Last Updated: 26 March 2002
Still Current at: 27 March 2002
In view of the heightened tension and increased troop movements along the India/Pakistan border, we advise against all travel in these areas. The trans-border coach and rail services were suspended with effect from 1 January 2002, as were bilateral air links. Bus and train schedules in Punjab and Rajasthan may also be disrupted. The border crossing at Wagah in the Punjab remains open to individuals travelling on foot or by private vehicle.
There has been serious communal violence in a number of cities and some smaller communities across Gujarat with several hundred killed and curfews imposed in some areas. The situation remains volatile and there is a risk of renewed tension in Gujarat and elsewhere in India around forthcoming public holidays on 29 March. Three people were killed and a number injured during a demonstration in the Sawai Mahopur District of Rajasthan on 25 March. We advise visitors to exercise caution and to monitor developments through the media before confirming travel arrangements. We strongly advise against travelling on highways in rural areas in Gujarat at present.
British nationals in Gujarat who require further advice should contact the British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai (tel: +91 22 288 0517 during office hours 0800-1600 Monday to Friday). If outside office hours British nationals may contact one of the following emergency numbers:
+91 22 283 4040 Mobile 9820000343 Mobile+91 9820122680
They will make appropriate arrangements with the police authorities.
Most parts of India are trouble-free. However, we strongly advise against travel to all parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, apart from Ladakh, where visitors should exercise caution.
A terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament building on 13 December 2001 resulted in a number of deaths. An attack outside the United States Information Service in Kolkata resulted in a number of casualties and the deaths of several Indian policemen. Security has been tightened throughout Kolkata.
There have been terrorist attacks on public buildings in New Delhi. We advise travellers to increase their vigilance when in the vicinity of key government installations, visiting tourist sites or attending major public events around India.
British nationals already in India may contact the 24 hour switchboard at the British High Commission in New Delhi on +11 687 2161 if they have any further concerns. Visitors should not become involved with drugs of any kind.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Do not walk alone in isolated spots in the popular tourist areas especially after dark. Visitors should respect local codes of dress and behaviour. There have been several recent incidents of sexual assault against women in Goa.
Theft of valuables, especially passports, is a particular risk at major railway stations and on trains.
Several recent drownings have highlighted the lack of warning signs/flags and life-saving equipment on most of India’s beaches. Strong undercurrents are a particular hazard. Tourist boats and other small crafts very rarely carry life saving equipment.
Piracy/armed robbery against ships has occurred in and around India's waters. Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate action.
The poor infrastructure makes the provision of consular assistance difficult, particularly in remote areas.
Confidence tricksters (particularly in Agra and Jaipur) promise a substantial cash reward for delivery of jewellery abroad but only in return for an initial deposit. The jewellery is invariably worthless and the deposit (often amounting to thousands of pounds) is lost. Incidents of British nationals being held against their will by individuals they have “befriended” while staying in India have increased. Victims holding travellers’ cheques and credit or debit cards are required to withdraw funds at a cash-point/bank to obtain their release.
TERRORISM
British nationals in Islamic countries or countries with large Islamic populations, should exercise particular caution given the current heightened tension. We believe that India is one of a number of countries where there is an increased risk to visible British institutions and organisations from global terrorism.
LOCAL TRAVEL
Northern India
Travellers to areas adjoining Pakistan or those planning to cross the international border should take account of tension between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
Jammu & Kashmir
We strongly advise against travel to all parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Levels of violence remain high in Jammu and Kashmir. Serious incidents of militancy continue in the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region. Whilst not directed at tourists, violent incidents have occurred recently in public places, including in Srinagar. There have also been a number of landmine explosions. Although the Line of Control has been quiet in recent months, limited shelling continues in some areas.
There is a risk of kidnapping. Militants took hostage five foreign nationals, including two Britons, in July 1995: one was murdered and the others are also feared dead.
In North Ladakh, in the summer months, there is a high risk of shelling from across the Line of Control in the Kargil area, where there was a serious outbreak of fighting between Indian security forces and infiltrators in the summer of 1999. Travel to Ladakh should be by air or via Manali in Himachal Pradesh, not via Srinagar.
Visitors should be therefore aware of travel agents, who will try to convince them that it is safe to travel to Jammu or Kashmir. Despite increased official promotion of Kashmir as a tourist centre, tensions remain high there. No matter how convincing the agents appear to be, their advice should not be followed.
