6 Countries Issue Travel Warnings for Northeast India, Assam Works to Address Concerns
Guwahati, March 25: Six countries—the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and Switzerland—have issued travel advisories cautioning their citizens against visiting Assam and other Northeast Indian states due to concerns over law and order.
Assam Tourism Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass shared this update in the state Assembly on Monday while responding to Congress MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed’s query. Dass confirmed that the state government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to persuade these nations to revoke the restrictions.
Tourist Numbers Decline Amid Travel Warnings
The minister revealed a significant drop in tourist arrivals:
- 2022-23: 98.31 lakh visitors
- 2023-24: 70.67 lakh visitors
- 2024-25 (till January): 67.88 lakh visitors
Efforts to Revive Tourism
Dass mentioned that an Australian delegation recently visited Assam to assess the situation. Additionally, the state is promoting tea tourism under a 2022-23 scheme, offering ₹2 crore grants to selected tea gardens for heritage bungalow restoration and tourism development. So far, 56 tea estates have been selected across two phases.
Next Steps
The Assam government is actively engaging with foreign embassies and the MEA to address security perceptions and revive international tourism. Updates are expected as diplomatic discussions progress.
