Travelling to India? Canada posts advisory following Pahalgam attack

In the wake of an attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Canadian government has heightened its travel advisory for India, urging citizens to avoid high-risk areas near the Pakistan border.

Canada’s updated advisory on April 25 warns travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.”

Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai are three areas that have been named in the advisory. Ottawa says that consular services in-person are temporarily unavailable in those cities or surrounding areas.

“If you need consular services, contact the High Commission of Canada in India, located in New Delhi. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa,” reads the notice.

The advisory also urges Canadian citizens to avoid all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir excluding Ladakh along with areas close to the Pakistan border.

The update comes amid growing security risks and ongoing unrest in these regions.

On April 22, 2025, militants carried out a deadly attack in Baisaran Valley, a tourist area in Indian administered Kashmir. At least 26 people lost their lives during the incident.

The Canadian government warns that there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional media and on social media. 

"Demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests, could occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation or harassment," the government says. "In Delhi and the National Capital Region, you should keep a low profile with strangers, and not share your personal information with them." 

"Avoid crowded areas, including public transportation. You should always travel with someone and inform a friend or a family member of your travel plans." 

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