The Indian sub-continent is now fully open up for travel. India has now reintroducerd the e-visa for British travellers. Travellers will find the Indian sub-continent fascinating although an often tiring area to visit. We believe crime levels are significantly lower compared to Latin America although the risk from road traffic accidents is greater, driving in India has to be seen to be believed at times!

Contracting Dengue Fever is certainly a risk in many parts. Use insect repellent with 50% DEET to reduce the risk. In the winter months pollution is a serious problem in the big cites of India and seems to be only getting worse.
 

India

The country is recovering from Covid which has had a huge impact on medical services. Terrorism remains an on-going problem in some areas of India. The threat stems from Islamist terrorism. However, travellers are generally not the target and therefore, the risk tends to be incidental - wrong place, wrong time. The FCDO is advising against all travel to most of Jammu and Kashmir.  On 4 August 2019, the India government announced it was withdrawing the 'special status' that Kashmir has had since independence. Kashmir has been in lockdown since and relations with Pakistan have worsened.

It's worth remembering that approximately 275 people die in India every day from road traffic accidents (RTAs) - that is the greatest threat to travellers or those backpacking in the country.  Travellers should be aware of rising inter religious tension between the majority Hindu population and the Muslim community. This should not interfer in any visits but it's something to be aware of, like knowing the historic back ground to the Kashmir issue. A series of new protests by farming groups are planned for mid to late August 2022.  In early December 2022 the E-visa system for UK passporrt holders was reintroduced.

Sri Lanka

The economy of Sri Lanka has suffered badly from the covid pandemic which has hit the tourist industry hard. Tourism was already struggling to recover from the 2019 Easter bombing. There has been a run on the currency and numerous power cuts.  In addition, there is mounting anger againsts the government of President Rajapaksa which is viewed as corrupt and riddled family interests (four family members are ministers). Violent demonstrations broke out in late March 2022 which have continued throughout the summer. On 10 July protesters stormed the president's resident house and parliament building & President Rajapaksa fled the country on 14 July 2022. However, the general economic situation has been improving throughout 2023 but inflation rate is now over 60% but things are improving, slowly.  We highly recommend a visit. Have a look at our Safety Net section of our website as previous travellers has added some useful travel ideas. The train journey from Ella to Kandi is a must.

Bangladesh

Over recent year, this country has been relatively unstable and there is an on-going risk from terrorism. The monsoon season always causes extensive flooding and a number of deaths.
 

Pakistan

Pakistan is in a state of political flux with the ex Prime Minister Imran Khan demainding a new election.  Of note he was shot and wounded at a political rally in November 2022 and then arrested in May 2023 but swiftly released. The climate of instability will continue and may get worse. The Pakistan Taliban (TTP) contine to poses a significant threat and were responsible for the suicide atack in Peshawar on 30 Jan 23 killing 100 police officers and associates. Relations with India remains very strained after the flair up in early 2019 resulting in Pakistan shooting down an Mig-21 fighter jet over the Kashmir region. The situation has been made worse since India withdrew in August 2019, the special status Kashmir held since 1947. Expect relations between both countries to remain very tense. Politically Pakistan is in a mess and in an election year. The Army continues to interfer, Imran Khan, the leader of the PTI has been sentenced to 14 years in jail in what many believe is a result of politically motivated charges.  An election took place in mid February with independant candidates, the majority backing Imran Khan, winning the most seats. A new government will need to be formed. It will be the Army, who effectively run the country to decide.    

Nepal

Nepal is a wonderfully calm, friendly and very rewarding county to visit. It does suffer from high poverty rates and a poor economic situation which has been devastated by Covid as tourism is so crucial to the economy. Nepal is an active earthquake zone and we suggest taking simple precautions such as sleeping next to your shoes and avoid high rise buildings. 
 

Myanmar/Burma

As a result of the military coup in Myanmar/Burma on 1 February 2021, the FCDO now advises against all but essential travel many parts of the country but Yangon and parts of the south can be visited. In the past 30 years, Burma has been subjected to long periods of military rule so the current situation is nothing new but unrest against the government is growing in many areas so we recommend only visiting areas where there are no FCDO travel restrictions. 

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