Pakistan: Authorities lift travel bans, modify entry testing restrictions as of Jan. 5 /update 64

Event

The Pakistani government has modified its international travel rules as of Jan. 5. Categorical classification of countries is no longer valid, effectively lifting travel bans from erstwhile Category C locations, including several African and European nations, and Hong Kong, among others.

Revised rules mandate inbound passengers to hold proof of completing vaccination if above 18 years old and negative results of a PCR test obtained within 48 hours before departure if older than six years. They must also continue to submit a health declaration form online or via the Pass Track mobile application within 48 hours before arrival. Returning Pakistani citizens unable to avail of vaccination in foreign countries due to visa or medical issues, as well as Afghan citizens entering via land borders, are exempt from carrying vaccination certificates.

Those arriving via direct flights from Europe will undergo an on-arrival rapid antigen test (RAT); officials will also administer RATs to 50 percent of arrivals from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, as well as a random selection of passengers from other international locations. Passengers with positive RAT test results must quarantine for 10 days at a government or self-paid facility; those who test positive on the mandatory PCR test on the eighth day must undergo additional quarantine until they return negative results in a PCR test. Diplomatic passport holders need not undergo RATs at entry points. They may self-quarantine for 10 days at home or opt to take an on-arrival RAT; they must take a RAT at their accommodation if unvaccinated.

Domestic Measures
Domestic rules of varying degrees remain in effect nationwide. In cities with vaccination rates of over 60 percent, including Islamabad, Gilgit, Mandi Bahauddin, and Mirpur, restrictions on indoor dining at eateries, religious activities, and most public facilities are no longer in effect; however, the localities remain subject to nationwide protocols. Stricter measures are ongoing in areas with vaccination rates of below 60 percent. Public transport vehicles can operate with up to 80 percent capacity, and public facilities can open with varying operating hours and capacity limits. Localities with vaccination rates of 40-60 percent and below 40 percent can allow gatherings of up to 500 and 300 people, respectively. Areas with vaccination rates of 40-60 percent include Hunza, Jhelum, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Skardu.

Essential businesses can open for 24 hours daily nationwide. The government prohibits unvaccinated people from boarding flights and entering public facilities, such as schools, religious venues, and shopping malls. Violators may be subject to fines and arrest. Reports indicate generally poor adherence to and enforcement of guidelines nationwide.

Local governments in some areas may implement enhanced curbs, such as tighter operating hours and capacity limits for public facilities and vehicles, due to higher COVID-19 activity. Locals may protest measures affecting business activity, religious services, and public movement, particularly in urban centers. Clashes between demonstrators and police are possible.

International Travel Restrictions
Passenger flights remain limited due to low demand and travel restrictions by foreign governments on Pakistani citizens and air carriers. Cargo, charter, and repatriation flights are operational.

All Pakistani passengers aged above 15 years old require vaccination certificates to board domestic or outbound international flights. The rule does not apply to the medically exempted, foreigners taking outbound international flights, or Afghan citizens exiting via land borders. Foreigners aged below 18 years old, and those who entered Pakistan before Oct. 1, also do not require a vaccination certificate for domestic flights.

Land border crossings with India and Iran remain closed, except for limited cargo transport, permitted passenger travel, and repatriation. Authorities allow most border crossings with Afghanistan to operate, though Pakistani officials may require Afghan nationals above the age of 12 permitted who enter through land borders to produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours before arrival. Cargo transit continues to face intermittent disruptions, especially along the Afghan border.

Advice

Confirm travel arrangements. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments, deliveries, and travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Ensure access to essential items. Avoid all large gatherings; heed security and traffic advisories.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of Pakistan COVID-19 Portal