Is Karachi safe to visit right now? (November 2026)

Travel advisories for Pakistan

What the advice says

• The US State Department advisory is Level 3 - Reconsider Travel (dated 2026-06-16); this advisory is issued at the country level, not specifically for Karachi.
• The UK FCDO notes a high threat of terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan, with attacks having occurred in major cities including Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore, as well as in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• FCDO advice warns that attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning in places such as government buildings, places of worship, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, schools, and transport hubs including airports; travelers are advised to avoid the railway network due to terrorism risk.
• FCDO guidance recommends keeping a low profile, minimizing exposure to higher-risk areas and events, varying routes and timings for regular journeys, limiting movement on Friday afternoons, and being prepared to change plans as necessary.
• There is a threat of kidnap in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan; FCDO states that British nationals, including tourists and business travelers, are seen as legitimate targets and that the UK government does not make concessions to hostage takers.
• FCDO advises avoiding all political demonstrations and being mindful of large crowds and public events, noting that protests can turn violent quickly and that mobile data and internet access may be cut during unrest, with major roads potentially shut or blocked.
• Street crime is a risk in crowded areas, and the FCDO advises caution when moving around urban areas at night, especially on foot; travelers should also be aware of forged document scams and common credit card fraud, which applies particularly to solo travelers after dark.