Key Points Summary: May 2025 India Travel Advisory Update
- Escalating Tensions: In early May 2025, India and Pakistan engaged in a significant military exchange, including missile and drone attacks, following a deadly assault on Indian tourists in Kashmir.
- UK Foreign Office Advisory: The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border and to Jammu and Kashmir (excluding Ladakh and air travel to Jammu). Caution is also advised for travel to Manipur due to ongoing unrest.
- Flight Disruptions: Despite the reopening of 32 airports on May 12, major airlines like IndiGo and Air India have canceled flights to several northern cities, including Jammu, Amritsar, and Leh, citing safety concerns. The Times of India+2Indiatimes+2The Economic Times+2
- Safety Concerns: Travelers are urged to stay updated on the situation, as further escalations could occur with little notice.The Times of India
- Travel Insurance Implications: Traveling against official advice may invalidate travel insurance policies.
- Entry Requirements: Visitors must ensure their passports are valid for at least six months upon entry and obtain the appropriate visa unless holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
- Safety for Female and LGBTQ+ Travelers: While same-sex relationships are legal, societal attitudes may vary, and female travelers should exercise caution, especially in isolated areas.
Travelers are strongly advised to consult official government sources and their airlines for the latest information before planning or continuing their journey to India.
As a travel blogger with over seven years of experience exploring diverse destinations, I understand the importance of staying informed about current events that may impact travel plans. Recent developments between India and Pakistan have raised concerns for travelers considering a trip to the region. In this guide, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the situation, drawing from official sources and recent reports to help you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
In early May 2025, tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following a series of military exchanges. India conducted missile strikes targeting what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In retaliation, Pakistan launched drone attacks near Jammu airport in Indian-controlled Kashmir. These incidents represent the most significant conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in two decades.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice in response to the situation. Travelers are advised to avoid all travel within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border, as well as to the regions of Jammu and Kashmir (excluding travel by air to and from the city of Jammu and travel within the Union Territory of Ladakh) and the state of Manipur due to ongoing security concerns.
Air travel has also been affected, with over 20 airports in northern India, including Srinagar, Jammu, and Amritsar, temporarily closed. While some airports have resumed operations, airlines like IndiGo and Air India have canceled flights to several cities due to ongoing security concerns.
Given the dynamic nature of the situation, it’s crucial to stay updated through official channels and consult with your airline or travel provider before making any decisions. In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into the current conflict, travel advisories, affected areas, and safety considerations to help you navigate your travel plans during this period.
Contents
- 1 Understanding the Current India-Pakistan Conflict
- 2 UK Foreign Office Travel Advisories
- 3 Areas to Avoid and Safety Considerations
- 4 Impact on Air Travel and Airport Closures
- 5 Visa and Entry Requirements Amid Conflict
- 6 Safety Tips for Travelers in India
- 7 Current Travel Advisories: What the UK Foreign Office Says
- 8 Impact on Flights and Regional Travel
- 9 Visa and Entry Requirements for India
- 10 Is It Safe to Travel to India Right Now?
- 11 Which Airports Are Closed?
- 12 Can I Get a Refund If I Choose Not to Travel?
- 13 Conclusion
Understanding the Current India-Pakistan Conflict
As a travel blogger with over seven years of experience, I’ve navigated various geopolitical landscapes. The recent escalation between India and Pakistan is particularly concerning for travelers. In early May 2025, India launched missile strikes into Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” following a deadly attack on Indian tourists in April. Pakistan retaliated with drone strikes near Jammu airport, marking the most significant conflict between the two nations in two decades.
This military exchange has led to casualties on both sides and heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC). The situation remains volatile, with international leaders urging restraint and dialogue.
For travelers, this means increased security measures, potential disruptions, and the need for heightened vigilance when planning trips to the region.
UK Foreign Office Travel Advisories
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice in light of the recent events. As of May 2025, the FCDO advises against all travel to:
- Within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border.
- The region of Jammu and Kashmir (excluding travel by air to and from the city of Jammu and travel within the Union Territory of Ladakh).
- The state of Manipur, including the capital, Imphal, due to ongoing ethnic violence.
Additionally, travelers are advised to exercise caution in the border states of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat due to reports of drone activity. Airspace restrictions may be announced or changed at short notice.
It’s crucial to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and consult with your airline or travel provider before making any decisions.
Areas to Avoid and Safety Considerations
Given the current tensions, certain areas are deemed high-risk for travelers. Here’s a breakdown:
| Region | Advisory Level | Reason |
| Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border | Avoid all travel | Military activity and potential for conflict |
| Jammu and Kashmir (excluding Jammu city and Ladakh) | Avoid all travel | Ongoing security concerns and recent attacks |
| Manipur (including Imphal) | Avoid all but essential travel | Ethnic violence and civil unrest |
| Border states (Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat) | Exercise caution | Reports of drone activity and airspace restrictions |
Travelers should also be aware of the potential for flight disruptions, with several airlines rerouting or canceling flights due to the conflict.
In my experience, it’s always best to have contingency plans in place, including flexible travel arrangements and comprehensive travel insurance. Stay informed through official channels and be prepared to adjust your plans as the situation evolves.
Impact on Air Travel and Airport Closures
As a seasoned traveler, I’ve learned that geopolitical tensions can significantly disrupt air travel. The recent India-Pakistan conflict is a prime example. In early May 2025, India suspended flight operations at 24 airports in its northern and western regions, including key locations like Amritsar and Srinagar. This move came after escalating tensions with Pakistan, which had resumed flights nationwide after temporary closures at four airports.
