Your first hour at Islamabad Airport: customs, taxis, and what not to pack

The moment you land at Islamabad International Airport, you'll walk into the domestic arrival lounge, collect your bags from the marked belt, and head to the concourse hall — this is where the car park, taxi stands, and rent-a-car counters are located. Keep your passport, visa, and CNIC (if you have one) within easy reach, since you'll need them repeatedly in the first hour.

What's the airport layout on arrival?

After disembarking, passengers move through the domestic arrival lounge to baggage claim. Belts are marked separately for Overseas Pakistanis, Foreigners, Taxpayers, and Special Persons (elderly citizens, women, and children), so check the signage rather than guessing which belt is yours. From baggage claim, everyone proceeds to the concourse hall, which connects to the car park, taxi services, and rental-car desks.

How does customs and immigration work?

Customs clearance is mandatory: choose the Red Channel if you're carrying dutiable goods, or the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare. During immigration checks, remove hats and sunglasses, stay behind the Red Line, and don't use your mobile phone — these are enforced rules, not suggestions. Overseas Pakistani Card holders skip the disembarkation form, but everyone else needs a valid passport and visa. Note that liquor import is completely banned and will be confiscated at the arrival lounge, so don't carry any.

What's the safest way into the city?

Avoid street taxis, e-taxis, or ride-hailing apps at the airport. Instead, use a reputable, licensed taxi company by phoning them so their operator dispatches a driver to you. If you're arriving by taxi or private vehicle from Rawalpindi or Islamabad, Gate I offers rapid entrance, though your vehicle and baggage will still go through a body and baggage search.

What should you sort out before leaving the terminal?

Don't pack valuables — currency, jewelry, laptops, cameras, or watches — in checked baggage; keep these on you. If anything is lost or damaged, report it to the airline immediately at the airport, and file any damage claim within 7 days. Expect crowding and screening checks, so build in extra time rather than rushing. Once outside, carry photo ID at all times in Pakistan, as you could be asked to show it and detained if you can't. Street crime is a risk in busy areas, so keep a close eye on your belongings, especially at night.

FAQ

Do I need to register with police after arrival? Most foreigners are exempt from police registration, but nationals of certain countries — or anyone directed by immigration officers — must report to the Foreigner Registration Office (FRO). The exact list of countries isn't specified here, so confirm with your nearest Pakistan Mission or the FRO directly.

How long is a tourist visa valid? Pakistan Missions abroad can issue Visit/Tourist Visas valid for three months with double entry to nationals of 175 countries. Check current application steps and fees at visa.nadra.gov.pk before you travel.

Can I bring alcohol into the country? No — liquor import and transport is totally banned, and any found will be confiscated at the arrival lounge.

Sources

• Arrival Procedures - Islamabad International Airport
• Passenger Guidelines - Islamabad International Airport
• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/pakistan/safety-and-security