Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to
terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Please read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel to:
- Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and kidnapping.
- The Azad Kashmir area due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.
Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Pakistan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist locations, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have targeted U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past, and information suggests they continue to do so.
Terrorist attacks continue to happen across Pakistan, with most occurring in Balochistan and KPK, including the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in hundreds of casualties.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Pakistan due to the security environment. Travel by U.S. government personnel within Pakistan is restricted, and additional restrictions on movements by U.S. government personnel outside of U.S. diplomatic facilities may occur at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions, which can change suddenly.
The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar is unable to provide any consular services to U.S. citizens.
Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or near Pakistan, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the
Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.
Read the Safety and Security section on the
country information page.
If you decide to travel to Pakistan:
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Remain aware of your surroundings and local events.
- Vary travel routes and timing, especially for routine trips.
- Minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, government and military institutions, and other locations.
- Minimize the number of U.S./Western nationals congregating in any one location at any time.
- 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 Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Reports 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. Active terrorist groups, an active separatist movement, sectarian conflicts, and deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, government offices, and security forces destabilize the province, including all major cities.
Visit our website for
Travel to High-Risk Areas.
KPK Province, including the former FATA – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to KPK province, which includes the former FATA. Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government offices, and security forces. These groups historically have not discriminated between government officials and civilians. Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams.
Visit our website for
Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Azad Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to the Azad Kashmir area. Militant groups are known to operate in the area. The threat of armed conflict between India and Pakistan remains. Indian and Pakistani military forces periodically exchange gun and artillery fire across the Line of Control (LoC).
Visit our website for
Travel to High-Risk Areas.
India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel
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.
Last Update: Reissued with updates to the Risk Indicators
