FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Several European countries have updated travel warnings for India and Pakistan as military tensions escalate.
Officials are advising citizens to avoid high-risk areas due to security concerns.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a “code red” advisory Thursday, warning against travel to specific regions in both countries.
“The security situation is unpredictable,” the ministry said, pointing to border areas as particularly dangerous. “Do not travel here. It is too dangerous.”
The advisory follows recent Indian airstrikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. In response, Dutch airline KLM announced it would avoid flying over Pakistani airspace, a move echoed by Air France and Emirates.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has canceled a planned visit to the Netherlands, Dutch and Indian media reported.
Modi had been set to visit Norway, Croatia, and the Netherlands from May 13 to 17 but called off the trip amid rising tensions with Pakistan.
Several other European nations have updated travel guidance.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advised British nationals Wednesday to avoid high-risk areas, including locations within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border.
Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs urged against all travel to Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Indian-administered Kashmir, and border regions, saying the advisory would remain in effect until further notice.
Finland also revised its guidance, cautioning citizens against travel to parts of Pakistan, including Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and advising against non-essential visits to Punjab.
“The security situation varies significantly between different parts of the countries and can change rapidly,” Finland’s ministry said.