Health Alert – Update #45 Special PIA Flight from Islamabad to Chicago

Health Alert – U. S. Embassy Islamabad, Pakistan (June 7, 2020)

Location: Pakistan (country-wide)

Event: Update #45 – Special PIA Flight from Islamabad to Chicago, June 13

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has received special permission to operate a flight from Islamabad International Airport to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on June 13. This flight has been arranged by the Government of Pakistan and is not being coordinated by the U.S. Embassy.

U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) interested in this flight should register on PIA’s Registration Portal at https://happilypia.com/pax. Flight details and payment requirements will be provided once you register at the PIA Registration Portal. Note: double check that the email you provide to PIA is correct and an email address that you can access. This flight is solely available for booking through PIA. The U.S. Embassy is not coordinating this flight and cannot answer specific questions about the flight or book a seat for an individual.

The Government of Pakistan approved domestic flight operations from five major airports – Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta – and passengers may be able to find a domestic flight to facilitate your departure from Pakistan.

Since the re-opening of commercial outbound passenger flights on May 30, several international carriers have announced outbound flights. Travelers wishing to return to the United States should continue to monitor flight availability. For U.S. citizens and LPRs traveling with a U.S. visa holder on a commercial flight, please review information about visa restrictions related to the COVID-19 global pandemic for flights that transit through the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Schengen countries. U.S. citizens who want to depart Pakistan should consider this newly-announced PIA flight option as well as any other commercial options or prepare to remain in Pakistan until normal flights resume.

For U.S. citizens who choose to remain in Pakistan, stay healthy! Transmission rates continue to increase across Pakistan, and we urge you to review the CDC’s latest recommendations to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.

Actions to Take:

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive future alerts and updates.
Seek medical care right away if you believe you may have COVID-19.
Review the CDC’s latest recommendations to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
Monitor flight availability.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Review the Embassy’s webpage on COVID-19 for Pakistan specific information.
Visit the Department of State’s COVID-19 information page for the latest information.