The United States Department of State has issued a fresh travel advisory, urging American citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan in light of recent military developments in the region. This comes in the wake of India’s precision strikes—dubbed Operation Sindoor—which targeted terror camps in Pakistan’s Punjab province and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The advisory, released on Wednesday, acknowledged the reports of Indian military operations and emphasized the evolving nature of the situation. “We are aware of the reports of military strikes by India into Pakistan. This remains an evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring developments,” the advisory stated. The department reiterated its existing warnings, highlighting the “Do Not Travel” advisory for areas near the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control, citing terrorism and the risk of armed conflict. It also maintained the broader “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Pakistan as a whole.
The advisory further noted the closure of Pakistani airspace, which has led to the cancellation of several international flights. Americans currently in Pakistan, particularly in affected areas, have been strongly advised to leave if possible. Those unable to relocate are urged to shelter in place, carry identification at all times, comply with local authorities, and maintain a low profile.
In addition, the State Department encouraged U.S. citizens to stay updated through local media and to remain vigilant about their surroundings.
This is not the first time such warnings have been issued. Earlier in March, the State Department had already advised Americans to reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism threats and potential conflict. Specific warnings were issued against traveling to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
Operation Sindoor was launched by Indian forces early Wednesday in response to the Pahalgam massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The strikes targeted nine locations associated with terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
According to a statement from India’s Defence Ministry, the strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.” The ministry emphasized that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted and that India exercised restraint in both target selection and execution.
