Foreign travel advice: India
Summary Still current at: 25 October 2019 Updated: 25 October 2019
Latest update: Summary - factual update on severe weather expected
in Goa over the next few days The Foreign and Commonwealth Office
(FCO) advise against all travel to: the immediate vicinity of the
border with Pakistan, other than at Wagah Jammu and Kashmir,
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Summary
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:
The tourist destinations of Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway are within the areas where the FCO advise against all travel. The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur, except the state capital Imphal and the Meiti Valley areas, which include Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park and the Imphal War Cemetery. See Local travel and Terrorism On 2 August 2019, Indian media reported that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir had advised tourists and Amarnath Yatra pilgrims to curtail their stay in the Kashmir Valley immediately and take necessary measures to return home as soon as possible because of security threats. The British High Commission in New Delhi is monitoring the situation. You should remain vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities and keep up to date with developments, including via this travel advice. If you’re in areas of Jammu and Kashmir where the FCO advise against all travel, consider carefully your need to remain and keep your departure options under close review. See Jammu & Kashmir Travel in India during the monsoon season (June to October) can be hazardous. Monsoon rains can cause severe flooding and/or landslides in large parts of the country and can lead to travel disruptions for long periods of time. Monitor local and international weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department, follow the advice of local authorities and your travel company before travelling. According to the Indian Meteorological Department’s Goa observatory, there is severe weather in Goa, with heavy to very heavy showers expected over the next few days. You should monitor the Indian Meteorological Department for updates. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has suspended Turkmenistan Airlines flights to and from the EU pending confirmation that it meets international air safety standards. If you have an existing booking, you should contact Turkmenistan Airlines to seek further information. More information for affected UK passengers is available on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in India. Recent attacks have targeted public places including those visited by foreigners. There have been recent media reports suggesting Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) may have an interest in attacking targets in India. There may be an increased threat to places visited by British nationals such as religious sites, markets, festival venues and beaches. You should be vigilant at this time, monitor local media and take all precautions for your safety. See Terrorism You should avoid protests and large gatherings. Stampedes have occurred during some events with large crowds, including at political rallies and religious gatherings, resulting in deaths and injuries. Follow the advice of the local authorities and your travel company. Monitor local media and respect any curfew restrictions that may be in place. See Political situation Additional security measures have been implemented at airports across the country. If you’re travelling through an airport you should allow additional time to complete check-in and security as you and your baggage may be required to undergo random x-rays and baggage checks. From January 2019, protests have continued in Assam and other states in the North East of India. These protests are related to the revision of the National Register of Citizens and a proposed Citizen Amendment Bill. Check the latest travel advice before visiting these areas. Once in the region, you’re advised to avoid large crowds. Severe air pollution is a major hazard to public health in Delhi and its surrounding areas. It is also a serious concern in many other Indian cities. See Health UK health authorities have classified India as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website. Over 940,000 British nationals visited India in 2017. Most visits are trouble-free. The Indian Ministry of Tourism has a 24 hour multi-lingual telephone helpline on toll free number 1800 111 363 providing visitors to India with information about travel and tourism. Before you travel, take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance and read the India specific health information and advice published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre. If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is severely limited in parts of India where the FCO advise against all travel and limited where the FCO advise against all but essential travel. |