Pakistan Travel Advisory: Level 3: Reconsider Travel, September 10, 2024

STEP Notifications

From:
00000002837efc59-dmarc-request@calist.state.gov
To:
acs_pakistan@calist.state.gov

Tue, Sep 10 at 10:51 AM

Reissued after periodic review with updates to reflect the security environment.

Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism.
The immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.
Country Summary: Violent extremist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks are frequent in Balochistan and KP, including the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, and small-scale attacks are frequent. Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilian, as well as local military and police targets. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist attractions, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have targeted U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past.

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 and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials. Internet and mobile phone service outages are common, especially during protests.

Pakistan's security environment remains fluid, sometimes changing with little or no notice. There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities, particularly Islamabad, and security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country.

The government of Pakistan restricts the travel of U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide services to U.S. citizens in KP, Balochistan, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi as U.S. government personnel must obtain special authorization to travel to those locales. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates require U.S. government personnel to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling in certain parts of the country, both for official and personal travel. Additional restrictions on movements can occur suddenly and at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions. U.S. government personnel on assignment in Pakistan are prohibited from attending most large gatherings.

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 as Pakistani law considers such individuals to be citizens of Pakistan.

The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar does not provide consular services. Services for U.S. citizens are available from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, and the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Pakistan.

If you decide to travel to Pakistan:

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
Vary your travel routes and timing.
Remain aware of your surroundings, particularly around public markets, restaurants, police installations, places of worship, government and military institutions, and other locations.
Be cognizant of local events. Avoid demonstrations or other large gatherings.
Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
Obtain travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuations.
Review local laws and conditions before traveling.
Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Find a suggested list of such documents here.
Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.
Review the Country Security Report for Pakistan.
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergencies. Review the Traveler's Checklist.
Balochistan Province - Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to Balochistan province. Extremist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

KP Province, including the former FATA - Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to KP province, which includes the former FATA. Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against 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, including the targeting of polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security service (police and military) personnel.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Vicinity of Line of Control - Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to the India-Pakistan border, including areas along the Line of Control. Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the province of Punjab between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India. Travelers are advised to confirm the status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. An Indian visa is required to enter India, and no visa services are available at the border.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Scary stuff.