March 20, 2002

U.S. Visas Services Suspended at Peshwar, Lahore and Karachi (Pakistan)

The Department of State announced that the U.S. Consulates in Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi are suspending all visa services until further notice due to security concerns. However, these consulates will remain open for American citizen services. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is remaining open for all services, including visa services, but may experience temporary closures due to security concerns. Travelers should be advised to expect possible closures at the Embassy and make plans accordingly.

The suspension of services is tied to increasing concerns over the possibility of an increase in attacks by terrorist and their sympathizers against U.S. interests as exhibited by the recent brutal murder of an American journalist and the attack on March 17 on worshippers at the Protestant International Church in Islamabad. In addition to the visa services suspension, the DOS has issued a travel warning to Americans to defer travel to Pakistan. The Department of State is concerned that as security increases at official U.S. sites, attacks may occur at more informal and civilian sites such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools and outdoor events where Americans congregate.

GT will provide updates as they become available.

DOS Travel Warning