The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory for Pakistan, warning its citizens about heightened security risks in several regions of the country.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) cited rising tensions related to developments in Iran and Afghanistan, possible protests in major cities, and disruptions to air travel across the Middle East.

British authorities said the regional security situation has created increased risks for travelers in Pakistan.

According to the FCDO, tensions linked to Iran and Afghanistan have contributed to security concerns, while airspace closures in the Middle East have disrupted flights.

The advisory also warned that protests may take place in major cities across Pakistan, which could pose additional risks to travelers. Due to the situation, the UK government has instructed its diplomatic staff in Pakistan to restrict their movements for safety.

We have updated our Travel Advice in response to the ongoing situation. pic.twitter.com/B215rsgNy1
— UK in Pakistan 🇬🇧🇵🇰 (@ukinpakistan) March 6, 2026

Areas where UK advises against travel

The FCDO has issued strict guidance for several regions in Pakistan, advising against travel to certain areas entirely and recommending only essential travel to others.

Pakistan–Afghanistan border

The UK government advises against all travel within 10 miles of the Pakistan–Afghanistan border due to security concerns.

Travel restrictions across KP

The FCDO advises against all travel to several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including:

Bajaur
Bannu
Buner
Charsadda
Dera Ismail Khan
Hangu
Karak
Khyber
Kohat
Kurram
Lakki Marwat
Upper Dir
Lower Dir
Mohmand
Orakzai
Peshawar, including the city of Peshawar
Swat
Tank
North Waziristan
Upper South Waziristan
Lower South Waziristan

The advisory also includes key transport routes such as:

The Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas via Battagram, Besham City, Dasu and Sazin up to the junction with the N15
The N45 Highway from the north of the Mardan Ring Road to the edge of Chitral City, including the Kalash Valley

In addition, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the following districts:

Malakand
Mardan
Nowshera
Shangla
Swabi

Balochistan, border areas

The UK government advises against all travel to Balochistan. Travel restrictions also apply near Pakistan’s borders:

Within 5 miles of the Pakistan–India border, except the Grand Trunk Highway via Wagah and the Kartarpur Corridor. Both crossings are currently closed.
Within 10 miles of the Line of Control (LoC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Advisory for Sindh, Punjab

The FCDO also issued travel guidance for certain areas in Sindh and Punjab.

In Sindh, authorities advise against all but essential travel to areas north of and including Nawabshah.
In Punjab, the advisory applies to Dera Ghazi Khan, where only essential travel is recommended.

Security concerns in Karachi

British authorities also warned about security threats around key infrastructure in Karachi, including Jinnah International Airport.

Travelers have been advised to exercise caution when using public transportation, transit hubs, and airports due to an increased security presence.

The FCDO said the broader regional escalation has created significant travel disruption.

Flights have been affected due to airspace closures in the Middle East, and travelers have been advised to check with their airlines before traveling.

The advisory also referenced airspace closures during regional tensions in May 2025, which led to suspended flights and restricted domestic travel.

Advice for British citizens in Pakistan

British citizens currently in Pakistan have been urged to remain vigilant and monitor developments closely.

Authorities advised them to:

Be aware of the risk of terrorism
Avoid protests, demonstrations, rallies, and religious gatherings
Stay alert in crowded areas and public places

In the event of a severe crisis, the UK government warned that consular support or evacuation assistance could be limited.

British authorities advised citizens to be prepared for rapid changes in the security situation. If travel becomes unsafe or impossible, individuals are advised to:

Stay indoors whenever possible
Maintain a supply of food, drinking water, and medicines
Follow local restrictions such as curfews
Monitor the media for updates that could allow safe departure from the country