The United States recently brought out an advisory urging its citizens to avoid travelling to a handful of regions in India and Pakistan, citing 'terrorism' and 'armed conflict' as reasons. The regions they were urged to avoid include the India - Pakistan border and Line of Control, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhunkhwa. The advisory also noted that the only border crossing between India and Pakistan for people who aren't citizens in both countries is the Wagah-Attari crossing of Punjab. No visa services are available at the border; an Indian visa is also mandatory for entry. Here are a few other pointers in the advisory, which was brought out on March 7: 

1) Travellers should be prepared to adjust and vary their plans, routes and timings.2) They should check the website for details on travel to high-risk areas before travelling.
3) Be alert about breaking events, check local media.
4) Avoid crowds and demonstrations. Be aware of your surroundings when in restaurants, places of worship, military institutions, police installations, and other public places.
5) Have your own evacuation plan ready, which does not rely on US government assistance.
6) Your medical insurance should include medical evacuation.
7) Enrol in the Smart Travel Enrollment Program (STEP) for security alerts and emergency situations.
8) To know more about travelling to high-risk areas, visit a website. 

ADVERTISEMENT

TAGS

The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.