Pakistan shares borders withAfghanistan, Iran, India and China. The Line of Control that forms the border with Jammu & Kashmir has no border crossings open to foreign travelers. For an exact location of these and all other border crossings on the Silk Road, seethe border crossing map.

Pakistan – Iran border crossings

Traveling in this area comes with some risks, as the area is known for sectarian violence. Tourists have been kidnapped and killed here in the recent past, on both sides of the border. However, there is a steady trickle of tourists hitchhiking, driving, cycling and backpacking across, and we have not heard of stories with an unhappy ending since 2013.

As for passenger trains between Iran and Pakistan, after reading this newspaper report we wouldn’t bet on them resuming anytime soon.

Mirjaveh – Taftan: this border crossing is very long because of the armed escort you need in Baluchistan, so we moved it to a separate page:Zahedan – Quetta border crossing.

Mand – Pishin: Only open for locals and for “trading”, according to one local.

Gabd-Rimdan (BP 250): at the end of the Makran Coastal Highway. There were rumours about this one opening, and both theFIA (page 10) and theIOM (page 62) say it is a valid international border crossing, but is it really already open?

Fact is there was an agreement between Iran and Pakistan. The Iranians have it officially on the books since 2016 and there was somesort of an opening ceremony on their side. There seem to be ongoing problems with lacking infrastructure for import/export business, but people and goods do pass through here.

It’s definitely on the books on both sides and thus a legal crossing point. Now, will they (especially the Pakistanis) actually let a foreigner cross there?It’s definitely on the books on both sides and thus a legal crossing point. Now, will they (especially the Pakistanis) actually let a foreigner cross there? Probably not, according to one local, who tells us the border has a similar status to Mand – Pishin.

There is also a bus between the border and Karachi. We cannot comment on the security situation in the area though.

Pakistan – India border crossings

Ganda Singh Wala – Hussainiwala: This border is closed. Since 1970 there has been a daily Retreat Ceremony at the border crossing, similar to the famous Wagah border ceremony, but a bit more intimate.

Wagah: Scene of the famous border closing ceremony. Very smooth both ways (for foreigners at least), can change money at border. Updates welcome in theWagah border crossing forum thread.

Khokrapar-Munabao: A rail crossing. Definitely possible for foreigners. The Thar Express train through Khokrapar-Munabao border in the south to India is running weekly (report).

Pakistan – Afghanistan border crossings

Pakistan has 8 formal border crossings with Afghanistan, of which Torkham and Chaman – Spin Boldak have international status. The other 6, we presume, are bilateral: Arandu (Chit­ral), Gursal (Bajaur), Nawa Pass (Mohmand), Kharlachi (Kur­ram), Ghulam Khan (North Waziristan), Angoor Adda (South Waziristan) and Chaman (Balochistan).

Pakistan has said it wants to build 18 proper border crossings with Afghan­istan to regulate cross-border move­ment.

Khyber pass (Torkham): Reports of succesful crossings without own transport were not seen since 2008, untilthis report from November 2017 from Afghanistan to Pakistan. Since then, there has been another report in January 2018.Updates welcome here.

Going the other way should be more complicated. However, if you have your own car, the authorities (FATA secretariate in Peshawar) will consider your request.

Chaman – Spin Boldak crossing: Closed for foreigners.

Pakistan – China border crossings

The Chinese will ask for a proof of recent polio vaccination. We recommend you read up about Chinese border closures. For a summary of other issues facing travelers, both at the border and once in Xinjiang, see ourXinjiang travel guide.

Khunjerab pass: Along the Karakorum Highway. On the Pakistani side, the pass is 75 km from the customs and immigration post in Sost. On the Chinese side, the border post is located 3.5 km from the pass. The actual Chinese customs and immigration procedures are conducted at Tashkurgan, about 120 km from the Sino-Pakistan border. The border crossing is officially opened from April 1st until 30th of November, but closure can happen earlier due to weather conditions or landslides. It’s also closed on weekends.

Cyclists and walkers can cross independently, if they are escorted by a Chinese tour guide on the Chinese side. Since this is expensive, most board the bus in either Tashkurgan or Sost (25$ – your bicycle fits). From the Pakistani side you can still cycle up to the pass until the actual border, but not over it unless a tour guide is waiting for you. You will have to return to Sost to take the bus.

The Chinese border guards will most likely ask for a proof of a recent polio vaccination for anyone who has spent more than 1 month in Pakistan. On the Pakistan side of the border, a “healthcare point” can give you an oral vaccination and a certificate to hand over to the Chinese for free.

Updates and questions welcome in theKarakoram Highway forum thread.

Pakistan-Kashmir border crossings

The Srinagar–Muzaffarabad bus is only available for locals. Updates reported in this forum thread.

More border crossings