The Government of Canada has been actively updating its travel advisories amid the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. But the latest warnings from Global Affairs Canada have not only been focused on the Middle East. Canadian travelers are also cautioned about certain risks in generally safe tourist destinations, such as potential imprisonment over phone passwords and social media posts in the world’s second-most-visited city.
Canada has even reissued an “avoid non-essential travel” warning for India despite it being named the world’s No. 1 solo travel destination in a recent study of North American travelers. This Level 3 warning has been issued particularly for the “Jewel of India” due to ongoing violent disputes in the region.
Here’s Canada’s latest travel advice for India, its current safety conditions for tourists, and how it became the world’s top solo travel destination despite high-level warnings.
Canada Issues “Avoid Non-Essential Travel” Warning For The “Jewel Of India” Due To Violent Protests
The Canadian government maintains its “avoid non-essential travel” warning for Manipur, India due to violent protests. Manipur is often referred to as the “Jewel of India” due to its stunning geographical features, particularly its oval-shaped valley surrounded by nine sub-Himalayan ranges that create a jewel-like appearance. The northeastern Indian state is also known for its rich cultural and artistic heritage.
However, Manipur has been grappling with severe ethnic violence between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities over land ownership and political representation since 2023. Canada’s travel advisory update warns that these clashes have resulted in casualties, disruptions to traffic and public transportation, district curfews, as well as limited mobile and internet services.
Canadian travelers are reminded that demonstrations or strikes take place frequently in Manipur, and that even peaceful protests can quickly escalate. Those who are in Manipur or nearby areas are advised to practice the following safety measures:
- Monitor local media for recent updates.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Prepare to modify your plans in case of disturbances.
- Expect enhanced security measures and increased police presence.
- Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.
The Canadian government also has regional “avoid all travel” warnings for India: there is a threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest and kidnapping in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, while areas within 10km of the border with Pakistan have an “unpredictable security situation,” as well as landmines and unexploded ordnance in Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
Is It Safe To Travel To India In 2026?
Canada maintains a general Level 2 travel advisory for India, urging travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country. However, Global Affairs Canada states that tourists are not typically targeted by these attacks, making India a generally safe destination for travelers.
“Extremist and insurgent groups usually target government and security forces, and sometimes, trains and railway tracks,” warns the Canadian travel advisory for India. “While tourists are not usually specifically targeted, bystanders could be affected.”
The travel advisory adds that Maoist extremist insurgents or Naxalites are responsible for the majority of terrorist attacks in India. They are usually based in rural and forested areas within “zones of concerns”:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Bihar
- Chhattisgarh
- Jharkhand
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Odisha
- Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
Even if you are not traveling to these areas, foreigners in India are highly advised to increase vigilance during election periods, or in the times leading up to or during religious holidays and other times of national significance.
Terrorist attacks could still target government buildings, schools, places of worship, airports, transportation hubs, tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, and other sites frequented by foreigners.
Other common safety risks include petty crime (e.g., pickpocketing, purse snatching), credit card and ATM fraud, scams targeting foreigners at airports and tourist sites, and the frequent occurrence of crimes committed against women.
“Foreign women are often the target of unwanted attention [in India],” Global Affairs Canada warns. “Staring, verbal abuse, groping, and other forms of sexual harassment can occur anywhere, including in tourist sites and areas. Attackers sometimes act as a group.”
How India Became The World’s No. 1 Solo Travel Destination Despite Safety Warnings
Despite Canada’s travel safety warnings for India, the South Asian country was named 2025’s No. 1 solo travel destination by the first Kensington Travel Trends Report, which surveyed North American luxury travelers in 2024. According to the study, India’s high ranking is driven by “deeper or more personal needs” from solo travelers, as well as the country’s “alluring depth of history and culture that many travelers dream of for decades.”
Following India on the list are Italy, Japan, Egypt, and Thailand. The findings reflect India’s record International Tourist Arrivals (ITA) in 2024. That year, the country welcomed 20.57 million foreign visitors, which exceeded the previous high of 17.91 million in 2019.
India consistently welcomes a significant number of North American visitors. The U.S. remains its top tourism market, while Canada is a major source market that continues to see growth in visitor volume. However, India’s Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) saw a slight 9.4% dip from 9.95 million in 2024 to 9.02 million in 2025.
It is mainly due to the 73% decline in arrivals from Bangladesh—from 1.75 million in 2024 to only 466,012 in 2025—due to India implementing significant visa restrictions on Bangladeshi citizens in late 2024 amid political tensions and growing “anti-India” sentiment.
