Pakistan shares borders with Afghanistan, 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, see the border crossing map.
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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: Open for all passport holders, but only on foot. You cannot cross with the car. Updates welcome in the Mand-Pishin forum thread.
Gabd-Rimdan (BP 250): at the end of the Makran Coastal Highway. This is a shorter alternative to the more frequently used Taftan border. The first crossing was reported in 2022 and more reports have come in since 2024 – we wouldn’t be surprised to see this become the most used border crossing soon. But not everyone has succeeded.
It is still a bit complicated and difficult to summarize. We suggest you read the crossing reports collected in the Gabd-Rimdan forum thread. Border is closed on Friday.
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 the Wagah 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): In June 2022, forum user ninonon became the first foreigner to cross after the Taliban takeover. It has been open ever since, both ways, although with frequent chaos and random sudden closures at times. Updates welcome here.
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 our Xinjiang 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 (your bicycle fits). Note that the Pakistani side has an extra entry fee for the Khunjerab national park, which seems to go up with every passing foreigner (you are not allowed to visit the park, you have to stay on 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 the Karakoram Highway forum thread.
Pakistan-Kashmir border crossings
The Srinagar–Muzaffarabad bus is only available for locals. Updates reported in this forum thread.