6 countries on India’s ‘travel advisory’ list amid global unrest

In recent times, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued several travel advisories in response to escalating situations and potential risks across various countries.

These advisories are aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad. Here’s a detailed overview of the current advisories and the circumstances prompting these warnings.

Libya

The MEA this year updated its travel advisory for Libya, advising Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to the country. This advisory is a partial modification of the complete travel ban imposed on May 23, 2016, due to the volatile conditions in Libya. The new advisory is in line with the risks associated with travelling across provinces by road, which remains particularly dangerous. Indian citizens currently in Libya are urged to stay in regular contact with the Indian Embassy in Tripoli for ongoing assistance and updates. The situation in Libya remains unstable, and the advisory has been put into place over security and safety for foreign nationals.

United Kingdom

As reported earlier, the Indian High Commission in London has issued an advisory urging Indian citizens to stay vigilant and exercise caution while travelling to the UK. This comes in response to recent civil disturbances in the country. Visitors from India are advised to follow local news and safety advisories issued by UK authorities, and to avoid areas where protests are ongoing.

Israel

In April this year, the Indian Embassy in Israel issued an advisory urging Indian citizens to exercise caution and adhere to local safety protocols. The embassy said that it was actively monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of Indian nationals. This proactive measure aims to protect Indian citizens amid regional tensions.

Iran

Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, the MEA advised Indian nationals travelling to the two countries to ‘remain vigilant’ and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy. In response to a media query on travel advisory to Iran and Israel, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We continue to closely monitor the situation in the region. We have also noted that Iran and Israel have opened their airspace for several days now. We advise Indian nationals to remain vigilant while travelling to these countries and be in touch with the Indian Embassy.”

Lebanon

In view of the potential threats and recent developments in Lebanon, the Indian Government has strongly advised against all travel to the country until further notice. Those already in Lebanon are urged to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in constant communication with the Embassy of India in Beirut.

Bangladesh

Responding to the escalating violence in Bangladesh, the MEA has issued a strong advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid travel to the country until the situation stabilises. Those currently residing in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, limit their movements, and stay in touch with the High Commission of India in Dhaka through designated emergency contact numbers.

As global uncertainties persist, the MEA continues to closely monitor developments and provide timely guidance to ensure the well-being of Indian travellers worldwide.