Travel Advisory – Polio in Pakistan
Pakistan is one of several countries with an ongoing polio outbreak. Vaccination is recommended.
Travel Vaccines and Advice for Pakistan
Located in South Asia, the country of Pakistan has garnered a reputation of both good and bad. Though extremism continues, Pakistan has remained a strong and prosperous nation.
Pakistan boasts a diverse landscape of charming, coastal towns and dreamy, desert dwellings. No matter the itinerary for your trip, Pakistan is a dream destination for all world travellers.
Do I Need Vaccines for Pakistan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Pakistan. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Pakistan: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Most cases reported in Karachi. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required if arriving from a region with polio transmission. Pakistan has had documented polio cases in the last year. Vaccination or a single adult booster is recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Pakistan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Most cases reported in Karachi. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required if arriving from a region with polio transmission. Pakistan has had documented polio cases in the last year. Vaccination or a single adult booster is recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Pakistan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Polio is still a threat in some parts of Pakistan. Make sure that you have been vaccinated. Travellers staying in Pakistan for more than four weeks must show proof of vaccination.
Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease found in some parts of Pakistan. Vaccination may be recommended based on your travel plans.
Dengue, malaria and chikungunya are also present. Repellents and netting provide protection. You may require antimalarials based on your itinerary.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Is a Passport or Visa Required for Pakistan?
A passport and visa are required to enter Pakistan. You must get your visa before arrival. Note, some regions like Kashmir require extra permission or fees. Proof of polio vaccination may be required when leaving Pakistan. Be sure to receive on before your trip.
Pakistan Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Pakistan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
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Sources: Embassy of Pakistan and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Keep a copy of your travel documents with you at all times while in Pakistan. Government authorities can request these at will.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Pakistan?
The climate of Pakistan is best described through seasons. Winter lasts from November to March, and has semi-cool temperatures. But, it is still warm in comparison to winter temperatures in other countries.
From April to July, Pakistan experiences extreme temperatures and monsoon conditions. Monsoon season brings most of the country’s rainfall. Rain has caused intense flooding issues in previous years.
Highs and lows vary by season. In January, the average low can be below freezing. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to the low 50’s.
- Islamabad – The average high in Islamabad in June is in the high 20’s. The average low is in the 10’s for January. The capital receives an average of 6 inches of rainfall between July and August.
- Karachi – The average high temperature in Karachi is in the low-30’s. Temperatures typically reach their peak in the months of May and June. The average low is in the teens for December and January. The city receives its highest rainfall in August, and will get anywhere from 2 to 5 centimeters of rainfall.
How Safe is Pakistan?
Travel to Pakistan, for American citizens is not recommended. Due to political unrest and terrorism, Canadians should avoid travel to the region.
Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta are a magnets for rebels and terrorist attacks. Islamabad is the single-safest city in Pakistan. Like most countries or cities, there are safe and unsafe areas.
Explore the Lost City of Mohenjo Daro
Located in Sindh and built around 2500 BC, Mohenjo Daro is known as the, ‘Lost City of Pakistan’. The Indus city has attracted archaeologists and travellers alike for centuries. With no real, identifiable historical significance, the province leaves visitors with more questions.
The ancient city was built on elevated ground in the Larkana district of Sindh. Mohenjo Daro has no evidence of government. Archaeologists believe that it was likely a city-state, governed by elected officials and leaders.
The city’s heyday was believed to have been between 2500 BC and 1900 BC. Though it was unknown until its discovery in 1921, the province’s well-preserved history and charming architecture makes it a major hot spot.
What Should I Take to Pakistan?
Pakistan is a popular destination. But, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need for your trip.
- Insect Repellent – Mosquitoes and malaria can be a problem in some parts of Pakistan. An insect repellent will help to reduce the risk of disease.
- Power Converter – Bring a converter if you’re planning on using any electronics.
- Sunscreen – The sun is especially deceiving in Pakistan. Whether you’re trekking through desert or cruising the coast, sunscreen is essential.
Canadian Embassy in Pakistan
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Pakistan, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
High Commission of Canada in Pakistan
Diplomatic Enclave, Sector G-5
Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone: (011 92 51) 208-6000
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Pakistan
“Great consultation, the nurse was very friendly and knowledgeable, she made solid recommendations for Pakistan and we feel confident with those recommendations.”
“My husband and I had a wonderful experience preparing to go to Pakistan with Passport Health. Very knowledgeable nurses. The office was very clean, also easy to find. Would recommend to anyone traveling out if the country.”
“Nurse was very knowledgeable and made the appointment easy and fast. We feel prepared for our Pakistan trip.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Pakistan?
Is a Passport or Visa Required for Pakistan?
What is the Climate Like in Pakistan?
How Safe is Pakistan?
Explore the Lost City of Mohenjo Daro
What Should I Take to Pakistan?
Canadian Embassy in Pakistan
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