Most flights from the U.S. to Lahore involve one or two layovers—typically in cities like Doha, Istanbul, or Dubai. The total travel time ranges from 17 to 24 hours, depending on your departure city and layovers. From the East Coast of the U.S., travel time to Lahore is approximately 17 to 20 hours. If you are coming from the West Coast, the journey takes approximately 20 to 24 hours.

We provide each guest with specific instructions on departure and return dates, typically all connecting to travel together for the final leg into Lahore. Most itineraries depart in the evening of Day One and arrive in the very early morning of Day Three (i.e., depart Monday at 9 pm and arrive in Lahore Wednesday morning at 1 am). Most return trips happen within the same calendar day (i.e., depart Tuesday at 3 am and arrive home by 5 pm the same day).

Your destination is Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE), a modern facility with direct flights to multiple international hubs. The airport is about 25–30 minutes by car from FCCU’s campus.

We make every effort to accommodate church pastors so they only miss one Sunday back home. (Some have even recorded a live-feed video from campus back to their congregation.) For example, we might depart on a Monday, and return the following Monday or Tuesday.

Yes! Be sure to check the expiration date on your U.S. passport before planning your trip. You must have a minimum of six months remaining before expiration in order to travel.

Yes, U.S. citizens require a tourist visa to visit Pakistan. We provide specific instructions to walk you through the process. You can apply online through Pakistan’s official e-visa portal.

To apply, you need your passport, your photograph, and a letter from campus inviting you to visit FCCU, which we handle on your behalf. Plan to apply at least 4–6 weeks before your travel date.

While no specific vaccines are required, we recommend consulting the CDC website and your personal physician. The CDC includes a list of over-the-counter medications you might bring with you. If you regularly take medication, be sure to pack enough to last the duration of the trip.

Modest, lightweight clothing is recommended. Pakistan was once part of British India, and that tradition of conservative, tidy dress has remained as a cultural norm. If traveling between November and March, consider bringing a sweater or light jacket, as evenings can be chilly.

Men
Men can wear casual slacks and collared shirts. Avoid packing shorts and T-shirts from the last 10k you ran.

Women
Women should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover their arms and legs. Women visiting religious or conservative public areas will want to bring a light scarf, which may be used as a head covering.

English is commonly spoken in major institutions, like FCCU, making navigation easier for foreign guests. The primary language spoken in Lahore is Punjabi. However, Urdu (the Pakistani national language) and English are also widely used, especially in academic and business settings.

Lahore experiences a hot semi-arid climate.

• Spring and Fall are ideal times of year for visiting Pakistan.
• Summers (May–August) can be very hot (above 100°F/38°C).
• Winters (December–February) are mild and pleasant.

There is a modern, secure, comfortable guest house on campus with ten bedrooms. Each bedroom has its own bathroom and shower. Guests can control the air conditioning or heat in their individual bedrooms.

There is a kitchen and a common area. Linens, Wi-Fi, filtered drinking water, coffee, tea, and snacks are all provided. You will have a key to your room and one for the front door.

Lahore is considered the culinary capital of Pakistan, known for its flavorful dishes. Expect spicy curries, grilled meats (like chicken tikka), lentils, rice dishes (like biryani), fresh breads (like naan and paratha), and sweet desserts like kheer or jalebi.

Breakfast

Breakfast is prepared each morning in the Guest House and typically includes a mix of Pakistani and Western options. You may find eggs (boiled, scrambled, or omelets), toast, seasonal fruit, yogurt, tea, and coffee.

Lunch

We often join faculty and staff for lunch in the Lucas Cafe on campus. Meals are typically buffet-style and include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Expect flavorful meat curries (like chicken or beef), daal (lentils), vegetable dishes, rice, and fresh roti or naan. It’s a great opportunity to sample local cuisine and connect with the Forman community.

Dinner

Invitations for dinner from staff members are frequent. We eat out several times during most trips, taking advantage of some of the famous restaurants in Lahore.

If you have special dietary needs, please let us know, and arrangements will be made.

Drinking Water

• Drinking tap water in Pakistan is not recommended for travelers. It’s safer to stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking AND brushing your teeth.
• Bottled water is widely available and affordable.
• If you have a reusable water bottle, bring it with you. Refills are easy thanks to the filtered water stations around campus.

While exploring the rich and flavorful cuisine of Lahore can be one of the most memorable parts of your visit, we encourage guests to use discretion and listen to their bodies. Pakistani food often includes spices, oils, and preparation methods that may be different from what you're used to. Not every dish will agree with everyone.

If you have a sensitive stomach, dietary restrictions, or known food allergies, please be cautious about what you choose to eat, especially when dining off campus. When in doubt, opt for simpler, cooked items, and stay hydrated. Understanding your limits can help ensure you enjoy your meals without discomfort.

FCCU’s drivers provide all transportation in campus-owned vans or buses from the airport to campus, around Lahore, and back to the airport. Most walk or ride bicycles on campus. When visiting larger tourist or off-site areas, the campus provides a security detail for us.

Only if you wish to do personal shopping. (Yes, there will be an opportunity to shop!) Take advantage of the beautiful fabrics, weavings, pottery, and other crafts from Pakistan. Many places take credit cards. You can exchange U.S. currency for Pakistani rupees before traveling, or at the airport in Lahore. 

Every trip is unique. A specific schedule will be provided several weeks before departure, which you can share with family and prayer partners.

Each trip includes most of the following:

• Structured and casual time to talk with both Christian and Muslim students on campus.
• Participation in events put on by student clubs, typically as their guests of honor.
• Meetings with key senior leadership (and likely dining opportunities as well).
• Weekly campus chapel service and Sunday Worship service with the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan.
• A tour of campus facilities
• Free time to explore the botanical gardens, athletic fields, and architectural courtyards.
• Visit the home of a Christian student, meet their family, and see what village life is like for many.
• Visit some of Lahore's culturally and architecturally significant sites, followed by a brief time for souvenir shopping.