The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad has cancelled all visa appointments due to security concerns amid growing protests and unrest in Pakistan. Officials cited threats to personnel and visitors as the primary reason for halting services temporarily. Citizens planning to visit the embassy for visas or consular services were advised to check official channels for updates.
Security Alert Issued
Along with the cancellations, the embassy issued a security alert for U.S. citizens in Pakistan. The alert advises Americans to avoid large gatherings, stay alert in public areas, and monitor local news for further updates. The embassy emphasized that the safety of staff and visitors is a top priority.
Impact on Visa Applicants
All scheduled visa interviews and American Citizen Services appointments for March 2, 2026, were called off. Applicants were informed to reschedule through official embassy platforms once the security situation stabilizes. The cancellations affected both immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments.
Reason Behind the Decision
The embassy decision came in response to demonstrations near U.S. missions across Pakistan, including in major cities such as Karachi and Lahore. The protests have occasionally turned violent, leading to concerns over crowd control and safety for embassy staff and visitors. The U.S. government is taking precautionary measures to avoid any incidents.
Guidance for Citizens
U.S. citizens and visa applicants are urged to follow embassy updates on official websites and social media channels. They are also advised to avoid unnecessary travel near embassy locations until the security situation improves. The embassy will announce the resumption of visa services as soon as it is safe to do so.