Business travel to Houston, planned from Pakistan
Houston is the energy capital of the United States. Oil and gas majors, service companies and engineering contractors have their head offices here, along with the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex, and one of the busiest ports in the country.
Houston for business travellers from Pakistan
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Visa | A US B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Complete the DS-160 online, pay the US$185 fee and attend an interview at the US Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate General in Karachi. |
| Interview wait | The State Department’s tool showed about 7.5 months for Islamabad and 7 months for Karachi when we checked. Apply as early as possible. |
| Airports | George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) for most international flights; William P. Hobby (HOU) mainly for domestic routes. |
| Flight time | About 18 to 21 hours with one stop, including routes via Doha and Dubai. |
| Time zone | Ten or eleven hours behind Pakistan, depending on daylight saving time. |
| Energy show | Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), 3–5 May 2027. |
| Money | US dollar (USD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere; tipping of about 15–20% is expected in restaurants and taxis. |
Why energy companies go to Houston
Pakistani oil and gas companies, engineering firms and service providers visit Houston for technical meetings with operators and contractors, equipment inspections, training and recruitment. The Offshore Technology Conference, held from 3 to 5 May 2027, is the main event for offshore energy and brings together operators, suppliers and governments from around the world.
Many energy companies have offices in the Energy Corridor, west of downtown along Interstate 10, so a hotel there can save an hour of driving each day.
Where business happens in Houston
Houston is spread out, and almost every trip needs a car:
- Downtown for energy majors, banks and law firms
- The Energy Corridor, west along I-10, for oil and gas companies and contractors
- Uptown and the Galleria for corporate offices and hotels
- The Texas Medical Center for hospitals, research and medical suppliers
- NRG Park, south of the centre, for large shows including OTC
Pakistani links in Houston
Houston has one of the largest Pakistani-American communities in the US, and Pakistan has a Consulate General in the city. That makes halal food, mosques and community contacts easy to find, and many Pakistani professionals work in the energy and medical sectors there.
Climate and getting around
Summers are hot and humid, and the June to November hurricane season can bring heavy rain and flooding. Public transport is limited outside downtown, so we arrange cars and drivers for most itineraries. Business is friendly but direct, and meetings are punctual.
How Go Global manages a Houston trip
Visa plan
We check visa validity and start applications early for OTC.
Conference
OTC registration and hotels near NRG Park or the Energy Corridor.
Flights
One-stop routes into IAH.
In Houston
Cars and drivers between districts.
After the trip
One invoice and a trip record.
Houston business travel questions
How early should we apply for a US visa?
As early as possible. Interview waits in Islamabad and Karachi were around seven months when we checked, so plan most US trips six to nine months ahead unless travellers already hold a valid visa.
When is OTC 2027?
From 3 to 5 May 2027 in Houston. Check the organiser’s site for the full programme.
Do we need a car in Houston?
Usually yes. The city is spread out and public transport is limited outside downtown.
Is Houston affected by hurricanes?
The season runs from June to November. Check forecasts before travel and keep plans flexible.
Planning a trip to Houston?
Tell us who is travelling, when and why. We reply with a plan, the visa route and a quote. Go Global has handled 100,000+ trips, and our team works 24/7 for travellers on the road. Email insights@goglobal.pk or WhatsApp 0320-4111222.