Faisalabad is Pakistan’s third-largest city. It is sandwiched between the Himalayan Mountain range and Central India. Once home to Indian freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and world-famous musical maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Faisalabad is a thriving cosmopolitan city with loads to do and see.
Since the best-laid travel plans always include a good degree or preparation, this guide is a great place to start. Learn all about the must-see attractions of Faisalabad, risks to keep in mind, and important information about travel medical insurance.
Faisalabad Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Expect to find the real-world Pakistan a much brighter place than what the media would have you believe. It is safe, warm, and culturally rich. But there are several reasons to buy travel medical insurance while traveling to Faisalabad, lack of adequate health care facilities being the main one.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Faisalabad?
All visitors to Pakistan are required to have travel medical insurance that can cover COVID-19 for the full duration of their trip.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Faisalabad?
In Faisalabad, access to routine and emergency medical care is limited, and private healthcare is extremely expensive in Pakistan. To avoid shelling out a humongous sum for treatment, it helps to have the safety net of travel medical insurance.
Things To Do for Travelers in Faisalabad
Start your day with a typical halwa-poori breakfast. Indulge in deep-fried street samosas for lunch with an array of chutneys. And end the day with biryani and tandoori meat and veggies… because if there’s one thing you’ll notice, it is that Faisalabadis love to eat!
The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is a historical monument in the heart of Faisalabad. Eight different roads divulge from the tower, leading to eight different markets and business centers known for their shops and eateries. The samosa chaat by the clock tower is to die for.
Jinnah Garden
This is the biggest and oldest garden in Faisalabad for recreational activities. It is full of greenery and old trees, perfect for an outdoor picnic.
Sindbad Wonderland
This amusement park is a must-visit! It makes for a fun outing, especially when you are traveling with kids and young adults.
Lyallpur Museum
The Lyallpur Museum was established in 2011 and has 10 interesting galleries portraying the ancient and modern history and culture of this city.
Local Cuisine
Street food in Faisalabad is a big part of its cuisine. You cannot leave without trying the fish tikkas, tandoori chicken, and the keema samosas here.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Faisalabad
Locals claim that Faisalabad is a safe, tourist-friendly city. In Pakistan’s constant struggle with terrorism and violence, this city has been a safe haven with a small Punjabi town mentality for quite some time now. However, there are concerns you must keep in mind.
Theft and violence
Just like in every big city, petty crime is common in Faisalabad. Armed robberies and carjackings are possible.
Air pollution
Faisalabad ranked low on the US Air Quality Index (440) in 2020. It currently has some of the most polluted air of any city on the planet. As such, an N-95 mask is highly recommended.
Terrorism
Unfortunately, due to Pakistan’s relations with its neighbors, the risk of terrorism is ever-present. While most governments advise against travel only to places in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan due to terrorist activities, Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad have also suffered due to terrorist aggression in the past and are not 100% without danger.
Nature’s wrath
Faisalabad experiences extreme rainfall from July-September. It is Pakistan’s rainiest city. This often results in slippery roads, storms, and cyclones…and as a result, casualties. Make sure to invest in good rain gear if traveling during this time.
Protests
Pakistan often goes through internal political strife, which leads to protests on the streets and in public areas. These protests can turn violent, even in Faisalabad. If you come across a protest, it is best to distance yourself and not get involved.
Before You Travel to Faisalabad - Do This
There are several important things to keep in mind before traveling to Faisalabad. They are:
- Pack appropriately: Faisalabad is a conservative city. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and flashy clothes should be avoided. It is advisable to be properly covered in public places.
- Carry disposable masks: Faisalabad is extremely polluted. Breathing in the open air is hazardous to anyone’s health. Purchase and wear N-95 respirator masks.
- Read up about the local laws: Pakistan has strong Islamic laws of dress, behavior and blasphemy that should be respected when traveling to Faisalabad. A little bit of research goes a long way and helps avoid misunderstandings.
- Buy the right insurance: Mitigate your financial and health risks with travel medical insurance.