Pakistan is an Islamic country, and visitors must respect Islamic standards of behavior. Women are advised not to travel alone in rural areas. The import, manufacture, and consumption of alcohol or drugs are strictly forbidden. Major hotels have special rooms where non-Islamic foreigners may buy and drink alcoholic beverages. A special permit is required for travel to the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, including the Khyber Pass, and to Azad Kashmir.
Persons traveling to restricted areas without a permit are subject to arrest.
Onward overland travel to India is difficult because of border crossing restrictions. Major cities in Pakistan are safe for tourists, but travel to remote rural areas, especially in Baluchistan, Sind, and the Northwest Frontier Province is not recommended. For this reason, the Sri Lankan defense regulations restrict travel to much of the island's northern area. Areas such as Wilpattu and Galoya National Parks are considered especially unsafe. There have been isolated incidents of violence in other parts of Sri Lanka, including Columbo.