International

25 January 2026 | 6:00 pm

There was no change to the advisory level. The “Other” risk indicator due to potential for armed conflict was removed. The “Unrest” indicator due to potential for armed conflict was added. The “Crime” risk indicator at Level 2 was added. The “Kidnapping” indicator was added to certain Level 4 areas. The Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory to the immediate vicinity of the Pakistan-India border was lowered to Level 3. 

Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict. There is also an elevated Level 2 risk of crime. 

Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and kidnapping.
• The immediate vicinity of the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.

Advisory Summary
There is risk of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorism
Violent extremist groups have carried out attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks typically happen in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA, but they have also occurred in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad.

• Terrorists may strike without warning. They target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, malls, military and security forces sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist spots, and government buildings.

Demonstrations
Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit.

• Being near a protest can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces.
• U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests. You can also face detention for posting content on social media viewed as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials.
• Internet and mobile phone service outages are common, especially during protests.

Crime
Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid. It sometimes changes without notice and can be a serious threat.

• There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities. Security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country.
• The most reported crimes are pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and phone theft. 

Limited U.S. consular assistance
The Government of Pakistan restricts the travel of U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan.

• U.S. government employees working in Pakistan are required to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling in certain parts of the country, both for official and personal travel.
  
• The U.S. government has a limited ability to assist or provide services to U.S. citizens in the KP Province, Balochistan Province, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
• U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan must obtain special authorization from the host government to travel to most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
• Additional restrictions on movements can occur suddenly and at any time. This depends on local circumstances and security conditions.
• U.S. government employees working in Pakistan are generally prohibited from attending most large gatherings, such as political rallies or religious ceremonies. 

Dual nationals
The U.S. embassy and consulates have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Pakistani citizens who have been arrested or detained. Pakistani law considers such individuals to be exclusively citizens of Pakistan.

If you decide to travel to Pakistan:

• Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
• Monitor local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Vary your travel routes and timing. 
• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly around public markets, restaurants, hotels, police installations, places of worship, and government and military institutions.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Get comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. Visit the CDC Travelers Health Page.
• Develop a communication plan with family, your employer or host organization. List how and when you'll confirm you're safe (text or call). Specify how often you will do this.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps us contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Pakistan. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Level 4: Do Not Travel – Balochistan Province

• Do not travel to Balochistan Province for any reason.
• Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Level 4: Do Not Travel – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including the former FATA
Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks. They target civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security forces.

• Do not travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province for any reason.
• These groups historically have targeted both government officials and civilians.
• Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common. Terrorists target polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security services, like police and military staff.
• Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Level 4: Do Not Travel – Vicinity of Line of Control  

• Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on their respective sides of the Line of Control in the disputed territory of Kashmir.
• Do not travel to the Line of Control for any reason.
• The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for people who are not citizens of Pakistan or India is in the Province of Punjab between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India. Confirm the status of the border crossing before your trip.
• An Indian visa is required to enter India. No visa services are available at the border.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

21 January 2026 | 6:00 pm

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Advisory summary
Uzbekistan is generally a safe destination for U.S. travelers.

Review our travel guidance for Uzbekistan to prepare for a safe trip.

If you decide to travel to Uzbekistan:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Uzbekistan.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Uzbekistan.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Traveler Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

19 January 2026 | 6:00 pm

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Reconsider travel to Bangladesh due to kidnapping, unrest, crime, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Advisory summary

Unrest
Unrest and violence have decreased since summer 2024 with the formation of the Interim Government. Occasional protests continue with the potential for violent clashes. Conditions may change on short notice. U.S. citizens should avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones. They can turn violent quickly without warning.

Crime
In Bangladesh’s major cities, common crimes include muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking.

Stay aware of petty crime, such as pickpocketing, in crowded areas. These crimes tend to be situational, based on time and location. There is no evidence that foreigners are targeted because of their nationality.

Terrorism
Terrorist violence is a risk in Bangladesh. This includes terrorist attacks and other activity. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Kidnapping
Review the following risks in specific areas information on the Chittagong Hill Tracts Region for a description of kidnapping risks.

Travel restrictions for U.S. government employees
U.S. citizens in Bangladesh should take the same precautions as U.S. embassy employees.

• Due to security risks, U.S. government employees working in Bangladesh cannot travel outside the diplomatic enclave for non-essential reasons. They must take extra security and accountability precautions if they do.
• U.S. government employees in Bangladesh can travel freely within the diplomatic enclave.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Bangladesh, particularly outside of Dhaka. This is due to these travel restrictions, a lack of infrastructure, and few emergency response resources from the local government.

Level 4 - Do Not Travel - Chittagong Hill Tracts Region
Do not travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. This area includes Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts. Do not travel to this area for any reason.

• Kidnappings have happened in the region. Some are due to family disputes, while others target religious minorities.
• Separatist groups and political violence create more risks for visitors. There have been cases of IED explosions and active shootings.
• You must get prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs Office of Public Safety in Bangladesh if you want to travel to these areas.
• Due to the risks, U.S. government employees in Bangladesh cannot travel to the region. The Government of Bangladesh has imposed these restrictions.
• Visit our website Travel to High-Risk Areas.

If you decide to travel to Bangladesh:

• Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings. Demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. 
• Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Get to a safe area and report any criminal incident to local authorities.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Bangladesh.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Bangladesh.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverageDo not travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. This area includes Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts. Do not travel to this area for any reason.
• Kidnappings have happened in the region. Some are due to family disputes, while others target religious minorities.
• Separatist groups and political violence create more risks for visitors. There have been cases of IED explosions and active shootings.
• You must get prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs Office of Public Safety in Bangladesh if you want to travel to these areas.
• Due to the risks, U.S. government employees in Bangladesh cannot travel to the region. The Government of Bangladesh has imposed these restrictions.
• Visit our website Travel to High-Risk Areas.