UK issues travel advisory against visiting Pakistan amid rising Indo-Pak tensions

UK warns against travel to Jammu and Kashmir due to security risks.

Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the 22 April terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, the United Kingdom has advised its citizens against travelling to Pakistan.

The UK joined the United States, Canada, Russia, Australia, and India in issuing updated travel advice, warning its nationals to avoid travelling within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border due to the risk of conflict.

The FCDO also warned that travelling against official advice may invalidate travel insurance. The updated guidance covers much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and a 10-kilometre stretch along the Line of Control.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, travel is advised against in the districts of Bajaur, Bannu, Buner, Charsadda, Dera Ismail Khan, Hangu, Karak, Khyber, Kohat, Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Lower Dir, Mohmand, Orakzai, Peshawar (including the city), Swat, Tank, North Waziristan, and both Upper and Lower South Waziristan. It also advises not to travel to Balochistan, Karakoram Highway and Kalash Valley.

The advisory follows the deadly Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people—including 25 tourists and one local resident—were killed. It also notes the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing in Punjab.

Additionally, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued travel advice concerning Indian states, specifically warning against “all travel” to Jammu and Kashmir — including popular tourist destinations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Srinagar, and the Jammu–Srinagar national highway. Travel is only permitted by air to and from the city of Jammu, and within the Union Territory of Ladakh.

“The FCDO advises against all travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway) except for travel by air to and from the city of Jammu, travel within the city of Jammu, and travel within the Union Territory of Ladakh,” the advisory stated.

The FCDO warned of risks along the unmarked stretches of the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat and Rajasthan, noting that approaching these areas away from official crossings “could be dangerous” and may result in illegal entry into Pakistan.

“There is a continuing threat, towards Indian government targets and civilians including tourists and foreign nationals,” the advisory stated.

The United States also reiterated its “Do Not Travel” advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, citing risks of terror attacks and violent unrest.