EU removes Assam travel restrictions for 27 nations, raising prospects for tourism and investment boost

The European Union has removed a restrictive travel advisory for citizens of its 27 member countries visiting Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday.

The advisory had been in place for decades after the violent Assam Agitation began in 1979, which was followed by the rise of insurgency activities in the region, including those linked to the United Liberation Front of Asom.

Sarma said Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota received a letter from Hervé Delphin informing that the 27 EU nations had revised their travel guidance and removed restrictions for visitors travelling to the state.

“After Australia and Japan, EU member states have revised their travel advisories and removed restrictive guidance for their citizens visiting Assam,” Sarma posted on X.

He said Australia and Japan had eased their advisories after Assam hosted the Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit in February 2025, aimed at attracting global investors.

The Chief Minister described the EU decision as a “vote of confidence” and said it could strengthen tourism, business links and people-to-people relations between Assam and Europe.

Boost expected for tourism

Sarma said the earlier advisory had negatively affected Assam’s image since 1979, with concerns over security discouraging tourists and investors.

He expressed confidence that the change would increase tourist arrivals and encouraged local residents to invest in hospitality services such as homestays, eco-camps and nature-based tourism.

He added that foreign tourists often prefer experiences connected with local culture, nature and indigenous cuisine rather than traditional luxury hotels.

Restrictions remain in three districts

The travel restrictions will continue in three eastern Assam districts — Charaideo, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia — where the Disturbed Areas Act and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act remain in force.

The districts, located near the borders with Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, have historically faced security concerns due to militant activity and cross-border movement.

The EU bloc includes countries such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden among others.