Australians have been advised to exercise a high degree of caution while travelling to India.
The travel advisory has been updated in view of the “high threat of terrorist activity, civil unrest and crime” in India.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised Australians against travelling to the state of Jammu & Kashmir and other areas adjoining India’s border with Pakistan, except the Attari-Wagha border.
We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks in India, including in regions frequented by Westerners. We assess that attacks could occur anywhere at any time with little or no warning, including in locations frequented by Australians.
“We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks in India, including in regions frequented by Westerners. We assess that attacks could occur anywhere at any time with little or no warning, including in locations frequented by Australians,” reads the advisory.
Women travellers have been particularly advised to remain vigilant while travelling to India.
“Safety of women is a concern in India. Women should take particular care in all parts of India and exercise caution, even if they are travelling in a group.”
“Foreign women can be subjected to unwanted attention and more serious harassment and assault. Successful prosecutions are rare.”
Foreign women can be subjected to unwanted attention and more serious harassment and assault. Successful prosecutions are rare.
Australians travelling for religious purposes have also been asked to be aware of the risks of being subjected to “sexual misconduct”.
“There are persistent allegations and media reports of sexual misconduct involving religious groups and their leaders in India. Australians visiting India for such religious purposes should be aware of these risks.”
Australians have also been advised that violent protests and demonstrations occur sporadically throughout India and that driving in India is unpredictable and the number of road traffic deaths is high. So, they have been asked to pay close attention to their personal security at all times and monitor the media about possible new safety or security risks.
While for the state of J&K the advice to Australian travellers is not to undertake travel at all except to the Leh region, there are certain other states that the department has advised the travellers to reconsider their travel plans to.
The full advisory can be accessed here
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