US orders departure of non-emergency consulate staff 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 for Pakistan, which maintains Pakistan at Level 3, meaning travelers should reconsider travel, the State Department said the decision was made due to security risks following heightened regional tensions.

There has been no change in the status of the US Embassy in Islamabad, the statement added.

Tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran sharply escalated following coordinated U.S.-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 security threats and Iran’s nuclear ambitions – triggered a swift retaliation by Tehran, which launched missile and drone attacks against sites linked to Israel and American military resources in the Gulf region.

The aftermath spread to Pakistan after the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with protests in several cities. In Karachi, protests turned deadly when crowds attempting to march toward the US consulate came under fire, leaving at least 10 protesters dead and dozens injured, according to reports. US Marines opened fire on protesters during an assault on the Karachi consulate over the weekend, two US officials said Monday – a rare use of force at a diplomatic post that risks sharply escalating tensions in the country amid widespread anger over the assassination of Iran’s leader.

Read: US cancels Pakistan visa appointments until Friday over security fears

In Islamabad, protesters gathered near key diplomatic and government areas, chanting slogans against the United States and Israel, while security was stepped up to prevent marches toward sensitive areas. Meanwhile, rallies were also reported in Skardu and other northern areas, where protesters held processions condemning the strikes against Iran. At least 25 protesters have died 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 world powers calling for restraint, as both sides signal they are ready for further escalation.

According to the State Department, the orderly departure comes amid “constant 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 top four risk categories cited, warning that conditions can change quickly.

High risk areas reported

The State Department reiterated its Level 4 – the highest level of warning advising Americans against travel for:

• Balochistan Province

• Province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including former FATA

• The immediate vicinity of the Line of Control

It says 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 notes that terrorist attacks in Pakistan can occur “without warning” and target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, airports, schools, places of worship and government buildings.

Although larger cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad have greater security resources, the overall security environment remains “fluid” and can deteriorate rapidly, the report said.

Travel and entry requirements

The advisory emphasizes that U.S. citizens must obtain a visa before traveling 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 the visa requirement.

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.

No vaccinations are required for entry, but authorities may require proof of polio vaccination taken within the past year when leaving Pakistan – a measure to protect public health.

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

The State Department said U.S. government personnel in Pakistan are subject to strict movement controls and, in some areas, must travel with armed escorts and armored vehicles — a heightened security protocol.

He also warned that Washington had limited capacity to help US citizens – reduced consular reach in parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and most areas outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

U.S.-Pakistani dual nationals may receive limited consular assistance if detained because Pakistani law treats them only as Pakistani citizens.

Travel advice

The U.S. Embassy informed travelers that it was illegal to bring alcohol into Pakistan and there was a strict customs ban, and urged visitors to wear modest clothing in public. Women have been advised to wear a headscarf when visiting mosques or rural areas, while men have been warned against wearing shorts.

Americans traveling to Pakistan were further advised to:

• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings

• Monitor local media and adjust plans

• Vary travel routes and times

• Avoid displaying signs of wealth

• Maintain emergency departure plans

• Get comprehensive travel and medical insurance

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

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