The American Embassy in Islamabad has received threat information regarding possible terrorist attacks against locations in Islamabad in late December, especially during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period. Possible targets include places of worship and shopping centers. U.S. government personnel are under additional movement restrictions in coming weeks, including religious venues and large shopping centers. We advise private U.S. citizens to exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events. U.S. citizens are reminded to review the active travel warning for Pakistan, and minimize the number and duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, hotels, places of worship, and other locations where large numbers of people congregate. U.S. citizens should monitor Pakistani media reports regarding these and similar threats.
U.S. citizens are reminded that there is an active Travel Warning for Pakistan issued on August 28, 2015, and a worldwide Travel Alert issued on November 23, 2015. U.S. citizens are urged to defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan. The Mission reminds those U.S. citizens considering travel to or remaining in Pakistan despite this warning to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), keep a trusted friend informed of your movements in country, maintain vigilant situational awareness, avoid large crowds, keep a low profile, and avoid visiting locations frequented by Westerners. U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures. Official U.S. Mission personnel and visitors are not allowed to use public transportation in Pakistan and are not authorized to stay overnight in hotels in Pakistan. U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling in the country, keeping in mind the high security threat level. Travelers are urged to vary their times and routes when traveling anywhere in Pakistan, and to avoid travel patterns to any such locations that might allow other persons to predict when and where they will be. U.S. citizens are further advised to verify that travel documents, visas, and residency documents remain valid and accessible at all times.
Consular services in Pakistan are available in Karachi and Islamabad. The consulates in Lahore and Peshawar are not providing consular services at this time.
For Further Information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Worldwide Travel Alert, the active Travel Warning for Pakistan, and Pakistan Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, located at Plot No. 3-5, TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road, Karachi, at +92 21 3527 5000. (Calling within Pakistan, dial 021 3527 5000.) This number is available 24 hours a day for emergencies involving U.S. citizens in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan. You may also contact the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, +92 51 208 0000. (Calling within Pakistan, dial 051 208 0000.) This number also is available 24 hours a day for emergencies involving U.S. citizens in other parts of Pakistan.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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