GUWAHATI: European Union (EU) member states have revised their travel advisories and removed restrictive guidance for citizens travelling to Assam following a review of the state's security situation, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated in a post on X on Saturday, June 20.
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The move comes after similar decisions by Australia and Japan, which had earlier eased travel advisories related to the state.
According to the Chief Minister, all 27 EU member states have lifted restrictions on travel to Assam, except for three districts,Charaideo, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh, which remain under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).
Sarma described the development as "encouraging news for Assam" and said it reflects growing international confidence in the state's security environment.
“This timely development, following the recent visit of EU diplomats, is a strong vote of confidence in Assam and bodes well for deeper EU-Assam engagement. It will further strengthen tourism, business and people-to-people ties,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin for his support in facilitating the review process.
Sarma said the revised advisories came into effect on Friday after EU member states reassessed the prevailing situation in Assam.
“After reviewing the situation in Assam, they have withdrawn the negative travel advisory. All the 27 member states of the EU have lifted the restrictions for their citizens travelling to our state, barring the districts that remain under AFSPA,” he said.
The Chief Minister termed the move the removal of a long-standing barrier to Assam's tourism growth and expressed confidence that the state's improving reputation for peace and stability would further enhance its standing as a destination for international visitors.