Business representatives and others considering a visit to Jammu and Kashmir should consult the British High Commission, New Delhi.
Other Northern States
Trekking: In 2000, there were several attacks (including murder) on trekkers in the mountain areas of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. We recommend that trekkers travel in groups and engage local guides.
In recent months there have been small bomb explosions on trains and in and around Delhi including shopping areas frequently visited by tourists, train stations and in a hotel in Paharganj, home to most of the budget accommodation. Visitors to Delhi should therefore remain vigilant in public places and around tourist attractions.
Petty crime is common in Delhi. Tourists should take care of their bags, wallets and passports, particularly when travelling by train or bus. Avoid individuals at railway stations offering tickets and tours (mainly to Kashmir and Rajasthan.
East and North East India
Most visits to Eastern India are trouble-free but visitors should be aware of the risk of violent crime in rural areas of Bihar.
Some states in North East India, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Sikkim are generally safe. However, visitors should be aware that militant groups are operating in mainly rural areas of other North East states. We advise against all holiday and other non-essential travel to Manipur and Tripura. While foreigners are not targets of violence, attacks can be indiscriminate.
Permits are required for travel to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
South India
There have been bomb/land mine explosions in Andhra Pradesh mainly directed at local government officials. Travellers should remain vigilant.
Western Region
There has been serious communal violence in a number of cities and some smaller communities across Gujarat with several hundred killed and curfews imposed in some areas. The situation remains volatile, particularly in rural areas. We advise visitors to exercise caution and to monitor developments through the media before confirming travel arrangements. We strongly advise against travelling on highways in rural areas in Gujarat at present.
An earthquake in January 2001 caused catastrophic damage in the Kutch area of Gujarat. Buildings were destroyed in several other cities in Gujarat (including Ahmedabad).
Visitors to Mumbai should be aware that armed robbers have held up taxis travelling along the main highway from the airport to the city in the early hours of the morning (between 0200 and 0600) when there is little traffic on the roads. Visitors using the route during these times should, where possible, arrange to travel by coach or seek advice at the airport on arrival.
Passengers who have cleared customs and immigration at Mumbai airport should be wary of approaches by thieves posing as Government officials.
ROAD SAFETY
Driving on Indian roads can be hazardous, particularly at night in rural areas. Inadequately lit buses and lorries, poor driving and badly maintained vehicles are the main causes of accidents.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Penalties for possession of even small amounts of narcotic substances are severe (a minimum of 10 years imprisonment). The slow judicial process means that lengthy pre-trial detention is the norm.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must obtain a visa before travelling to India. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. Foreign nationals arriving in India on long term multiple visas are required to register with the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Officer within 14 days of arrival. Over-stayers will be fined and may be prosecuted. For further information on entry requirements, visitors are advised to check with their nearest Indian Consulate or the Indian High Commission, India House, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4NA; (tel: 020 7836 8484).
HEALTH
Medical advice about endemic diseases and necessary inoculations should be sought before, travelling.
GENERAL
Between the months of December and April, flights leaving India become very full. Passengers may find themselves "bumped off" flights even if they have confirmed seats. All international departures must therefore be re-confirmed at least 72 hours before departure.
Flights arriving and departing from airports in Northern India in December and January are often delayed and sometimes cancelled due to fog.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. It is advisable to have cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights etc.
It is strongly recommended that residents and visitors of over three months or more should register with the British High Commission or the relevant Deputy High Commission in India (see Contact Details below to see which office has responsibility for the various Indian States).
British nationals are advised to seek legal advice before investing in immovable property or businesses in India. There have been several cases where verbal agreements were reneged on and loopholes in agreements exploited to their disadvantage.
AGHANISTAN AIRSPACE AND OVERFLIGHTS
Afghanistan airspace has been closed to all flights since 16 September 2001, and it will remain closed to all flights until further notice.
OVERFLIGHTS OF PAKISTAN
UK carriers have been advised that there should be no flights further west than flight path G325, no flights further north than flight path R654 and that they should maintain a minimum 30 nautical mile buffer zone from the border with Afghanistan. Therefore, UK carriers continue to use flight paths G325 and R654. Travellers should check direct either with travel agents or airlines which routes other airlines are using.
See also:
Factsheet: India
Travellers' Tips: India
UK Mission: India
