The United
States has issued a fresh travel advisory for India and Pakistan. The Joe Biden administration has lowered its earlier categorization of Level 4 to Level 3.

A Level 4
advisory asks the citizens not to travel while a Level 3 urges citizens to
reconsider travel.

The
improvement of the travel advisories for India and Pakistan by the State
Department on Monday comes as the COVID-19 pandemic situation is easing in the
region.

“Your
risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you
are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorised vaccine. Before planning any
international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for
vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. Reconsider travel to India due to COVID-19.
Exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism,” the State
Department statement said.

The latest
travel advisory replaces the one issued on May 5 that had placed India in the
Level 4 category.

When the
last month’s advisory was issued, India was struggling with a second wave of
the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being
reported. Hospitals were reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

While the
CDC issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Pakistan due to COVID-19,
indicating a moderate level of the pandemic, the State Department maintained
Level 3 risk for US citizens traveling to the country due to terrorism.

“Reconsider
travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and sectarian violence. Exercise increased
caution in Pakistan due to COVID-19. Some areas have increased risk. Read the
entire Travel Advisory,” the State Department said.