Big boost for Assam tourism as EU removes travel restrictions

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday announced that the European Union (EU) has withdrawn its negative travel advisory for Assam, except for three districts that remain under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

According to the CM, EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin informed the Assam Chief Secretary that the revised advisory came into effect on Friday. The move means that citizens of all 27 EU member countries can now travel to most parts of Assam without restrictions.

According to a PTI report, speaking during a Facebook Live session, Sarma said that the advisory will continue to apply to the districts of Charaideo, Tinsukia and Sivasagar, where AFSPA remains in force.

Calling it a significant development, the Chief Minister said that the decision reflects growing international confidence in the state's security and stability.

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Years of diplomatic efforts pay off

Sarma said that the Assam government had been engaging with foreign embassies since the Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit held in February 2025. The aim was to convince foreign governments that the security situation in the state had improved considerably over the years.

"We were telling the embassies that Assam is peaceful now and their citizens should not face restrictions while visiting the state," he said.

The Chief Minister noted that Australia and Japan had already removed similar travel advisories last year. The European Union, however, had continued to maintain restrictions until now.

"After pursuing the matter for a long time, we have been successful in getting the advisory lifted by the EU," Sarma said.

In a post on X, he described the decision as "encouraging news" and said it followed the recent visit of EU diplomats to Assam. He added that the move would strengthen tourism, business ties and people-to-people exchanges between Assam and European countries.

Boost expected for tourism sector

Sarma said that the lifting of the travel advisory could significantly benefit Assam's tourism industry, which he described as a major source of employment and economic growth.

He said that the state government now needs to improve tourism infrastructure and prepare for a possible increase in visitors from Europe. According to him, European tourists are often attracted to nature-based experiences and cultural tourism.

"We have to plan for more homestays, nature camps and eco-friendly accommodation. We should also showcase our ethnic cuisine and local culture," he said.

According to the report, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of promoting Assam through social media, particularly in English, to reach international audiences. He also said that the Tourism Department would be asked to create a comprehensive online platform where tourists can find and book registered homestays through a single-window system.

Looking ahead

Sarma said travel restrictions had affected Assam's tourism potential since 1979 and expressed confidence that the latest development would help place the state more prominently on the global tourism map.

He also indicated that Assam is preparing to host high-level international dignitaries from July 1 to July 3. While he did not name the visitors, the remarks came amid reports that Japan's Prime Minister may visit the state next month.

(with inputs from agencies)