Canada updates India and Pakistan travel advisories amid escalating conflict
Canadians may want to check the latest travel advisory from the Government of Canada before travelling to India or Pakistan.
On Wednesday, the federal government updated its travel advice for both countries, warning Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution.”
The advisory for India warns travellers of “the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.”
In Pakistan, the advisory warns of “the unpredictable security situation. There is a threat of terrorism, civil unrest, sectarian violence and kidnapping.”
The updated alerts come after India launched missiles into the Pakistani-run region of Kashmir and the Pakistani province of Punjab on Wednesday, killing at least 26 people.
India claims its strikes targeted infrastructure linked to militants and were in response to the killing of at least 26 Indian tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month, which it implies, were conducted by Pakistan.
Pakistan has vowed to retaliate, and the two countries are now accusing each other of drone attacks.
“Tensions could increase and the situation could deteriorate rapidly,” reads the advisories.
“There are air travel disruptions, and local authorities could take additional measures, such as closing the airspace and blocking Internet access. Many airports across northern and western India have temporarily suspended operations.”
“A state of emergency was declared in Punjab Province following the airstrikes,” it added.
The federal government has also issued regional advisories in India and Pakistan.
Regional travel advisories in India
Creative Photo Corner/Shutterstock
Canadians are recommended to “avoid non-essential travel” in the following Indian states due to “risk of terrorism and insurgency:”
- Assam
- Manipur
The advisory says to “avoid all travel” in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“There is a threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest and kidnapping,” it reads.
It also advises Canadians to avoid all travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Pakistan in the following states “due to the unpredictable security situation and presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance.”
- Gujarat
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
Regional travel advisories in Pakistan
Preparation for Pakistan Independence Day on the streets of Karachi in August 2023. (Hasnain Qureshi/Shutterstock)
The federal government advises people to avoid all travel to:
- The area within 50 km of the border with Afghanistan
- The areas within 10 km of the borders with China, India and Iran, except the official border crossings at:
- Wagah (which is currently closed) and the Grand Trunk Road leading there
- Khunjerab Pass and the Karakorum Highway leading there
- The areas within 10 km of the Line of Control
- The section of the Karakoram Highway from Mansehra to Chilas
- Pakistan-administered Kashmir
- The province of Balochistan
- The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the exception of the following areas, to which non-essential travel is advised against:
- Haripur
- Abbottabad
- Buner
- Chitral
It also says to avoid non-essential travel to Karachi “due to violence and the risk of terrorism.”
If you’re in the affected areas in India and Pakistan
If you or your family are in any of the affected areas, the federal government advises you to do the following:
- Monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, including air-raid sirens and evacuation orders
- Be vigilant and prepared to shelter in place
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
- Carry photo identification at all times
- Expect an increased presence of security forces
- Be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice
Carriers like Air Canada have issued an alert for Delhi, saying “flights may be impacted by a political situation.”
“If your flight is affected, you can retrieve your booking to change your flight free of charge,” reads the notice.
Canada recently issued travel advisories for other popular destinations as well.