Amritsar, a historic city in the Indian state of Punjab, is renowned for the Golden Temple, a site of immense religious and cultural significance. Annually, thousands of tourists from India and abroad visit Amritsar. However, recent escalations between India and Pakistan have raised concerns about the safety of traveling to this region.
Is it safe to travel to Amritsar right now?
As of May 9, 2025, the situation between India and Pakistan has become serious. Let’s look at the current updates and see if visiting Amritsar is safe or should be avoided for now.
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Current Situation: Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan
Tensions between the two countries have increased sharply in recent days. On May 7, 2025, India launched airstrikes on areas in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and parts of Punjab province. In response, Pakistan fired missiles and drones into various Indian cities on May 8, including Amritsar, Pathankot, and Jammu.
According to Reuters, both countries have suffered damage and casualties, and the situation remains tense.
Is Amritsar Affected?
Amritsar, located just 28 km from the India-Pakistan border, has been directly affected by the conflict.
- Missile Alerts and Blackouts: The city has experienced missile alerts and enforced blackouts as precautionary measures.
- Airport Closures: The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar is currently closed, along with 26 other airports across North India, until at least May 14. (Source)
- Public Advisories: Local authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid traveling to border areas.
International Travel Advisories
If you’re a tourist or planning to travel to India soon, here’s what different countries are saying:
United Kingdom: The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border, including parts of Amritsar.
Canada: The Canadian Government travel advisory warns travelers to avoid all travel within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border in Punjab due to the unpredictable security situation.
United States: The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 advisory for India, urging travelers to exercise increased caution, especially near the India-Pakistan border.
Should You Visit Amritsar Now?
The simple answer is No. Although Amritsar is a beautiful and peaceful city under normal conditions, the current military conflict and security lockdowns make it unsafe at the moment. Travel is not recommended until:
- Flights resume,
- Peace talks begin,
- Safety is guaranteed by local authorities.
What You Can Do If You’re Already in Amritsar
If you’re already in Amritsar or nearby, here are a few tips to stay safe:
- Avoid the Wagah Border Ceremony: This popular event is not safe under current conditions.
- Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor movement unless necessary.
- Stay Informed: Use reliable news sources like NDTV, Times of India, or ANI News for updates.
- Contact Your Embassy: If you’re a foreign visitor, register with your country’s embassy for emergency assistance.
- Prepare Essentials: Keep cash, charged devices, and important documents ready in case of evacuation.
What About Future Travel Plans?
If you were planning to visit Amritsar for tourism, pilgrimage, or family reasons, it’s best to postpone your trip. Monitor official advisories and trusted news outlets for updates.
For trusted travel updates, visit:
Final Thoughts
Amritsar is typically a welcoming and peaceful city. However, due to the current India-Pakistan tensions, it is not safe to travel there at this time. Prioritize your safety and stay informed through official channels.
For the latest updates and official advisories, please refer to the UK Foreign Office Travel Advice, Canadian Government Travel Advisory, and U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories.