Govt issues new travel advice for India as world’s biggest election begins

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has issued a new warning for travellers heading to India, as the country undertakes the world’s biggest election.

India’s election process is so enormous, that it has to be held across several weeks – six to be precise. And with almost 1 billion people casting their votes during that time, it obviously presents its challenges. This year, polling for the election takes place between 19 April and 1 June, with results to be announced on or around 4 June.

In an update on its Smartraveller website this month, DFAT says, “Frequent political rallies and possible protests are likely to occur in the lead-up to, during, and after the election”. 

“You can expect traffic delays and restricted access to locations. Avoid protests and demonstrations and monitor local media for the latest updates,” it adds.

Specifically, it points out that “curfews and restrictions…