UK Joins US, Canada, Russia, Australia, and India in Issuing New Alert for Pakistan Amid Rising Travel Risks: What You Need to Know

Published on April 26, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

Amid growing fears over regional instability, the UK has officially joined the US, Canada, Russia, Australia, and India in issuing a new travel alert for Pakistan, citing a sharp rise in security threats. The move comes in the wake of a devastating terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, which killed 26 tourists and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. With cross-border relations rapidly deteriorating and concerns mounting over possible escalation, these nations have warned their citizens to reconsider travel to Pakistan, especially in areas near the Line of Control and other volatile zones. The updated advisories mark a coordinated international response to rising travel risks and emphasize the urgent need for caution in the region.

Heightened Tensions Spark Wave of Travel Warnings

A sudden surge in regional instability has prompted the United Kingdom to join the United States, Canada, Russia, Australia, and India in issuing new travel advisories for Pakistan. This coordinated caution comes in the wake of a deadly attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, escalating geopolitical tensions and raising fresh concerns about traveler safety across South Asia.

On April 22, 2025, a brutal terrorist attack in the scenic resort area of Pahalgam, Kashmir, left at least 26 tourists dead and over 30 injured. Armed gunmen opened fire at a popular meadow in Baisaran, shocking India and triggering a sharp uptick in diplomatic activity and cross-border concerns. While the attackers remain unidentified, Indian officials have attributed the violence to Pakistan-based militants, heightening the already fragile relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

The ripple effects of this incident are now being felt globally, as major countries reevaluate the safety of their citizens traveling to Pakistan—especially near border regions and politically volatile zones.

A Closer Look at the Pahalgam Attack

The Baisaran meadow, often called “Mini Switzerland” for its rolling green pastures and scenic views, turned into a site of horror when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists. The victims included families and solo travelers visiting from various parts of India. Witnesses describe the attack as sudden and indiscriminate, with gunmen fleeing into nearby forested areas.

The incident marks one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in Kashmir in recent years and has triggered intensified military and political responses on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC). In response, India has fortified security presence in Kashmir and suspended multiple cross-border agreements with Pakistan, including visa services and the Indus Waters Treaty.

Countries Respond: Warnings and Restrictions Roll In

United Kingdom

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its advisory for Pakistan, strongly advising against all travel within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border and the LoC. The advisory also cautions against non-essential travel to Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and certain areas of Sindh Province due to risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence.

United States

The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 3 travel advisory for Pakistan—”Reconsider Travel”—highlighting risks of terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict. U.S. citizens are specifically advised to avoid travel to areas near the LoC, Balochistan, and former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

Canada

Global Affairs Canada echoes these warnings, urging travelers to exercise a high degree of caution throughout Pakistan. Canadians are advised to steer clear of all travel to border zones, particularly near the LoC and Afghan border, as well as to avoid large gatherings or religious processions that could become flashpoints for violence.

Russia

In a rare and strongly worded advisory, the Russian Embassy in Islamabad has warned Russian nationals to suspend or postpone travel to Pakistan, citing deteriorating regional security following the Kashmir attack. Moscow expressed concern over the potential for rapid escalation between India and Pakistan.

Australia

The Australian Government’s Smartraveller advisory system has reiterated its longstanding warning to avoid travel within 15 kilometers of the LoC and most of Balochistan Province. The advisory has been updated to reflect recent developments, particularly the increased likelihood of cross-border skirmishes and internal unrest.

India

India, responding both as a government directly impacted by the Kashmir attack and as a neighboring country facing volatile relations with Pakistan, has taken immediate action. New Delhi has suspended visa issuance to Pakistani nationals, ordered the closure of the Wagah-Attari border, and advised all Indian citizens currently in Pakistan to return home promptly. These measures underscore the seriousness with which India views the situation, and the government has hinted at more retaliatory steps should tensions worsen.

Aviation Disruptions and Border Closures

The tensions have already disrupted regional and international travel. Pakistan’s temporary closure of its airspace to Indian carriers forced dozens of commercial flights to reroute, affecting hundreds of passengers. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo reported significant delays and detours, especially for Europe-bound flights originating in Delhi and Mumbai.

In tandem, the closure of the Wagah-Attari land border, a major crossing point for travelers and goods, has effectively halted overland movement between the two countries.

Global Reactions and Calls for Restraint

International organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union, have called for calm and diplomatic resolution. The UN Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the potential for escalation and urged both sides to maintain communication and avoid further violence.

However, analysts warn that the cycle of violence and retaliation could spiral further unless de-escalation channels are activated promptly. In particular, the vulnerability of civilians—both locals and foreign tourists—makes the situation particularly sensitive for global stakeholders.

Airspace Closure Disrupts Flights and Pushes Fares Up

As a direct fallout of the rising tensions, Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines in retaliation for India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The move has significantly impacted international air travel, particularly for flights departing from northern Indian cities like Delhi.

International flights to destinations in North America, Europe, the UK, and the Middle East will now require longer routes, resulting in increased flight durations and operating costs. As a result, fares are expected to rise by approximately 8–12% in the near term, adding pressure to already busy travel corridors.

Major Indian carriers such as Air India and IndiGo have issued travel advisories warning passengers of possible delays and disruptions. Air India, in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that multiple long-haul routes may now require detours due to the newly imposed airspace restrictions. Travelers are being urged to plan accordingly and stay updated on flight schedules.

Under the new restrictions, Pakistani airspace is now off-limits to all aircraft registered in India or operated by Indian carriers—including those leased from international partners—further narrowing operational flexibility for airlines and complicating regional connectivity.

What Travelers Need to Know

If you’re planning to travel to Pakistan in the near future, here are essential considerations:

• Avoid All Border Areas: Especially the regions near the India-Pakistan LoC and Afghan frontier, which are deemed highly volatile.
• Check Airline Statuses: Flight disruptions are ongoing, and routes may be rerouted without notice.
• Register with Your Embassy: All travelers are advised to register with their respective embassies in Pakistan for emergency notifications.
• Monitor Local News: Stay updated with regional news and advisories from both your home country and the Pakistani government.
• Delay Non-Essential Travel: If your visit is not urgent, consider postponing until the security situation improves.

The UK has joined the US, Canada, Russia, Australia, and India in issuing a new travel alert for Pakistan due to escalating security threats following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, with heightened risks particularly near the India-Pakistan border region.

The coordinated travel alerts from the UK, US, Canada, Russia, Australia, and India highlight growing global concern about the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan. Triggered by the recent tragedy in Pahalgam, these warnings serve as a reminder of how quickly tensions in South Asia can flare—and how vital it is for travelers to stay informed and cautious.

While diplomacy may eventually cool the situation, for now, the message from the international community is clear: travel to Pakistan carries rising risks, and precautions must be taken seriously.