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A new US travel advisory is raising fresh concerns for Americans planning international trips, citing crime, terrorism, and limits on emergency assistance in one destination overseas.
The US State Department has just issued these Level 4 warnings.
The US Department of State said on Monday, Jan. 26, that it has updated its travel advisory for Pakistan, placing the country under a Level 3 designation and urging Americans to reconsider travel there.
According to the State Department, the advisory points to an elevated risk of crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and phone theft, along with ongoing threats tied to terrorism and civil unrest. The warning also highlights the possibility of armed conflict in certain areas.
The updated guidance advises Americans not to travel to Pakistan’s Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas, due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. Travelers are also urged to avoid the immediate vicinity of the Line of Control between Pakistan and India because of the potential for armed conflict.
“Terrorists may strike without warning,” the State Department said in its advisory. It noted that extremist groups have targeted transportation hubs, hotels, markets, places of worship, schools, hospitals, and government buildings.
While such attacks are more common in certain regions, officials warned they have also occurred in major cities, including Karachi and Islamabad.
The advisory also cautions Americans about demonstrations, which are illegal in Pakistan without a permit. US citizens have been detained for participating in protests or for posting social media content viewed as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials. Internet and mobile phone service outages are also common during periods of unrest.
US officials said their ability to provide assistance to American citizens in Pakistan is limited, particularly outside major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. US government personnel working in the country are required to use armed escorts and armored vehicles in certain areas and must receive special authorization to travel beyond approved locations.
The State Department also warned that dual US-Pakistani citizens may face additional challenges, as Pakistani law treats them solely as Pakistani nationals, limiting the ability of US officials to provide consular support if they are arrested or detained.
Travelers who decide to go despite the advisory are urged to avoid crowds, monitor local media, vary travel routes, keep documents accessible, and have an emergency exit plan that does not rely on US government assistance.
Travelers should review the full advisories at Travel.State.gov before making any plans abroad.
State Department Advisory Levels
To help travelers assess international safety risks, the US government uses the following four-level system:
You can check the latest updates at travelmaps.state.gov.
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