There was no change to the advisory level. The “Other” risk indicator due to potential for armed conflict was removed. The “Unrest” indicator due to potential for armed conflict was added. The “Crime” risk indicator at Level 2 was added. The “Kidnapping” indicator was added to certain Level 4 areas. The Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory to the immediate vicinity of the Pakistan-India border was lowered to Level 3.
Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict. There is also an elevated Level 2 risk of crime.
Some areas have an 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 and kidnapping.
- The immediate vicinity of the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.
Advisory Summary
There is risk of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorism
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.
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.
- 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.
- Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Get comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. Visit the CDC Travelers Health Page.
- 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 receive important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps us contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website 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 insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Level 4: Do Not Travel – Balochistan Province
Level 4: Do Not Travel – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including the former FATA
Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks. They target civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security forces.
- Do not travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province for any reason.
- 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.
Level 4: Do Not Travel – Vicinity of Line of Control
- 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.
- Do not travel to the Line of Control for any reason.
- 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.
