The United States Department of State updated its travel advisory for the country of Pakistan this week, warning of potential crime there but also downgrading its warning for the border area between Pakistan and India.
The country has been classified under a Level 3 warning with the State Department recommending Americans “reconsider travel” to Pakistan. As part of the update, the department warned of an “elevated” risk of crime (think: pickpockets, bag snatching, and phone theft).
The updated advisory also downgraded the border region between Pakistan and India from its highest Level 4 to a Level 3 warning, recommending Americans just reconsider going rather than flat-out telling them not to go at all. However, certain areas remain under that higher Level 4 classification, including the Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province along with the immediate vicinity of the Line of Control since the department warned militant groups are known to operate there.
“Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid,” the State Department wrote in the advisory. “It sometimes changes without notice and can be a serious threat.”
Travelers who do choose to visit Pakistan should be aware the U.S. government has limited on-the-ground resources to provide assistance to dual U.S.-Pakistani citizens. In general, the State Department recommends all international travelers enroll in its free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows officials to more easily contact travelers in an emergency.
The department also recommended travelers who go not display signs of wealth (like expensive watches or jewelry), monitor local media for breaking events and adjust their plans accordingly, vary their travel routes and timing, avoid demonstrations and crowds, obtain medial insurance complete with medical evacuation, and be aware of their surroundings, especially around public markets, restaurants, hotels, police installations, places of worship, and government and military institutions.
The government also recommended travelers have a plan to leave the country in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.
Renowned for incredible adventure and some of the highest mountains in the world, Pakistan shares a border with India, Afghanistan, Iran, and China.
The State Department regularly updates advisories and warnings for destinations around the world, classifying them from its lowest Level 1 advisory to its highest Level 4.
Beyond Pakistan, the State Department has recently updated travel warnings for the island chain of Comoros, the Caribbean country of Grenada, and the country of Bangladesh. The department also recently downgraded its warning for Jamaica, reclassifying the country under a Level 2 advisory.
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