The U.S. Consulate General Lahore informs U.S. citizens that large numbers of Sikh pilgrims are expected to begin arriving in Pakistan on October 31 and stay through November 10 as part of a festival celebrating the birthday of Guru Nanak. In Punjab Province, pilgrims are expected to travel to two different cities, Lahore and Nankana Sahib. In Lahore, the most attended areas are likely to be near the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Samadhi Arjun Dev. As a result, we expect large crowds in these areas and heavy traffic.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry their identity documents while traveling throughout the city during these days, as local law enforcement officials may carry out extensive random document checks. U.S. citizens should consider avoiding festival areas due to the potential for large crowds and sudden changes in security; U.S. Consulate General Lahore will limit its staff movements accordingly.
U.S. citizens are reminded to expect traffic delays, increased number of people in public areas, and unplanned disruptions in transportation. You should exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings.
U.S. citizens are reminded that there is an active Travel Warning for Pakistan issued on May 22, 2017. 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:
- keep a trusted friend informed of your movements in country
- maintain vigilant situational awareness and keep a low profile
- avoid large crowds, locations frequented by Westerners, and hotels that do not apply stringent security measures
- vary your times and routes when traveling in Pakistan
- verify that travel documents, visas, and residency documents remain valid and accessible at all times
Consular services in Pakistan are available in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. The consulate in Peshawar is not providing consular services at this time.
For Further Information:
- See the State Department’s travel websitefor 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 Lahore, located at 50 Shahrah-E-Abdul Hameed Bin Badees (Old Empress Road), at +92 42 3603 4000. (Calling within Pakistan, dial 042 3603 4000.) This number is available 24 hours a day for emergencies involving U.S. citizens in the province of Punjab south of the Jehlum River and the district of Bhakkar. See also https://pk.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/lahore/
- 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. See also https://pk.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/karachi/
- Contact the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, located at 11 Hospital Road, Peshawar Cantonment, at +92 91 526 8800. (Calling within Pakistan, dial 091 526 8800.) This number is available 24 hours a day for emergencies involving U.S. citizens in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). See also https://pk.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/peshawar/
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, +92 51 201 4000. (Calling within Pakistan, dial 051 201 4000.) This number also is available 24 hours a day for emergencies involving U.S. citizens in other parts of Pakistan. See also https://pk.usembassy.gov/
- 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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