Travel Warning for Pakistan

The State Department warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Pakistan. This travel warning replaces the travel warning for Pakistan dated Aug. 8, 2011, to update information on security incidents and remind U.S. citizens of ongoing security concerns in Pakistan.

Following the deaths of 24 Pakistani military personnel on Nov. 26, 2011, protests have taken place across Pakistan against the United States, International Security Assistance Force and NATO. There also have been widespread demonstrations and large political rallies condemning drone strikes and Pakistan’s ongoing energy crisis. These protests are likely to continue. U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid protests and large gatherings.

The presence of al-Qaida, Taliban elements, and indigenous militant sectarian groups poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan. Terrorists regularly attack civilian, government, and foreign targets. The Government of Pakistan maintains heightened security measures, particularly in the major cities. Threat reporting indicates terrorist groups continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where U.S. citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit, such as shopping areas, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools and outdoor recreation events. Terrorists have disguised themselves as Pakistani security personnel to gain access to targeted areas. Some media reports have falsely identified U.S. diplomats — and to a lesser extent U.S. and other Western journalists and non-governmental organization workers — as being intelligence operatives or private security personnel.