Which Parts of Pakistan Can Foreign Tourists Visit?

In 2019, Prime Minister Imran Khan abolished the need for foreign tourists to get No Objection Certificates (NOC) to travel around Pakistan.

And while foreigners can practically travel anywhere in Pakistan, there are still a few restrictions in place.

Restrictions when visiting Pakistan as a tourist

Balochistan is difficult

All provinces of Pakistan are open for tourists except for Balochistan. Balochistan is still a volatile part of Pakistan due to freedom fighters and their attacks against Chinese development.

If you want to travel to Balochistan, you have to request a NOC from Balchistan.gov.pk. You will not be allowed to travel alone. You will be escorted by the Pakistan Army.

I decided to not travel to Balochistan because of this. I don’t mix with Governments or Armies in any countries. It’s not safe on a personal and philosophical level – they may use you for propaganda. Plus, your experience won’t be real anyway; it’s controlled.

I’ll visit Balochistan as soon as I can – on my own terms. Like I did throughout the rest of Pakistan:

You can’t travel near the Line of Control or certain borders

You cannot travel within certain limits of India and China as listed below.

Can foreigners enter Army cantonments in Pakistan?

There are Army cantonments “cants.” in cities all over Pakistan. Cantonments are where the Pakistan Army is based, but usually, the ones you’ll be entering are where Army Officers live.

They have heavy security, and every single car that enters is checked. You can either drive through a cantonment or around it. However, some places you visit may be inside cantonments.

Foreigners can enter cantonment areas as long as there’s no visible signboard saying so. You may have to produce your passport and VISA upon entering a cantonment. I never had any problems myself.

Have any questions about visiting Pakistan? Leave them in the comments.