The United States could review its travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor indicating that Washington may consider downgrading the current ‘do not travel’ status for the erstwhile
state.
Gor, who arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday for a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, said the US would re-evaluate its travel warning as the central government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have taken steps to make it a safer place
“The United States puts out travel warnings and every so often, we re-evaluate those travel warnings. I cannot make any big announcements here today, but it is something we are going to look at,” Gor said at a joint media briefing with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K | After meeting with CM Omar Abdullah, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor says, “The United States puts out travel warnings and every so often we re-evaluate those travel warnings. I cannot make any big announcements here today but it is something that we… pic.twitter.com/0HYGGQUXqw
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2026
He said the Centre, the Chief Minister and the local government had taken “incredible steps” to make the region safer.
“So, we will be looking at if the travel warning that is imposed and recommended by the United States is something that should be downgraded,” Gor said.
The US envoy added that Jammu and Kashmir was a beautiful region and said he believed many Americans would enjoy visiting the Union Territory and exploring its tourism and economic opportunities.
‘J&K Is An Important Part Of India’
During the briefing, Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as “an important part of India” and praised the region’s natural beauty.
He said he was “thrilled” to be in Srinagar and described his meeting with Omar Abdullah as “very good” and “very cordial”.
“This is an important part of India. I am here, visiting for the first time. It is an incredibly beautiful place. I am thrilled to be here,” Gor said.
Gor said there would be follow-up discussions in Washington and New Delhi as the two sides look to strengthen engagement.
The US ambassador is scheduled to travel to Ladakh on Thursday as part of his first visit to the region.
US’ ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory For J&K
The US State Department currently has a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for Jammu and Kashmir because of security concerns. The warning was reinforced after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April last year, in which 25 tourists and a local resident were killed.
However, the US ambassador’s indication that the advisory could be reviewed suggests that Washington believes the security situation in the region may be improving.
A downgrade of the travel warning could be a major boost for Kashmir’s tourism sector, as it may encourage more American tourists to visit the region.
Before meeting Gor, Abdullah said that the envoy was visiting the region after a long gap.
He said that he intended to listen to what the ambassador had to say and also put forward his own views. However, he made it clear that he did not expect the US to resolve Jammu and Kashmir’s issues.
“Our problems won’t be solved by Washington. All our problems should be solved by the Centre,” Abdullah said.
(With inputs from agencies)
