Pcr Test Requirements: Navigating Travel To Pakistan

As of May 2023, Pakistan has removed the requirement for a negative COVID-19 PCR test for vaccinated travellers entering the country. However, unvaccinated travellers above 12 years of age must present a negative PCR test result conducted within 72 hours before departure to Pakistan. Exemptions are made for travellers with valid medical reasons for being unvaccinated, Pakistani minors under 12 years of age, and foreign travellers under 18 years of age.

Unvaccinated travellers to Pakistan must present a negative PCR test

As of February 2022, unvaccinated travellers to Pakistan must present a negative PCR test. This rule applies to all unvaccinated individuals over the age of 12, and the test must be taken within 72 hours before the flight's departure time. Those who are 12 years of age or younger are exempt from mandatory vaccination and therefore do not need to present a negative PCR test.

The PCR test result will only be considered valid if the test is conducted by a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)-approved lab. A complete list of approved labs can be found on the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) website.

Upon arrival in Pakistan, all passengers aged 12 and above will be tested at random through Rapid Antigen Testing. Passengers who test positive will be required to quarantine for 10 days. The Pakistan government provides guidance on its COVID-19 website.

It is important to note that travel requirements may change frequently and travellers are advised to check for the latest updates before planning their trip. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) website provides the latest travel guidelines for travellers to Pakistan.

Vaccinated travellers no longer need a negative PCR test

As of February 2022, Pakistan has removed the requirement for a negative COVID-19 PCR test for vaccinated travellers entering the country. This means that if you have been fully vaccinated, you no longer need to present a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of departure to Pakistan. The pre-boarding negative PCR test requirement has been abolished for vaccinated travellers.

Who is Exempt from the PCR Test Requirement?

The following categories of travellers are exempt from the PCR test requirement:

• Children below 12 years of age.
• Pakistani minors below 12 years of age are exempt from the test requirement, regardless of vaccination status.
• Foreign travellers below 18 years of age who are unvaccinated are also exempt.
• High-level international delegations are exempt from the PCR test requirement.

Other Requirements for Entry to Pakistan

While the PCR test requirement has been lifted for vaccinated travellers, there are still other entry requirements to keep in mind when planning travel to Pakistan. All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must follow the regular visa requirements for entry to Pakistan. Additionally, travellers may be required to fill out a health declaration form upon arrival and may be subject to random Rapid Antigen Testing at all airports across Pakistan.

It is important to note that COVID-19 travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check your country's specific travel advisory information and the latest travel restrictions to Pakistan before planning your trip.

Children under 12 are exempt from PCR testing

As of January 2023, Pakistan has removed the requirement for a negative COVID-19 PCR test for vaccinated travellers entering the country. However, unvaccinated travellers who are over the age of 12 years are required to present a negative PCR test result conducted within 72 hours before departing to Pakistan.

Children under 12 years of age are exempt from PCR testing when travelling to Pakistan. This exemption applies to both Pakistani minors and foreign travellers under 12. It is important to note that this exemption only applies to the pre-departure PCR testing requirement.

Upon arrival in Pakistan, all passengers aged 12 years and above, regardless of vaccination status, may be tested at random through Rapid Antigen Testing. If an individual tests positive, they will be required to quarantine for 10 days. The quarantine facilities vary across provinces in Pakistan.

It is always recommended to check the latest travel guidelines and requirements provided by official sources, such as the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) or the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), before planning your trip to Pakistan. These requirements are subject to change, and staying informed ensures a smooth travel experience.

Passengers must fill in a health declaration form on arrival

As of January 2023, Pakistan has removed the requirement for a negative COVID-19 PCR test for vaccinated travellers entering the country. However, unvaccinated passengers above 12 years of age must present a negative PCR test result conducted within 72 hours before departure to Pakistan. Exemptions to this rule include:

• Pakistani minors below 12 years of age.
• Foreign travellers below 18 years of age.
• Travellers with valid medical reasons for being unvaccinated (proof of exemption required).

Upon arrival in Pakistan, you may be required to complete a health declaration form. This form will be distributed to all passengers in the plane and must be handed over to the health staff in the International Arrival Lounge. The form will include your contact details and a brief travel history. Non-compliance with the authorities shall result in denial of entry to the country.

In addition to the health declaration form, there is mandatory screening for COVID-19 at all airports across Pakistan. All arriving passengers aged twelve years and above will be tested at random through Rapid Antigen Testing upon arrival. Passengers who test positive will be quarantined for 10 days.

Random COVID-19 testing is mandatory at all airports in Pakistan

If you are planning to travel to Pakistan, you will need to be aware of the country's COVID-19 testing requirements. While Pakistan has removed the need for vaccinated travellers to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result on entry, unvaccinated individuals above the age of 12 must present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure. Exemptions to this rule include unvaccinated travellers with valid medical reasons (proof of exemption is required), Pakistani minors under 12, and foreign travellers under the age of 18.

Regardless of vaccination status, all arriving passengers aged 12 and above are subject to random Rapid Antigen Testing at all airports across Pakistan. Pakistani deportees must also undergo mandatory Rapid Antigen Testing on arrival. Passengers who test positive will be required to quarantine for 10 days, with the option of taking a PCR test on day 8. Additional quarantine time may be necessary until a negative PCR test result can be presented.

It is worth noting that the cost of a COVID-19 test at Pakistani airports ranges from PKR 3,000 to PKR 6,500. For those travelling onwards to the UAE, testing facilities are available at the airports in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Quetta, and Sialkot.

Frequently asked questions