Tensions between India and Pakistan are rising after Pakistan launched a drone attack near Jammu airport in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Thursday, May 8. It comes after India fired missiles at its neighbour in the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, in what it said was retaliation for an attack that killed Indian tourists in April. Pakistan officials called the strikes a “blatant act of war” and said that dozens of civilians had been killed, with its defence minister vowing retaliation. The clash was the worst between the nuclear-armed neighbours in two decades.
The Indian government said its strikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir targeted “terrorist infrastructure”. Pakistan’s military said the missiles hit six locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the country’s eastern Punjab province.
Relations have been worsening between the countries since an April attack in which gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian Hindu tourists, in India-controlled Kashmir. India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over the Himalayan region of Kashmir, which is split between them and claimed by both in its entirety.
Airlines have cancelled and rerouted hundreds of flights and the UK Foreign Office has updated its advice on travel to India, while more than 20 airports are currently closed to civilians in northern India. If you have an upcoming trip planned, here’s everything you need to know.
• India-Pakistan live – follow the latest as nations move closer to war
What’s the latest Foreign Office advice about travelling to India?
The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for India on May 8, following the latest developments. It said: “The Indian Ministry of Defence stated it had struck nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In response, there are reports of Pakistani artillery fire across the Line of Control.
“We are aware of potential disruption to flights to/from India and are monitoring [the situation] closely. British nationals should contact their airline for up-to-date information.”
The Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border. The Wagah-Attari border crossing is closed.
It also 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
It 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.
On Thursday, May 8, it updated its travel advice to add: “There are reports […] of drone activity in the border states of Jammu and Kashmir (including in the city of Jammu), Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat. Airspace remains closed to north and northwest of Delhi. Airspace restrictions may be announced or changed at short notice. British nationals should contact their airline for up-to-date information.”
Is it safe to travel to India right now?
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to parts of India (see above), so you should avoid these areas. Your travel insurance could also be invalidated if you travel against this advice.
Visitors to India should be aware that the situation could escalate with little notice. Airport and flight disruptions are also possible; several airlines said on May 7 that they were rerouting or cancelling flights to and from Europe, and about a dozen Indian airports were closed following the escalations. You should monitor any updates from your airline if you have a trip planned.
Which airports are closed?
More than 20 airports are closed to civilians in northern India at the time of writing (May 9). These include: Jammu, Jodhpur, Srinagar, Leh, Amritsar, Bikaner, Gwalior and Dharamshala. The closures are expected to last until the weekend.
Can I get a refund if I choose not to travel?
If your flight is cancelled you are entitled to a full refund under most regulations. If your flight is still operating, some airlines may offer free changes, while others might let you cancel for a full refund in light of the current situation.
If your travel plans include areas the Foreign Office has warned against visiting, your airline or tour operator might consider this a valid reason to cancel your trip — you should contact your airline and/or relevant travel insurance provider to confirm their policy.
• India-Pakistan live – follow the latest as nations move closer to war
What are India’s entry requirements?
To enter India, your passport expiry date must be at least six months after the date you arrive. It must have at least two blank pages.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
You must have a visa to visit India unless you are an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. The country has a number of Visa categories — you can find more details on the UK government website.
Is India safe for female travellers?
The Foreign Office states: “There is a risk of sexual assault, including attacks on female foreign national visitors in tourist areas and cities.
“Female travellers often experience verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. Serious sexual attacks involving both Indian and foreign nationals have been reported. British women have been victims of sexual assault, including rape, in multiple states in India. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone at any time of day.”
Is India safe for LGBTQ travellers?
Same-sex sexual relationships are legal in India, but same-sex marriage is illegal. “Indian society is conservative … This includes attitudes to LGBT+ people, which can be less accepting than in the UK,” the Foreign Office says. “There is a risk of harassment and discrimination, especially outside of big cities. Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.”
