The European Union has removed its negative travel advisory for Assam, offering a major boost to the state’s tourism, business, and international engagement prospects. The relaxation, however, does not apply to three districts that continue to remain under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, commonly known as AFSPA.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the development and said that citizens from all 27 EU member countries can now travel to most parts of Assam without the earlier restriction. The exception remains for Charaideo, Tinsukia, and Sivasagar, where AFSPA is still in force.
According to the Chief Minister, EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin communicated the decision to the Assam chief secretary after a review of the security and ground situation in the state. Sarma said the change came into effect from Friday and described it as an important recognition of Assam’s improved environment.
The move is expected to help Assam strengthen its position as a destination for international travellers. The state has been actively promoting its natural beauty, wildlife reserves, tea gardens, river tourism, cultural festivals, and heritage experiences. With the EU advisory now relaxed, travel operators, hotels, local businesses, and tourism stakeholders may see renewed interest from European visitors.
The Chief Minister also said that Assam is continuing discussions with the United States and Canada, as both countries are yet to withdraw similar travel restrictions for the state. He added that Australia and Japan had already eased their advisories last year.
Calling the EU’s decision a positive signal, Sarma said it reflects growing confidence in Assam and can support stronger connections between Assam and European countries. He noted that the development could encourage not only tourism but also trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people engagement.
The decision follows the recent visit of EU diplomats to Assam, which helped provide a clearer understanding of the state’s current situation. The Chief Minister thanked Ambassador Delphin for his role in taking the matter forward and said the state government would continue working to improve Assam’s global image.
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For travellers, the advisory change means most of Assam is now more accessible from a European travel perspective. However, visitors are still advised to check the latest official guidance before planning trips, especially if their itinerary includes areas close to the three districts that remain under AFSPA.
