The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to India. The Government of India has announced that passengers from the UK (and the EU and Turkey) will be prohibited from entering India. Airlines will not permit passengers from those countries to board planes from 1200 GMT on 18 March 2020. The restrictions are due to be in place until at least 31 March 2020. This does not affect British Nationals already in India who should follow the advice of local authorities. For more information see Visasand Health

Additionally the FCO advise against all travel to:

• the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan, other than at Wagah
• Jammu and Kashmir, except for (i) travel within the city of Jammu, (ii) travel by air to the city of Jammu, and (iii) travel within the Union Territory of Ladakh

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.

For more information, see Local travel and Terrorism

There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, but cases have been confirmed in other countries, including in India. The Indian authorities have introduced a number of measures to limit the spread of the virus. See Health

Over one million British nationals visited India in 2018. Most visits are trouble-free.

Demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are taking place in parts of the country, some of which have been violent. See Political situation

Severe air pollution is a major hazard to public health, especially during the winter months. New Delhi and other North Indian cities are currently experiencing extremely high levels of pollution. See Air pollution

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

Maoist (or Naxalite) insurgents specifically target police officers, paramilitary forces and government officials in parts of India, causing several deaths and injuries in 2019. The Government of India has identified some districts as the worst affected. See Local travel

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. They can happen without warning and occasionally result in disorder. See Political situation

Travel in India during the monsoon season (June to October) can be hazardous. See Monsoons

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.

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.

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.