In an unprecedented coordinated move, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand have issued urgent travel alert for India, citing growing domestic unrest, military escalations, and increasing regional shutdowns that have severely affected safety and mobility across the country. This multilateral action underscores heightened global concern over India’s rapidly deteriorating security environment, with foreign nationals facing escalating risks in several parts of the country.
U.S. Upgrades India Travel Alert Amid Ethnic Violence and Security Clampdowns
On July 15, the U.S. Department of State escalated its advisory level for India, urging American citizens to exercise increased caution, particularly in conflict-prone regions like Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, and areas near the India-Pakistan border. The advisory points to frequent civil unrest, the presence of Maoist insurgents (also known as Naxalites), and the possibility of violent encounters with armed groups.
Americans are specifically warned not to travel to:
- Jammu and Kashmir (excluding Ladakh and Leh) due to military operations and violent protests
- Manipur, following months of ethnic violence, curfews, and displacement
- Border zones within 10 kilometers of Pakistan, due to landmine risks and potential military clashes
The State Department also cautions against carrying restricted items such as satellite phones or GPS devices, which can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment under Indian law. Women are advised not to travel alone, and tourists are urged to have contingency evacuation plans and maintain constant contact with emergency services and embassies.
Canada Travel Alert: Warns of Border Tensions and Anti-Foreign Sentiment
Global Affairs Canada echoed the U.S. travel alert, urging citizens to avoid all travel to Jammu and Kashmir(excluding Ladakh), Manipur, Assam, and Indian states that border Pakistan. The advisory follows recent cross-border military exchanges that included artillery and drone strikes, particularly near the Line of Control (LoC).
Canadian authorities warn that consular services in major cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh are currently limited or suspended, complicating support for nationals facing emergencies. The advisory also highlights rising anti-Canada demonstrations in New Delhi, recommending travelers maintain low profiles and avoid political gatherings.
Canadian citizens entering via land borders with Nepal or Pakistan have reported increased detentions due to visa discrepancies, reinforcing calls to avoid overland entry routes without proper clearance.
UK Urges British Nationals to Avoid “No-Go Zones”
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its advisory to reflect the worsening conditions in India, particularly in Kashmir Valley, Manipur, and regions close to the India-Pakistan border. British nationals are strongly advised not to travel to these areas, with the FCDO warning that doing so could invalidate travel insurance.
While air travel to Jammu and Ladakh remains permissible, tourism to Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg is strongly discouraged. The advisory emphasizes the high probability of curfews, armed protests, and communication blackouts, even in traditionally popular tourism zones.
Australia Issues High Caution Advisory for Entire Country
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has categorized several Indian regions under its “do not travel” designation. These include in India: Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, and all border areas with Pakistan, regardless of the state.
While airports in northern and western India have resumed operations following recent closures, flights are still vulnerable to sudden cancellations due to military checks or political disruptions. Travelers are advised to monitor their airlines closely and remain flexible with itineraries.
The Australian advisory also highlights persistent gender-based harassment, including drink spiking and physical assault in tourist areas. Tourists are cautioned against fake tour services, ATM scams, and unlicensed guides, especially near temples and busy marketplaces.
New Zealand Urges Citizens to Avoid Conflict Zones
New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has aligned its travel guidance with those of its allies, advising citizens to avoid all travel to Jammu and Kashmir in India , except for Ladakh. The advisory extends to non-essential travel in Manipur, Nagaland, and parts of Assam and Chhattisgarh, citing a rise in ethnic violence and insurgent activity.
Authorities have also flagged increased drone surveillance, troop deployments, and frequent military roadblocks in regions bordering Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. New Zealanders are advised to avoid crowded gatherings, especially during festivals or political demonstrations, due to the risk of stampedes or spontaneous unrest.
Unified Message from Five Countries: Reconsider Travel Plans
The coordinated nature of these advisories represents a rare diplomatic consensus on the instability of India’s current environment. For travelers and foreign residents, this means:
- Reassessing all non-essential travel to India
- Avoiding identified high-risk zones
- Registering with their country’s embassy or travel registry
- Staying updated through government websites and local news outlets
According to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, American travelers should use the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate contact in an emergency. Likewise, Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad, the UK’s Travel Aware, Australia’s Smartraveller, and New Zealand’s SafeTravel provide real-time safety updates for their citizens abroad.
Warnings Reflect Broader Global Concerns
From the ethnic clashes in Manipur to cross-border tensions with Pakistan and widespread curfews in Kashmir, these advisories highlight growing concerns about India’s internal stability and the safety of foreign nationals. While the country remains a major tourism market, the 2025 travel environment has become far more complex, uncertain, and potentially dangerous.
Until tensions de-escalate and regional shutdowns are lifted, tourists are urged to delay travel, exercise extreme caution, and stay away from areas marked as high-risk.
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