Are you wondering how to get from India to Pakistan and thinking about crossing the Wagah Border from Amritsar to Lahore?
The Attari–Wagah border crossing from Amritsar to Lahore has been closed since May 1, 2025, following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. All cross-border travel remains suspended, and no reopening date has been announced.
If you plan to cross this border, please check in advance whether it has reopened.
I wrote this guide to the crossing after we first crossed. But we have since crossed the Wagah Border four times from Lahore to Pakistan and had a smooth experience each time crossing the India-Pakistan border as a family.
This post shares our experience crossing the Wagah Border the first time with tips to ensure a smooth crossing for you too.
- About the Wagah Border
- Can I Cross the Wagah Border?
- About Amritsar
- How To Get to the Border (from Amritsar)
- Crossing the Wagah Border
- How To Get to Lahore (from the Border)
- Know Before You Go
- What Is It Like?
About the Wagah Border
Between Amritsar, India and Lahore, Pakistan is the Wagah Land Border. It is a complicated border with an even more complicated history.
Although India and Pakistan are neighbouring countries with a historic brotherhood, due to the current political situation there are no direct flights between the two (in either direction).
This in turn makes crossing the Wagah Border between India and Pakistan a unique point of entry.
However due to limited information about who can actually cross the Wagah Border it does make even experienced travellers question the ease of how it will be on the day.
Crossing the Wagah Border
As an overseas traveller; am I allowed to cross the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan?
Despite complicated tensions between India and Pakistan the Wagah Border is in fact quite a straightforward border crossing.
Many travellers cross the Wagah Border every year in both directions.
As long as you are pre-prepared with a correct visa you are allowed to cross the Wagah Border with a foreign passport.
Although it is allowed to enter Pakistan with an e-Visa (Tourist Visa) at the Wagah Border it is not possible to enter India with the Wagah Border as your first port of entry. You must enter India for a first entry by air at the moment with an e-Visa.
- Tip: If you have a multiple entry visa for India that is a different story. But the Wagah Land Border is currently not allowed as a first port of entry with a tourist e-Visa for India.
Amritsar in Punjab, India
Amritsar is a city in the north-western Indian state of Punjab, not far from the land border with Pakistan.
It is particularly famous due to the Golden Temple. This is the holiest Gurdwara (religious complex) of the Sikh religion.
- Tip: It’s ideal to spend 1-2 days in Amritsar and visit the famous gilded Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) at the centre of the walled old town.
Crossing the Wagah Border India to Pakistan
First things first you need to get yourself to the Wagah Border crossing point known as Attari on the Indian side of the border, from Amritsar.
Getting to the Wagah Border from Amritsar
This takes about 40 minutes from Amritsar to the Wagah Border by road and is best done by taxi.
It is supposedly possible by bus but I recommend forking out for a taxi for the most relaxing crossing prep.
For our border crossing a taxi from Amritsar to the border for our family cost 1300Rs ($16 USD). Your hotel or guesthouse in Amritsar can help book a taxi for you.
Your driver will park in the line to the first passport check and drive you right through to the passport control terminal.
The Wagah Border Crossing Step-by-Step
While it involves multiple checkpoints, the process for crossing the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan is orderly.
Here is the breakdown of exactly what to expect.
1. Entering the Indian Border Complex (Attari)
Before you even reach the terminal, you will encounter the outer security perimeter.
Your taxi will join a queue of vehicles. You must step out of the car to show your passport and visa to the guards. They will also verify your driver’s license.
Once cleared, your driver is permitted to enter the complex and drop you directly in front of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) building.
2. Exiting the Indian Side
The Indian terminal functions much like a modern airport.
Once inside, you will move through baggage X-ray scanners.
Proceed to the immigration booths to fill out your departure card and receive your exit stamp.
3. Shuttle to the Border
After clearing customs, you will board a small shuttle bus. This bus often waits for a few more passengers before making the 2-3 minute drive down the road to the actual border gates.
4. The ‘Zero Line’ Crossing
This is the highlight of the journey—standing in the literal center of the two nations.
You will hop off the bus and walk toward the towering metal gates. This is the same road used for the famous evening parade.
Your passport will be checked one final time by the Indian BSF. You will then walk across the white line into Pakistan, where the Pakistan Rangers will perform their first ID check.
Note that you are permitted to take a quick moment here to appreciate the gravity of the location before heading toward the Pakistani terminal.
5. Entering Pakistan (Wagah)
The atmosphere on the Pakistani side is often described as more laid-back but equally official.
Follow the signs to the brick immigration building on your right.
You will move through immigration (where they will ask for your Lahore address) and a final customs baggage scan.
Once stamped in, you will exit the building and be officially welcomed to Pakistan!
Getting to Lahore from Wagah Border Crossing
Taxi is the easiest (only) option for getting from the Wagah Border crossing to Lahore.
When we crossed there were a few taxis lined up waiting at the Pakistani side of the border having dropped people off going in the other direction.
Do be sure to negotiate and agree on a price before you hop in a taxi.
Oh, and make sure they actually know where you are going!
- Tip: Some drivers do not have smart phones with a map so if you don’t have data this makes directions by taxi rather trickier!
Before You Go: Wagah Border Crossing
To ensure your transition from Amritsar to Lahore is as smooth as possible, keep these essential tips in mind.
Timing is Everything
While the border gates are officially open for transit between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, timing your arrival is crucial.
Aim to arrive at the Indian terminal between 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM.
From 3:00 PM onwards, thousands of spectators begin arriving for the evening flag-lowering ceremony. Traffic on the roads leading to the border becomes gridlocked, and navigating the terminal with luggage becomes significantly more stressful.
Visa Requirements
The Pakistan Online Visa System is the standard for citizens of 191 countries.
Ensure you have a printed copy of your e-Visa or “Visa Grant Notice.”
You cannot cross this border without pre-arranged documentation. There is no Visa-on-Arrival at the land crossing.
- Entering India: Apply via the official Indian e-Visa portal. Note that most e-Visas are valid for entry via specific airports and land ports. However, Attari (Wagah) for most e-Visa holders – it is only valid as a SECOND Port of Entry.
Prepare for the Heat
The Punjab plains are famous for their extreme temperatures, especially from April through July.
It’s hot; like seriously hot.
Albeit we crossed the first time in June. But I remember wishing that we had planned ahead with enough drinking water to get us across!
While there are small kiosks on the Indian side selling cold water, chai, and snacks, facilities on the Pakistani side are located after the immigration process.
The Cash Catch-22
This is the most important tip for a stress-free entry:
Buy enough water and snacks in Amritsar or at the Indian terminal to last you until you reach your hotel in Lahore.
Because once you step into Pakistan, you will not have any Pakistani Rupees (PKR) until you reach the currency exchange (porters) after immigration. Since you cannot easily use Indian Rupees or international cards at small Pakistani border stalls, having your own supplies is a lifesaver.
Exchanging Money: Crossing the Wagah Border
Can I exchange money in India or Pakistan crossing the Wagah Border?
There are no money changing facilities at the border. (Don’t get your hopes up on spotting the dilapidated ATM on the Pakistani side exit either).
However there are sometimes money changers (or porters that will offer to change your Indian rupees).
Otherwise it is best to get a taxi to Lahore and ask them to stop at an ATM on the way.
Albeit it still isn’t quite that simple. But long story short the only two ATM’s (of many, many we tried) that worked with our international card were HBL and Standard Chartered Bank.
Request your driver to stop at one of these on the way.
- Tip: See our complete Travel Guide for Pakistan which better explains about ATM’s in Pakistan.
Driving Distances to Each Border Terminal
- Amritsar to the Wagah Border: 32 km
- Lahore to the Wagah Border: 23km
Accommodation: Crossing the Wagah Border
Here is the accommodation that we recommend for where to stay before and after crossing the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan.
Where To Stay in Delhi and Amritsar
These are the hotels where we stayed in Delhi and Amritsar before crossing the Wagah Border:
- Delhi: Taurus Sarovar Portico Hotel (mid-range); Smyle Inn (budget); Hotel Hari Piorko (budget).
- Amritsar: Hotel Regency Amritsar (mid-range); Hotel Sapphire (budget).
Where To Stay in Lahore and Islamabad
These are the hotels where we stay in Lahore and Islamabad and can recommend for after crossing the Wagah Border:
- Lahore: Rose Palace Hotel (budget); Grand Millennium Hotel (mid-range)
- Islamabad: Regalia Hotel Islamabad (mid-range); Grand Peace House II (basic); Shelton Mellton (basic).
Crossing the Wagah Border
Border crossings are often demanding travel days (and rare; when you come from an island country). But as far as crossing the Wagah Border it is actually in fact pretty straightforward.
Assuming you have everything in order (passports, visas etc) there is nothing to worry about crossing the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan.
Be sure to remember that it is a land border between two countries that have a complicated history and as foreigners able to cross that border it is a real privilege.
Happy crossing at the Wagah Border!
Read More About Travel in Pakistan
- 15 Things To Do In Multan.
- 10 Things To Do In Islamabad.
- Day Trip Islamabad To Murree.
- 8 Things To Do In Islamabad With Kids.
- Day Trip Islamabad To Taxila.
- Crossing The Border From Pakistan To India.
- Review Of The Ramada By Wyndham In Multan.
- 10 Day Punjab India & Pakistan Itinerary.
Travel Planning for India, Pakistan & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia through 12Go.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before crossing the border to Pakistan!