On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updated its Smartraveller advice following escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan, triggered by missile strikes that have intensified tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The Smartraveller alert now advises Australians to reconsider travel plans to both countries, citing a volatile security situation.
Indian missiles targeted five locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including Ahmadpur East and Muridke in Punjab province, as well as Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Kotli in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Initial reports indicated that one child died and two people were injured, but the death toll has since risen to eight, according to Pakistani military sources.
In light of these developments, the Smartraveller website has classified several areas in Pakistan, including parts of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, as “do not travel” zones. The alert states, “We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan overall. Higher levels apply in some areas.” It also warns travelers to avoid large groups, demonstrations, and protests, as they can escalate into violence quickly.
As part of the response to the heightened tensions, Pakistan has closed the Wagah border crossing until further notice, effectively suspending all cross-border travel between India and Pakistan. This closure has significant implications for Australians with plans to travel in the region. Smartraveller advises, “If you have plans to travel to India from Pakistan, reconsider your route and follow the advice of local authorities.”
Flight disruptions are also affecting northern India, with major airlines cancelling flights to Srinagar, the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir, as well as to Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Dharamshala. Airports in these regions remain closed until further notice. The Smartraveller update warns, “There may be flight disruptions due to airspace and airport closures. Check with your airline before arriving at the airport.”
Australians planning to travel to India are urged to exercise a high degree of caution. DFAT has issued strict “do not travel” warnings for Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and Manipur. The advisory continues, “Some airports in India (particularly in the north-west) may close, and airline schedules may be affected.”
The current unrest follows a deadly attack on tourists in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 people. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, a claim that Pakistan vehemently denies. This incident marks yet another flashpoint in the long-standing conflict over the disputed Kashmir region, which has seen multiple wars since both nations gained independence in 1947.
According to the National Library of Australia, approximately 750,000 Indian-born migrants reside in Australia, making them the second-largest migrant group in the country. The Department of Home Affairs reported that by the end of 2023, there were 120,440 Pakistani-born individuals living in Australia, ranking the Pakistani community as the twelfth-largest migrant group. This demographic connection highlights the personal ties many Australians have with both India and Pakistan, emphasizing the potential impact of rising tensions on families and communities.
In response to the situation, the Australian government has urged its citizens to remain vigilant and informed. The updated Smartraveller alert encourages Australians to monitor local media for updates, stay alert, and take official warnings seriously. It also stresses that the security situation remains unpredictable and changes can occur without warning.
As the situation develops, DFAT continues to assess the security landscape and may revise travel advice accordingly. Australians planning to travel to India or Pakistan are strongly advised to check the Smartraveller website for the latest information and updates on the evolving conflict.
In addition to the travel advisories, other countries have also issued warnings regarding the escalating tensions. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised against travel within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border and 10 miles of the Line of Control in Kashmir. The FCDO has also highlighted the risks associated with the ongoing monsoon season in Laos, adding another layer of caution for travelers in the region.
As of now, the conflict between India and Pakistan shows no signs of abating, and the potential for further military action remains high. The ongoing hostilities underscore the importance of preparation and informed decision-making for anyone considering travel to these regions.
Travelers are reminded to prioritize their safety by staying informed, monitoring local news, and following the guidance of local authorities. In regions with heightened security risks, it may be wise to delay travel plans until the situation stabilizes.
