Guwahati, June 20: In a significant boost for Assam’s global image and tourism prospects, several European Union member states have revised their travel advisories and removed restrictive guidance for citizens travelling to the state, a development Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described as a strong vote of confidence in Assam.
Announcing the development on social media and later elaborating on it during a Facebook Live session, Sarma said the decision comes close on the heels of the recent visit of European Union diplomats to Assam and reflects growing international trust in the state’s stability, connectivity and economic potential.
“After Australia and Japan, now EU member states have revised their travel advisories and removed restrictive guidance for their citizens visiting the state. 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,” the Chief Minister posted.
Describing the move as a historic milestone, Sarma said the revised advisories formally recognise Assam as a peaceful and stable destination for international visitors. According to the Chief Minister, the decision follows a review of Assam’s security situation by European authorities and will allow citizens of all 27 EU member countries to travel freely across most parts of the state, except a few areas where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) remains in force.
He said the easing of travel restrictions is expected to boost foreign tourist arrivals, strengthen investor confidence and enhance Assam’s visibility on the global stage.
The development marks another milestone in Assam’s efforts to position itself as a gateway to Southeast Asia and an emerging destination for international tourism and investment. In recent years, the state has witnessed increased diplomatic engagement, including high-profile visits by foreign delegations exploring opportunities in trade, sustainable development, innovation, food processing and green industries.
Earlier this month, a high-level “Team Europe” delegation led by EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin visited Assam to explore collaboration opportunities in sectors ranging from sustainable livelihoods and food processing to innovation and entrepreneurship. The visit was widely seen as an important step towards strengthening ties between Europe and the Northeast.
Thanking Ambassador Delphin for his support, Sarma said the easing of travel advisories would help deepen engagement between Assam and Europe at multiple levels, including tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges.
Highlighting the opportunities ahead, the Chief Minister called for the expansion of homestays, eco-tourism initiatives and nature-based accommodation facilities across the state. He also urged tourism stakeholders, local communities and citizens to actively showcase Assam’s culture, cuisine, wildlife and natural beauty on social media and digital platforms, particularly in English, to reach international audiences.
As part of the state’s tourism push, Sarma announced plans to develop a comprehensive digital platform for homestay registration and bookings, aimed at making tourism services more accessible and organised.
Recalling that Australia and Japan had previously withdrawn similar travel advisories, Sarma described the EU’s decision as another major breakthrough in Assam’s journey towards becoming a globally recognised tourism destination. He said the removal of a barrier that had affected Assam’s tourism potential for decades would further strengthen the state’s position on the global tourism map.
According to reports, the Assam government is also in discussions with countries such as the United States and Canada regarding similar travel advisory revisions.
For Assam, the latest decision carries significance beyond tourism. It signals growing international recognition of the state’s improving infrastructure, connectivity and economic prospects, while reinforcing its aspirations to emerge as a major investment, cultural and tourism destination in the Northeast.
