The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan, other than at Wagah
• Jammu and Kashmir, except for (i) travel within the city of Jammu, (ii) travel by air to the city of Jammu, and (iii) travel within the Union Territory of Ladakh

The tourist destinations of Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway are within the areas where the FCDO advises against all travel.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to:

• the state of Manipur, except the state capital Imphal and the Meiti Valley areas, which include Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park and the Imphal War Cemetery

For more information, see Local travel and Terrorism

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO guidance on foreign travel insurance.

If you’re planning travel to India, find out what you need to know about the COVID-19 situation there in the Coronavirus section.

Typically, over one million British nationals visited India every year. Most visits are trouble-free.

Severe air pollution is a major hazard to public health, especially during the winter months (October to February). North Indian cities are most affected by extremely high levels of pollution. See Air pollution

Travel in India during the monsoon season (June to October) can be hazardous. See Monsoons.

Terrorists are very likely to carry out attacks in India. Recent attacks have targeted public places including those visited by foreigners. Media reports suggest Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) and other groups have an interest in attacking targets in India. There may be an increased threat to places visited by British nationals such as religious sites, markets, festival venues and beaches. You should be vigilant at this time, monitor local media and take all precautions for your safety. See Terrorism

Maoist (or Naxalite) insurgents specifically target police officers, paramilitary forces and government officials in parts of India, causing several deaths and injuries in 2019/20. The government of India has identified some districts as the worst affected. See Local travel

You should avoid protests and large gatherings. Stampedes have occurred during some events with large crowds, including at political rallies and religious gatherings, resulting in deaths and injuries. They can happen without warning and occasionally result in disorder. See Political situation

The Indian Ministry of Tourism has a 24 hour multi-lingual telephone helpline on toll free number 1800 111 363 providing visitors to India with information about travel and tourism.

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is severely limited in parts of India where the FCDO has existing advice against all travel and all but essential travel (as set out above).