US Embassy in Islamabad Suspends Visa Services Amid Middle East Tensions

The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad has temporarily suspended all visa services from March 9 to March 13, 2026, due to heightened tensions in the Middle East. Applicants with scheduled appointments during this period will be contacted via email with instructions on how to reschedule, according to an official statement from the embassy Pakistan Today.

Visa Services Affected

Both immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments are cancelled during the suspension period. The embassy assures affected applicants that they will receive email instructions for rescheduling The Tribune.

Continued Consular Services for U.S. Citizens

Despite the visa service suspension, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad will continue to provide routine and emergency consular services to U.S. Citizens. However, consular services at the U.S. Consulates in Karachi and Lahore have been temporarily suspended until further notice U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan.

Broader Context

This decision comes amid rising security concerns in the region. The U.S. Department of State prioritizes the safety and security of American citizens in the Middle East, particularly following Operation Epic Fury U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan. Citizens are encouraged to sign up for STEP alerts and can contact the department 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444.

Key Personnel

Currently, Natalie A. Baker serves as the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy Islamabad, having assumed the duties in January 2025. Stetson Sanders is the Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General Lahore, even as Charles Goodman and Thomas Eckert serve as Consul Generals in Karachi and Peshawar, respectively U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan.