The U.S. Mission to Pakistan has issued a security alert for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA), due to increased terrorist activity reported by public media. The region is classified as Level 4: Do Not Travel according to the Department of State's Pakistan Travel Advisory dated March 7, 2025.
U.S. citizens are advised against traveling to this area as active terrorist and insurgent groups frequently conduct attacks targeting civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security services personnel. There have been incidents of assassination and kidnapping attempts, including those aimed at polio eradication teams.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan mandate that U.S. government personnel use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling in certain areas for both official and personal reasons. Sudden restrictions on movement may occur based on local circumstances and security conditions. Additionally, the ability of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Pakistani citizens who are arrested or detained is limited due to Pakistani law considering them solely as Pakistani citizens.
The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar does not offer consular services; these are available from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, as well as from consulates in Karachi and Lahore.
U.S. citizens are urged to review travel advisories, avoid travel to high-risk locations, exercise caution if they find themselves unexpectedly near such areas, monitor local media for updates, maintain a low profile, be aware of their surroundings, carry identification, and cooperate with authorities.
For assistance or further information:
- U.S. Embassy Islamabad: +(92) (51) 201-4000 or ACSIslamabad@state.gov
- U.S. Consulate General Karachi: +(92) (21) 3527 5000 or ACSKarachi@state.gov
- U.S. Consulate General Lahore: +(92) (42) 3603 4000 or ACSLahore@state.gov
Additional resources include contacting State Department – Consular Affairs at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 for Pakistan Country Information and enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates.