On March 3, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and the family members of U.S. government personnel from U.S. Consulates Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks. There is no change to the status of Embassy Islamabad.
Armed Conflict
Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Pakistan. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Violent extremist groups have carried out attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks typically happen in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA, but they have also occurred in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad.
- Terrorists may strike without warning. They target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, malls, military and security forces sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist spots, and government buildings.
Demonstrations
Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit.
- Being near a protest can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces.
- U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests. You can also face detention for posting content on social media viewed as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials.
- Internet and mobile phone service outages are common, especially during protests.
Crime
Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid. It sometimes changes without notice and can be a serious threat.
- There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities. Security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country.
- The most reported crimes are pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and phone theft.
Limited U.S. consular assistance
The Government of Pakistan restricts the travel of U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan.
- U.S. government employees working in Pakistan are required to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling in certain parts of the country, both for official and personal travel.
- The U.S. government has a limited ability to assist or provide services to U.S. citizens in the KP Province, Balochistan Province, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
- U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan must obtain special authorization from the host government to travel to most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
- Additional restrictions on movements can occur suddenly and at any time. This depends on local circumstances and security conditions.
- U.S. government employees working in Pakistan are generally prohibited from attending most large gatherings, such as political rallies or religious ceremonies.
Dual nationals
The U.S. embassy and consulates have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Pakistani citizens who have been arrested or detained. Pakistani law considers such individuals to be exclusively citizens of Pakistan.
Risks in specific areas
Level: 4 – Do not travel
Balochistan Province
Do not travel to Balochistan Province for any reason due to terrorism and kidnapping.
- Extremist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks. They target civilians, foreign nationals, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces.
- Do not travel to Balochistan Province for any reason due to terrorism and kidnapping.
- Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common.
- Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime .
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including former FATA
Do not travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province for any reason due to terrorism and kidnapping.
- Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks. They target civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security forces.
- These groups historically have targeted both government officials and civilians.
- Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common. Terrorists target polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security services, like police and military staff.
- Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime .
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
Vicinity of Line of Control
Do not travel to the Line of Control for any reason due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.
- Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on their respective sides of the Line of Control in the disputed territory of Kashmir.
- The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for people who are not citizens of Pakistan or India is in the Province of Punjab between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India. Confirm the status of the border crossing before your trip.
- An Indian visa is required to enter India. No visa services are available at the border.
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
If you decide to travel to Pakistan:
- Review our information on Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime .
- Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Stay alert in large crowds or tourist spots.
- Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
- Monitor local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Vary your travel routes and timing.
- Be aware of your surroundings, particularly around public markets, restaurants, hotels, police installations, places of worship, and government and military institutions.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Develop a communication plan with family, your employer or host organization. List how and when you’ll confirm you’re safe (text or call). Specify how often you will do this.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Pakistan.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis Response and Evacuations .
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest Travel Health Information for Pakistan.
- Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist .
- We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
