A tourist-magnet country that welcomed more than 18 million international visitors last year will be hit hard by fresh travel warnings from the FCDO – and it could invalidate your insurance
Brits have been issued a stark warning following escalating tensions in a country that welcomes tourists in their droves. Last year, a staggering 18.89 million international visitors flocked to India – lured in by the country’s fascinating history, stunning architecture, and stellar street food.
Classed as the world’s seventh largest country, spanning some 1.2 million square miles, India is home to some of the most iconic tourist attractions in the world – including Amber Palace, Agra Fort, and Humayun’s Tomb. Of course, a trip to the country isn’t complete without having a selfie in front of the majestic Taj Mahal.
Touted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this 17th century marble mausoleum and its pristinely symmetrical garden has attracted A-listers and political figures from across the globe. It’s where Princess Diana was snapped sitting on a bench – without her prince.
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But, for almost 80 years, India has been locked in a military exchange with Pakistan over Kashmir, an area claimed in full and administered in parts by both countries. This conflict flared up on May 7 when India launched attacks on what it described as ‘terrorist infrastructure’ in Pakistan – in response to gunmen opening fire on a group of domestic tourists visiting Pahalgam, a popular part of Indian-administered Kashmir.
On May 10, the government of Pakistan stated that both countries have agreed to stop military action. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) therefore updated its travel advice on May 22, but still advises against ‘all travel to parts of India’ – including within 10km of the India-Pakistan border.
“FCDO advises against all travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except for: travel by air to and from the city of Jammu, travel within the city of Jammu, and travel within the Union Territory of Ladakh,” the body added. “FCDO [also] advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur including the capital, Imphal.
“Curfews and restrictions continue in parts of Manipur following violent ethnic clashes that broke out in 2023. Intermittent incidents have continued and escalated in September 2024.”
Even tourist hotspots like Goa, renowned for its sugar-like beaches and cobalt waters, come with risks. The FCDO says the destination’s popularity has given surge to ‘opportunistic criminals’ that operate in the area.
“There have been some serious incidents involving British nationals in recent years, including sexual assaults and the murder of a young female traveller,” the FCDO added. “It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places in Goa. If you drink alcohol outside the limits of a licensed premises, you could be fined or given a prison sentence. You can drink within the limits of a registered beach shack or bar, for example, but not on an open beach or road.
Travelling to a country with an FCDO warning could mean your travel insurance is invalid. You can read the government’s full advice on India here.
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