US orders departure of non-emergency personnel from consulates in Pakistan

Travel advisory keeps country at Level 3, cites risks from regional tensions and terrorism

The United States has ordered the departure of non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members from its consulates in Lahore and Karachi, the United States Department of State said in an updated travel advisory on Wednesday.

In its latest travel advisory about Pakistan, which maintains Pakistan at Level 3, meaning travellers should reconsider travel, the State Department said the move was taken due to safety risks following heightened regional tensions.

Pakistan: The State Department updated the Travel Advisory for Pakistan to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel from U.S. Consulates Lahore and Karachi. Read the full advisory: https://t.co/Lz0vTwzQgs pic.twitter.com/ABO11FPWZp

— TravelGov (@TravelGov) March 4, 2026

There was no change to the status of the US Embassy in Islamabad, it added.

Tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran have sharply escalated following coordinated US-Israeli air and missile strikes on Iranian targets on February 28, 2026. The operation -- aimed at curbing what Washington and Tel Aviv describe as growing security threats and Iran’s nuclear ambitions -- triggered swift retaliation from Tehran, which launched missile and drone attacks against Israeli-linked sites and US military assets in the Gulf region.

The fallout has spilled into Pakistan following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with protests erupting in multiple cities. In Karachi, demonstrations turned deadly when crowds attempting to march towards the US Consulate were fired upon, leaving at least 10 protesters dead and dozens injured, according to reports. US Marines opened fire on demonstrators during the storming of the Karachi consulate over the weekend, two US officials said on Monday -- a rare use of force at a diplomatic post that risks sharply escalating tensions in the country amid widespread anger over the killing of Iran’s leader.

Read: US cancels visa appointments across Pakistan till Friday amid security fears

In Islamabad, protesters gathered near key diplomatic and government areas, chanting slogans against the United States and Israel, while security was tightened to prevent marches towards sensitive zones. Meanwhile, rallies were also reported in Skardu and other northern areas, where demonstrators held processions condemning the strikes on Iran. At least 25 protesters died across Pakistan.

The exchange has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, disrupted air travel in parts of the Middle East and intensified diplomatic warnings from global powers urging restraint, as both sides signal readiness for further escalation.

According to the State Department, the ordered departure comes amid an “ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran” and disruptions to commercial flights following hostilities between the United States and Iran that began on February 28.

The advisory urges US citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan due to armed conflict, terrorism, crime and kidnapping -- the four primary risk categories cited, warning that conditions can change rapidly.

High-risk areas flagged

The State Department reiterated its Level 4 -- the highest warning level advising Americans not to travel for:

• Balochistan province

• Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, including former FATA

• The immediate vicinity of the Line of Control

It said extremist and insurgent groups in these areas have carried out deadly attacks targeting civilians, foreign nationals, government offices and security forces, adding that assassination and kidnapping attempts are common.

The advisory noted that terrorist attacks in Pakistan may occur "without warning" and could target transport hubs, hotels, markets, airports, schools, places of worship and government buildings.

While major cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad have greater security resources, the overall security environment remains “fluid” and can deteriorate quickly, it said.

Travel and entry requirements

The advisory emphasised that US citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Pakistan -- a mandatory pre-arrival requirement. However, US-Pakistani dual nationals holding a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or Pakistan Origin Card (POC) -- overseas identity cards issued by Pakistan -- are exempt from visa requirements.

Travellers must carry a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival -- the minimum validity rule with two blank pages required for entry and exit stamps.

No vaccinations are required for entry, but authorities may require proof of polio vaccination taken within the past year when departing Pakistan -- a public health safeguard.

Regarding currency rules, there is no maximum limit on cash upon entry, but adults may take out up to $5,000 per trip and $30,000 per year -- the permitted foreign currency ceiling, while minors are limited to $2,500 per trip and $15,000 per year.

The State Department said US government personnel in Pakistan face strict movement controls and in some areas must travel with armed escorts and armoured vehicles -- enhanced security protocol.

It also warned that Washington has limited ability to assist US citizens -- reduced consular reach in certain regions in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and most areas outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

Dual US-Pakistani nationals may receive limited consular support if detained, as Pakistani law treats them solely as Pakistani citizens.

Advice to travellers

The US embassy advised travellers that bringing alcohol into Pakistan is illegal, a strict customs prohibition and urged visitors to wear modest clothing in public. Women were advised to carry a headscarf when visiting mosques or rural areas, while men were cautioned against wearing shorts.

Americans travelling to Pakistan were further urged to:

• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings

• Monitor local media and adjust plans

• Vary travel routes and timing

• Avoid displaying signs of wealth

• Maintain emergency departure plans

• Obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance

US citizens were also encouraged to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) -- the State Department’s traveller alert system to receive updates from the embassy.

The update comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows similar US security advisories issued in recent months.