If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to the colourful bazaars of Lahore, the snow-capped peaks of Kashmir, or the spiritual heartlands of northern India, it might be time to hit pause.
In the wake of a dramatic escalation between India and Pakistan, the Australian government has issued urgent new travel warnings, urging Australians to reconsider their plans to visit the region.
Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up overnight after India reportedly fired missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory. According to Pakistani military sources, the strikes hit five locations, including Ahmadpur East and Muridke in Pakistan’s Punjab province, as well as Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Kotli in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Tragically, the death toll has already climbed to eight, including a child, with several others wounded.
In response, Pakistan has closed the Wagah border crossing—the main land route between the two countries—and suspended all cross-border travel. Indian airlines have also cancelled flights to several northern cities, including Srinagar, Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, and Amritsar, as airports in these regions remain closed ‘until further notice’.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has wasted no time updating its Smartraveller advice. Australians are now being told to ‘reconsider your need to travel’ to Pakistan due to the volatile security situation. Several regions, including parts of Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and border areas with Afghanistan and India, are under strict ‘do not travel’ warnings.
If you’re already in Pakistan or India, or planning to travel soon, here’s what you need to know:
- Border closures: The Wagah border crossing is shut, and cross-border travel is suspended. If you were planning to travel between India and Pakistan, you’ll need to rethink your route and stay updated with local authorities.
- Flight disruptions: Airports in northern India are closed, and flights have been cancelled. Even if you’re flying elsewhere in the region, check with your airline before heading to the airport—closures can happen at short notice.
- Heightened caution: Australians are being urged to exercise a high degree of caution in both India and Pakistan. In India, stricter ‘do not travel’ warnings are in place for Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and Manipur. The Smartraveller website also recommends reconsidering travel to the Atari-Wagah border crossing, Chhattisgarh, and border areas of neighbouring states.
If you’re currently in India or Pakistan, the advice is clear: monitor local media, take official warnings seriously, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Be prepared for sudden changes to your travel plans, including flight cancellations and border closures.
The latest missile strikes are a sobering reminder of how quickly the situation can change—and how important it is to stay informed and flexible when travelling.
Have you ever had to change your plans due to political unrest or border closures? How did you handle it? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your advice could help fellow readers stay safe and prepared.
Also read: The truth behind ‘Fee-Free’ travel cards that could cost you a fortune!
