The Australian government has issued a fresh warning for travelers heading to India and Pakistan, following a sharp rise in military tensions between the two nations.
On May 7, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updated its SmartTraveller advisory, cautioning Australians to avoid high-risk areas including Jammu and Kashmir, the entire India-Pakistan border, and the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. The update comes as both countries remain locked in a tense standoff after India launched a military air campaign—Operation Sindoor—targeting suspected militants in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Australians are being urged to stay alert, monitor local media, and follow directions from local authorities. The advisory also warns of possible airport closures, especially in northwest India, and recommends checking with airlines before traveling due to potential flight delays or cancellations. One key land crossing, the Attari border between India and Pakistan, has already been closed.
The situation escalated following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, which killed over two dozen civilians. In response, India carried out airstrikes on multiple locations in Pakistan, prompting retaliatory claims from Islamabad, including damage to Indian targets and the downing of jets.
While the advisory does not apply to Ladakh—an area that became a separate union territory in 2019—concerns are growing over the potential for broader conflict. DFAT continues to stress that the security environment can change quickly and that Australians should reconsider any non-essential travel to the region.
The level of risk remains high, with ongoing threats from terrorism, unrest, and unpredictable military developments. In light of the uncertainty, travelers are advised to remain flexible and prepared to change their plans without notice.
In a sign of support for tourists already in the region, the All Ladakh Hotel & Guesthouses Association has announced it will offer free accommodation to those stranded due to travel disruptions.
Australia’s message to its citizens is clear: if you’re planning to travel to India or Pakistan, take the situation seriously, stay informed, and avoid high-risk areas entirely.
