• Travel Advice

DFAT advice for India

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When travelling to India, you should always get travel insurance in case the worst happens. To help you ensure you travel safely, we have included the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for India.

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and in the Safety and Security : Terrorism section (Indian authorities warn of possible airplane hijack threats). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

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Summary

  • We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to India at this time because of the very high risk of terrorist activity by terrorists and militant groups.
  • If you do decide to travel to India, you should exercise extreme caution.
  • The Indian Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has issued a public warning that information has been received that suggests that an unidentified group is planning to hijack an aircraft within India around 6 December 2008. The information suggests that the hijacking could involve New Delhi, Chennai and/or Bangalore airports. Strict additional security measures have been put in place at those airports. Travellers are advised to comply with reasonable requests made by airport security personnel and have warned that lengthy delays can be expected.
  • On 26 and 27 November 2008, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks were launched in Mumbai targeting a number of locations in the Colaba/south Mumbai area. The attacks took place at two luxury hotels, the Oberoi-Trident and the Taj Mahal Palace; Nariman House, a Jewish centre in Mumbai; the Victoria Terminus railway station; a hospital; and the Leopold Cafe. The attacks have resulted in many people being killed and scores injured.
  • The Mumbai attacks show terrorists in India are deliberately targeting Westerners. Further attacks cannot be ruled out. These attacks could take place at any time, anywhere, including in places frequented by foreigners. You should take particular care to avoid places known to be terrorist targets. See the Terrorism section for details.
  • Security has been tightened in all major cities, airports and railway stations across India.
  • The Australian Government is providing support to Australians adversely affected by the terrorist attacks in Mumbai through Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments (AGDRP). Further information is available on 1800 146 713 and at www.disasterassist.gov.au
  • Violent protests and demonstrations occur frequently throughout India. Australians are urged to avoid protests, and should monitor international and local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
  • You should be particularly vigilant in the lead up to and on days of national significance such as Republic Day (26 January) and Independence Day (15 August), as militants have in a number of past instances marked such occasions with attacks.
  • We advise you not to travel to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, other than to the Ladakh region via Manali, or by air to the regions main city of Leh, due to frequent armed clashes and terrorist activities.
  • We advise you not to travel in the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan, other than at the international border crossing at Wagah.
  • We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the north-eastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur because of the risk of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and terrorism related incidents. If you do decide to travel to these areas, you should exercise extreme caution.
  • Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
    • organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
    • register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
    • subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.

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