European Union Lifts Travel Restrictions for Assam

Guwahati: Citizens from all 27 European Union member countries can now visit Assam without previous travel restrictions. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the update during a Facebook Live session, noting that the change follows similar decisions by Australia and Japan. This shift reflects growing international confidence in the state's security environment.

For years, foreign governments maintained restrictive travel advisories for Assam due to the presence of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. While the act remains in effect in the districts of Dibrugarh, Charaideo, and Tinsukia, the broader relaxation of travel rules signals a significant change in global perception. The Chief Minister described the update as a major milestone, stating, "Long-standing stigma associated with Assam since 1979 has ended.”

The move is expected to bolster the state's tourism industry, which relies on attractions like Kaziranga and Manas National Park. Stakeholders anticipate that removing these travel barriers will draw more European visitors to explore the region's tea gardens and natural landscapes. This development aims to cement Assam's status as a primary tourism hub in Northeast India while driving regional economic growth.