Pakistan has slightly improved in revised U.S. travel recommendations

• With the visit of the National Security Agency Moeed Yusuf to the United States, restrictions were relaxed.
• The travel advisory still advises US nationals to “reconsider” travel to Pakistan, but noted that the security situation has improved since 2014.
• U.S. citizens in Pakistan are urged to maintain knowledge of the surrounding environment and local events.

This Travel warning The U.S. State Department revised Pakistan, raising the country by one level, from level four to level three.

Although the latest travel advisory still advises American nationals to “reconsider traveling” to Pakistan, it pointed out that the security situation is better than in 2014.

“Since the Pakistani security forces launched coordinated counter-terrorism and counter-armed operations in 2014, the security environment in Pakistan has improved.

“Major cities, especially Islamabad, have more security resources and infrastructure. Compared with other parts of the country, security forces in these areas may be easier to respond to emergencies. Although threats still exist, terrorist attacks rarely occur in Islamabad. Islamabad,” the announcement read.

Restrictions on “high-risk areas” still exist

The announcement warned of continued security threats in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA).

“Terrorist attacks continue to occur across Pakistan, most of them in Balochistan and KPK, including the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have caused a large number of casualties,” the announcement read.

It also warns against going to areas near the control line.

In addition, he said that due to the security environment and restrictions on the travel of US government personnel within Pakistan, the ability of the US government to provide emergency services to American citizens in Pakistan is limited.

“The travel of U.S. government personnel within Pakistan is restricted, and the movement of U.S. government personnel outside of U.S. diplomatic facilities may be subject to additional restrictions at any time, depending on local conditions and security conditions. These conditions may change suddenly,” the announcement reads. .

It added that the US Consulate General in Peshawar does not provide any consular services to US citizens.

The recommendation urges citizens to follow the further instructions on the official website of the US State Department, but also to understand their surroundings and local events in Pakistan.

After the above restrictions were relaxed, Pakistan’s national security adviser Moeed Yusuf paid a 10-day visit to the United States, where the US National Security Agency discussed the peace and security situation in Pakistan and the region.

Be alert for COVID-19

In addition to reminding citizens of safety issues, the State Council also warned against the COVID-19 situation in Pakistan, saying that “risks in certain areas have increased”.

According to travel advice, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice to Pakistan, indicating that the country’s coronavirus outbreak is at a moderate level.

“If you are fully vaccinated with FDA-authorized vaccines, your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be reduced. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. “The consultation pointed out.