The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan announced the cancellation of all visa appointments amid ongoing security concerns

The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan announced the cancellation of all visa appointments amid ongoing security concerns

U.S. Embassy in Pakistan Cancels Visa Appointments Amid Security Concerns

The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan suspended all visa and ACS appointments for March 2, 2026, due to ongoing protests and heightened security risks in major cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. The decision followed violent demonstrations outside diplomatic facilities, with clashes reported between protesters and law enforcement. Security alerts issued by the U.S. Mission emphasized restricted movements for personnel and urged American citizens to avoid large gatherings and monitor official updates.

Protest activity intensified after U.S. strikes targeting Iranian-linked sites, which sparked nationwide unrest. In Karachi, tear gas was deployed as demonstrators attempted to breach the consulate, while Lahore and Islamabad saw smaller confrontations. At least 23 protesters were reported killed across Pakistan, including 10 near the Karachi consulate. Authorities imposed Section 144 in Punjab and Islamabad, banning public gatherings to curb further violence.

The cancellation exacerbates existing visa processing delays. Routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa backlogs—already averaging 300 days for B-category interviews—are expected to worsen, compounding challenges for businesses reliant on timely consular services. Affected applicants will receive email instructions for rescheduling, though no restart timeline has been provided.

U.S. citizens in Pakistan were advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and maintain updated identification. Corporate mobility managers face immediate disruptions, with project timelines and expatriate services at risk. Analysts note that security-driven pauses at overseas posts have become more frequent, urging firms operating in volatile regions to build contingency plans and extended lead times into deployment schedules.

The U.S. Mission reiterated its commitment to resuming services once conditions stabilize, while Pakistani authorities emphasized strict enforcement of security protocols around diplomatic enclaves. Updates remain subject to evolving local circumstances.

(https://pk.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-mission-to-pakistan-march-1-2026/): U.S. Embassy Security Alert, March 1, 2026
(https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-03-02/us/us-embassy-in-pakistan-suspends-all-visa-and-acs-appointments-for-2-march-after-violent-protests/): VisaHQ, March 2, 2026
(https://tribune.com.pk/story/2595357/us-cancels-visa-appointments-in-pakistan-after-deadly-protests): Tribune News, March 2, 2026
(https://www.brecorder.com/news/40409694/us-embassy-cancels-visa-consular-services-amid-ongoing-protests-in-pakistan): Brecorder, March 2, 2026
(https://tribune.com.pk/story/2595357/us-cancels-visa-appointments-in-pakistan-after-deadly-protests): Tribune News, March 2, 2026