Most countries consider India a safe destination. With good infrastructure, India's main cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai are secure to visit. Exercise greater caution and avoid completely any areas where civil unrest, strike or violence has been reported. Such situations can arise in particular in Jammu & Kashmir and the frontier zones with Pakistan.
- Exercising greater caution in states like Jammu & Kashmir and the northeast due to increase in conflicts.
- Official advisories recommend avoiding areas near the India-Pakistan border.
- Major cities are generally safe with standard safety precautions.
- Ensure travel insurance includes coverage for conflict-related incidents.
- Stay informed through reliable sources and follow local authority instructions in emergencies.
Current Situation Overview
In 2026 India continues to present a complex safety picture with considerable variations in safety within different parts of the country. While visitors are unlikely to encounter problems in India's major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai provided normal precautions are taken, India's conflict zones remain insecure. Jammu & Kashmir and various parts of the northeast remain a source of tension and periodic outbreaks of violence, while travel to areas bordering Pakistan, particularly the disputed region of Kashmir, remains highly undesirable. Careful preparation and contingency planning are necessary here.
Official Travel Advisories
Several countries have issued travel advisories for India:
- India Information: The US State Department has classified India under a Level 2 travel advisory which instructs visitors to “Exercise Increased Caution.” They also specifically advise against visiting Jammu & Kashmir and the India/Pakistan border. US State Department
- Many other countries are also advising their citizens to exercise extreme caution while travelling to certain parts of India. The latest UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice recommends that "All travel to Jammu & Kashmir (except Ladakh) isn't recommended. Exercise particular caution when travelling to border districts of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China, due to the risk of armed clashes."
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked Indians to be careful and to refrain from visiting sensitive areas. Indian MEA
Safe Areas vs Areas to Avoid
A very important travel post as India is a vast and troubled country, especially unsafe places. here's a travel guide on safe and unsafe areas in India:
Impact on Tourists and Daily Life
Dharti Travels Latest Information - India security issues The security situation in India is affecting tourism as well as our daily lives in a number of ways.
- Flights Most international flights are currently operating as normal, however some flights may be diverted and/or delayed. Keep in close contact with airlines.
- Tourism All tourist attractions in the capital and other major cities remain open, but the number of visitors can fluctuate depending on the current security situation.
- Insurance Travelers should ensure they're sufficiently insured for the risk of an attack occurring and that they're medically insured in the event of an accident.
- Currency Fluctuations: The value of the Indian Rupee (INR) against the USD and EUR may fluctuate, impacting your travel budget.
Flight and Transportation Status
Air and road transport in India has generally been normal except in a few isolated locations.
- Air Travel: Airports in capital cities of many countries are fully open, though air travel is susceptible to change because of the ongoing conflict and security concerns in the affected zones.
- Road and Rail: Public transport is running fairly normally within safe zones, but we would advise against travelling by road near to areas of active conflict, as numerous checkpoints have been established and roads are being closed in response to fighting.
Insurance and Coverage During Conflict
Travel insurance is a critical component of travel planning, especially when visiting areas with potential conflict:
- Check your insurance policy as conflicts can arise and it's important that you have adequate cover for potential risks such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies and evacuations.
- You may want to look into purchasing additional coverage for certain high-risk areas. Check your current policy to find out.
- Save the emergency contact numbers provided in your insurance plan, so they're readily available in the event of an accident.
Having access to reliable emergency contacts is essential for travelers in India:
Local emergency: Police - 100, Ambulance - 102, Fire - 101 Indian Embassy: +91-11-23012113 MEA helpline: +91-11-23012113
- US Embassy in New Delhi: +91-11-2419-8000
- UK High Commission in New Delhi: +91-11-2419-2100
- Indian MEA Helpline: 1800-11-3000
Tips for Indian Travelers/Expats Specifically
Indian travelers and expats should stay informed and connected to ensure their safety abroad:
- Register with the nearest Indian Embassy and also on their website to receive important updates on safety and security, including travel advisories.
- Participate in community networks to stay informed about local developments.
- Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations to avoid unnecessary complications.
- In times of crisis, Air India may offer evacuation services — a practice it has followed so far.
What to Do if You're Already There
If you're currently in India, we recommend that you stay up to date with local events and are prepared in the event of civil unrest:
- Keep up to date with local media and official sources to learn of any changes to the security situation.
- Follow instructions from local authorities during emergencies and evacuations.
- Maintain communication with your home country's embassy for support and guidance.
- Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, which may become targets for unrest.
Should You Cancel Your Trip?
Recent unrest across India has caused chaos for travellers, with Foreign Office officials warning that further unrest is expected in coming weeks. So how should you decide whether to cancel your trip to India? Here are a few things to consider.
- Travel to areas involved in conflict or high-risk activities isn't recommended.
- For travel to major cities and popular tourist destinations normal precautions are advised and it's recommended to stay up to date with local conditions.
- Check with your travel insurance provider to find out what their cancellation policies are in relation to acts of terrorism.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it safe to travel to India in 2026?
Yes, but exercise caution, especially in conflict-prone areas like Jammu & Kashmir. - What areas in India should be avoided?
Avoid Jammu & Kashmir, northeastern states, and areas bordering Pakistan. - What should travelers do in case of an emergency?
Contact local authorities, use emergency numbers, and follow embassy instructions. - How is the safety for Indian expats abroad?
Generally safe. stay connected with local Indian embassies for updates. - Are there any changes in travel insurance for India?
Ensure your policy covers conflict-related incidents and check for any updates.
Please refer to the following for the latest Travel advisory / Safe travel information issued by respective countries Governments: US State Department, UK FCDO, and Indian MEA.
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