by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 9:55 AM ET, Fri May 9, 2025
The Government of Canada updated its travel advisory for India and Pakistan on May 8, 2025 to include information about safety and security as military activity increases.
The India travel advisory states: “On May 7, 2025, the Indian military conducted air strikes on several targets in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab Province, resulting in casualties.”
It goes on to describe artillery fire and drone and missile strikes happening in the regions of the Line of Control (the defacto border) and in Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir, saying the attacks could hamper essential services.
The Pakistan travel advisory was also updated with similar wording, specifying that drone attacks have happened in multiple areas of the country, including in Lahore. A state of emergency was declared in Punjab Province following the airstrikes.
Canadians are advised that they may not have access to consular aid in there are serious security concerns, where the Government of Pakistan prohibits entry, or where advance permission is required for entry.
According to the government, “Tensions [in both countries] could increase and the situation could deteriorate rapidly.”
Air Canada activated its “flexible rebooking” policy for its Delhi flights yesterday (May 8, 2025) as tensions flare between India and Pakistan.
Hundreds of domestic flights in India have been suspended in the Northern and Western parts of the country until at least Saturday, May 10, 2025. Travellers are advised to check the flight status with their airline before travelling to the airport.
Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution if planning to visit India or Pakistan, with regional advisories stating non-essential travel or any travel at all should be avoided.
Canadians currently in India or Pakistan are advised to:
- Monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation.
- Contact your airline to ask how this could impact your travel plans.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, including air-raid sirens and evacuation orders.
- Be vigilant and prepared to shelter in place.
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