The closures have led to widespread disruptions. Major airlines such as IndiGo and Air India have canceled hundreds of flights and rerouted some international routes. International carriers like Lufthansa, KLM, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways have also rerouted flights to avoid Pakistani airspace, leading to longer travel times and delays on routes between Europe and Asia.
For travelers, this means potential delays, cancellations, and the need for flexible travel plans. It’s crucial to stay updated with your airline and monitor official advisories. Having comprehensive travel insurance that covers such disruptions is also advisable.
Visa and Entry Requirements Amid Conflict
Navigating visa and entry requirements can be challenging during times of conflict. In response to the recent tensions, India has suspended visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. Additionally, the Indian government has announced the closure of the integrated check post at the Attari–Wagah Border and canceled all previously issued visas.
For travelers from other countries, it’s essential to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and has at least two blank pages. You must also have a valid visa unless you’re an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. Given the current situation, visa processing times may be longer, and entry requirements could change at short notice. Always check the latest information from official sources before planning your trip.
Safety Tips for Travelers in India
Traveling during times of heightened tension requires extra precautions. Here are some safety tips based on my experience:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from your country’s foreign office and local news outlets.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Steer clear of regions with active advisories, such as Jammu and Kashmir, and areas within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border.
- Register with Your Embassy: Inform your embassy of your travel plans. This can be invaluable in case of emergencies.
- Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Have a list of local emergency numbers and your country’s embassy contacts.
- Travel Insurance: Ensure your insurance covers situations like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and evacuations.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority. If you’re uncertain about the security situation, consider postponing your trip.
Current Travel Advisories: What the UK Foreign Office Says
As of May 2025, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for India due to escalating tensions with Pakistan. This follows a series of military exchanges, including India’s Operation Sindoor and subsequent retaliatory actions by Pakistan.
Areas to Avoid
The FCDO advises against all travel within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border. This includes the Wagah-Attari border crossing, which is currently closed
Additionally, the 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
- Travel within the Union Territory of Ladakh
Travelers should also avoid all but essential travel to the state of Manipur, including the capital, Imphal, due to ongoing ethnic violence .
Airspace and Flight Disruptions
Due to the conflict, over 20 airports in Northern India, including Srinagar, Jammu, and Amritsar, have been closed, and multiple airlines have rerouted or canceled flights. Airspace north and northwest of Delhi has been affected, leading to significant delays and cancellations .
Travelers are advised to contact their airlines for the most up-to-date information and to monitor the FCDO’s travel advice for any changes.
Impact on Flights and Regional Travel
The recent escalation between India and Pakistan has significantly impacted air travel in the region. Airlines have canceled and rerouted hundreds of flights, and more than 20 airports in Northern India are currently closed to civilians.
Affected Airports
The following airports are among those closed as of May 9:
These closures are expected to last until the weekend, but travelers should check with their airlines for the most current information.
Flight Rerouting and Delays
Airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, EVA Air, Thai Airways, and China Airlines have adjusted their routes or canceled flights, prolonging travel times considerably. British Airways flights from Delhi to London have been delayed by up to three hours due to rerouting .
Travelers should also be aware that airspace restrictions may be announced or changed at short notice. It’s essential to stay informed through official channels and maintain flexibility in travel plans.
Visa and Entry Requirements for India
Before traveling to India, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry and has at least two blank pages. You must have a valid visa unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.
Visa Categories
India offers various visa categories, including tourist, business, medical, and student visas. You can apply for an e-Visa online, which is available for citizens of many countries, including the UK.
Entry Denial
Entry will be denied if you do not have a valid travel document or attempt to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. Ensure all your travel documents are in order before your trip.
Is It Safe to Travel to India Right Now?
As of May 2025, traveling to India requires careful consideration due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border and to specific regions, including Jammu and Kashmir (excluding air travel to Jammu and travel within Ladakh) and the state of Manipur. These advisories are in response to recent military exchanges and security concerns.
Travelers should stay informed through official channels and consult their airlines for the latest updates on flight operations. It’s essential to monitor the situation closely, as conditions can change rapidly.
Which Airports Are Closed?
Due to security concerns, several airports in northern and western India have experienced closures or flight cancellations. As of May 13, 2025, the following airports are affected:
| Airport | Status |
| Srinagar | Closed |
| Jammu | Closed |
| Amritsar | Closed |
| Leh | Closed |
| Chandigarh | Closed |
| Rajkot | Closed |
| Jodhpur | Closed |
| Bhuj | Closed |
| Jamnagar | Closed |
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the most current information on flight schedules and airport operations.
Can I Get a Refund If I Choose Not to Travel?
If your flight is canceled due to the current situation, you are generally entitled to a full refund under most airline policies. For flights that are still operating, some airlines may offer free changes or cancellations in light of the circumstances.
It’s important to review your travel insurance policy, as traveling against official government advice may invalidate coverage. Contact your airline and insurance provider directly to understand your options and ensure you have the necessary documentation for any claims.
Conclusion
Traveling to India at this time involves navigating a complex and evolving security landscape. While many regions remain safe for visitors, areas near the India-Pakistan border and certain states are currently under travel advisories.
Stay informed through official sources, maintain flexibility in your travel plans, and prioritize safety above all. By taking these precautions, you can make informed decisions and adjust your itinerary as needed.
For the latest updates, consult the UK Foreign Office travel advice and stay in contact with your airline and travel insurance provider.
