The United States orders the departure of non-emergency personnel from its consulates in Pakistan

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

In its latest travel advisory on Pakistan, which keeps Pakistan at Level 3, meaning travelers should reconsider their travel, the State Department said the action was taken due to security risks following rising regional tensions. There was no change in the status of the US embassy in Islamabad, he added.

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

The fallout has spread to Pakistan following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with protests breaking out in several cities. In Karachi, protests turned deadly when a crowd attempting to march towards the US consulate came under fire, leaving at least 10 protesters dead and dozens injured, according to reports. U.S. Marines opened fire on protesters during the assault on the Karachi consulate over the weekend, two U.S. officials said Monday, a rare use of force at a diplomatic outpost that risks dramatically raising tensions in the country amid widespread anger over the assassination of Iran’s leader.

Read: US cancels visa appointments across Pakistan until 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 to sensitive areas. Meanwhile, demonstrations were also reported in Skardu and other areas of the north, where protesters held processions condemning the attacks on Iran. At least 25 protesters were killed across Pakistan.

The exchange has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, disrupted air travel in parts of the Middle East and intensified diplomatic warnings from global powers urging restraint, as both sides signal they are prepared 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 U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan due to armed conflict, terrorism, crime and kidnapping, the four main risk categories cited, and warns that conditions can change rapidly.

High risk areas marked

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 vicinity of the Line of Control

He said extremist and insurgent groups in these areas have carried out deadly attacks against civilians, foreigners, government offices and security forces, adding that assassination and kidnapping attempts are common.

The advisory noted that terrorist attacks in Pakistan can occur “without warning” and could target transportation 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, he said.

Travel and entry requirements

The notice emphasized that US citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Pakistan, a mandatory pre-arrival requirement. However, dual US-Pakistani citizens who hold a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) – overseas identity cards issued by Pakistan – are exempt from visa requirements.

Travelers must carry a passport valid for at least six months after the arrival date, the minimum validity rule with two blank pages required for entry and exit stamps.

Vaccinations are not required for entry, but authorities may require proof of polio vaccination received within the last year when leaving Pakistan, a public health safeguard.

As for monetary rules, there is no maximum cash limit when entering, but adults can withdraw up to $5,000 per trip and $30,000 per year, the maximum limit allowed in foreign currency, while minors are limited to $2,500 per trip and $15,000 per year.

The State Department said U.S. government personnel in Pakistan face strict movement controls and in some areas must travel with armed escorts and armored vehicles, enhanced security protocol.

He also warned that Washington has limited ability to help American citizens: reduced consular reach in certain regions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and most areas outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

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

Advice to travelers

The US embassy warned travelers that bringing alcohol into Pakistan is illegal, there is a strict customs ban and urged visitors to wear modest clothing in public. Women were advised to wear a headscarf when visiting mosques or rural areas, while men were warned not to wear shorts.

Americans traveling to Pakistan were further urged to:

• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.

• Monitor local media and adjust plans.

• Vary travel routes and times

• Avoid showing signs of wealth

• Maintain emergency exit plans.

• Get comprehensive medical and travel insurance

U.S. citizens were also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the State Department’s traveler alert system, to receive updates from the embassy.

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