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U.S. State Department: 'Do Not Travel' Advisory for Pakistan Remains in Effect

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. vel-advisory-for-pakistan-remains-in-effect.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 11:59 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locales: PAKISTAN, UNITED STATES, AFGHANISTAN

Islamabad, Pakistan - January 29th, 2026 - The U.S. State Department has maintained its Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Pakistan, citing persistent and significant security risks throughout the country. The warning, updated earlier this week, underscores ongoing concerns regarding terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and prevalent anti-U.S. sentiment. While the overall advisory level remains unchanged, a detailed state-by-state breakdown reveals a consistently high level of danger across all regions.

The Level 4 advisory, the most severe the State Department issues, indicates that U.S. citizens should not travel to Pakistan due to the life-threatening risks. This isn't a new warning; however, the continued designation highlights a lack of improvement in the security situation and a sustained threat landscape that poses serious dangers to both foreign nationals and Pakistani citizens.

Regional Breakdown: No Safe Havens

The State Department's assessment categorizes risk levels by province. As of today, January 29th, 2026, all provinces and key regions within Pakistan are designated as Level 4 'Do Not Travel' zones:

• Balochistan: The province continues to experience heightened terrorist activity, with frequent attacks directed at Pakistani security forces and civilians. The remote and often lawless terrain complicates security efforts, making it particularly dangerous.
• Gilgit-Baltistan: This strategically important region, bordering China, remains susceptible to the impacts of armed conflict and geopolitical tensions. The State Department specifically warns of instability and potential for violence.
• Hazara Division (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa): Marked by strong anti-U.S. sentiment, this area presents a significant risk of hostility and potential violence targeted towards American citizens.
• Islamabad: Even the capital city, typically considered more secure than other regions, is flagged for its high risk of both terrorism and armed conflict. Increased security measures are present, but the threat remains substantial.
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: This province, bordering Afghanistan, is a hotspot for both armed conflict and terrorist activity. The porous border contributes to the movement of militants and the proliferation of arms.
• Punjab: Despite being a densely populated and economically vital province, Punjab faces considerable risks of terrorism and armed conflict, making it unsafe for travel.
• Sindh: Similar to Punjab, Sindh experiences a high level of threat from terrorism and armed conflict, impacting major cities and rural areas alike.

Underlying Threats: A Complex Security Environment

The State Department identifies several key factors contributing to the dangerous environment in Pakistan:

• Persistent Terrorism: Terrorist groups continue to operate within Pakistan, targeting government installations, security forces, and civilians. Attacks are unpredictable and can occur in both urban and rural areas.
• Kidnapping Risks: Kidnapping for ransom and for political leverage remains a significant threat. Foreigners are particularly vulnerable, but Pakistani citizens can also be targeted.
• Ongoing Armed Conflicts: The border regions, particularly those adjacent to Afghanistan, are prone to armed conflict involving various militant groups and the Pakistani military.
• Anti-U.S. Sentiment: Deep-seated anti-American sentiment fuels hostility towards U.S. citizens and can contribute to an increased risk of violence.

Mitigating Risk: If Travel is Unavoidable

The State Department strongly discourages all travel to Pakistan. However, if travel is absolutely necessary, it provides the following recommendations:

• Enroll in STEP: Registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows the State Department to locate you in case of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or security incident.
• Maintain a Low Profile: Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Dress conservatively and refrain from displaying wealth or openly discussing sensitive topics.
• Situational Awareness: Be constantly aware of your surroundings. Monitor local news and security information to stay informed about potential threats. Report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
• Contingency Planning: Develop a comprehensive contingency plan in case of an emergency. Ensure you have a means of communication and a designated point of contact.

The situation in Pakistan remains volatile and unpredictable. The U.S. State Department's 'Do Not Travel' advisory reflects the serious security concerns and the high risk faced by travelers. Individuals considering travel to Pakistan are urged to carefully weigh the risks and heed the department's warnings.