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 travelers.
Do I Need Vaccines for Pakistan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Pakistan. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Pakistan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, anthrax, 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:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - 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 traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Most cases reported in Karachi. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Anthrax –
Animals & Biological Agents –
Vaccination may be recommended or required for U.S. government employees or contractors. - 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 seperately. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| 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 traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Most cases reported in Karachi. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Anthrax | Animals & Biological Agents | Vaccination may be recommended or required for U.S. government employees or contractors. |
| 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 seperately. 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. Travelers 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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Pakistan
“My husband and I came in to get shots for our trip to Pakistan and had a wonderful experience. The doctor was knowledgeable and friendly. Would 100% go back and recommend to others.”
“The location was convenient to my home. The nurse administering the inoculations was extremely knowledgeable , efficient, patient,and gave the gentlest injections needed for my trip to Pakistan.”
“I arrived about a half hour early and was greeted immediately by one of the nurses. After a very brief wait I was taken back. The nurse had read my medical history and was thoroughly prepared. She was meticulous in educating me about the possible infections I might get in Pakistan as she reviewed all of the available vaccinations with me. She also mentioned other products she had and was willing to call in a prescription for antibiotics for me to take along “just in case.” It was decided I only needed one shot which was administered painlessly.”
“I did not have to wait at all; I got in at the time of my appointment. The doctor was very friendly and nice; she had already put together a booklet for me and was very thorough in explaining what vaccinations were recommended and why. She went over my travel itinerary and discussed what precautions to take in Pakistan. I would definitely use the clinic again.”
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 recieve 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 U.S. State Department
Keep a copy of your travel documents with you at all times while in Pakistan. Government authorities can request these at will.
For more information, see our Pakistan visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
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 the 120’s.
- Islamabad – The average high in Islamabad in June is in the 80’s. The average low is in the 50’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 90’s. Temperatures typically reach their peak in the months of May and June. The average low is in the 60’s for December and January. The city receives its highest rainfall in August, and will get anywhere from 1.5 to 2 inches of rainfall.
How Safe is Pakistan?
Travel to Pakistan, for American citizens is not recommended. Due to political unrest and terrorism, Americans 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 travelers 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 hotspot.
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 Repellant – Mosquitoes and malaria can be a problem in some parts of Pakistan. An insect repellant 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.
U.S. Embassy in Pakistan
All Americans visiting Pakistan should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Pakistan, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Islamabad
Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5
Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone: (+92) 051-201-4000
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
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?
U.S. Embassy in Pakistan
