Is It Safe to Travel North East India Now? Updates and Essential Tips

The first question most travelers ask these days: is it actually safe to go exploring northeast India right now? It's not paranoia—less than a year ago, some parts of Manipur and Nagaland were popping up in headlines for protests and tensions. But here’s the thing: a lot can change in a few months, and right now, the story depends a ton on which state you’re heading to.

Assam’s tea estates are open, with tourists snapping photos between the green hills. Meghalaya is in full swing, with the living root bridges drawing crowds and the monsoon bringing out the state’s wild side—but with all the fun comes a few things to think about, like local curfews or new travel permits. Travelers who just visited in April 2025 are talking about quick police checks on highways but also mention how welcoming the locals are to outsiders, especially in tourist zones.

If you’re worried about protest hotspots, check the local news or hit up the latest travel advisories before booking. The airports are operating as usual, and trains are mostly back to schedule, which wasn’t always the case last year. Local cell service can be patchy during hill station shutdowns, so always let someone know where you’re going, and use cash for backup just in case ATMs go offline. You don’t need a ton of nerves—just a bit of prep and some street smarts.

• What’s Changed in North East India Lately?
• Safety Snapshot: The Real Situation Right Now
• Traveling Smart: Tips from Recent Visitors
• Best Places to Go (and What to Avoid)

What’s Changed in North East India Lately?

If you haven’t followed the news, north east india travel looks pretty different this year. Governments in Assam and Meghalaya pushed for better roads and fresh signs—so, getting to places like Kaziranga or Dawki isn’t as headache-inducing as it used to be. Big highways got upgrades after all the complaints from tourists stuck in jams last monsoon. Locals say travel times between major towns dropped by almost 30% compared to last year.

On security, it’s a mixed bag. Last year’s trouble in Manipur caused a dip in tourism for a while, but from March 2025, army and police patrols stepped up. Manipur’s Imphal airport is back to normal business, with curfews eased in most parts except for a few border zones. Both police and hostel owners are asking foreign tourists to register at checkposts, which helps keep risks down and lets people move around with less hassle.

Permits have also changed. Mizoram and Nagaland updated the Inner Line Permit (ILP) process—you can now apply online, and locals report approvals sometimes land in your inbox in just a few hours. Before, you’d wait days, so this move made spontaneous trips way easier. Sikkim, though, tightened rules on border treks and some protected areas, partly after a rush of tourists trampled rare orchids and left behind a ton of plastic.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s new:

• Major festivals like Hornbill (Nagaland) and Wangala (Meghalaya) are open to tourists, with record turnouts in winter 2024-25.
• Several new eco-camps and home-stay programs launched, especially in Arunachal and Mizoram, giving travelers more choices beyond big hotels.
• Mobile coverage in hill regions improved after government deals with big carriers, but some deep villages are still offline.

Check out how some numbers stack up for 2024-25 versus last year:

So, bottom line: traveling northeast India in mid-2025 means more options, new rules at a few state lines, and better odds of a smooth trip as long as you check local updates before you pack your bags.

Safety Snapshot: The Real Situation Right Now

Let’s get real about safety if you’re planning a trip into northeast India right now. Most folks want to know if those headlines about protests or unrest still matter—or if it’s just business as usual in popular tourist spots.

First, it’s not the same story everywhere. Assam, Meghalaya, and Sikkim have been mostly calm through spring and early summer. Tourists flew in for the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland last December without any major incidents, and eco-tourism trails in Arunachal Pradesh reopened after brief closures last monsoon. But a few areas, like parts of Manipur, still see off-and-on tensions. The government sometimes enforces curfews or limited mobile internet in response to local flare-ups.

Here’s what that looks like right now, based on ground updates as of June 2025:

One thing to know: north east india travel comes with a couple of simple, practical rules. Always check for area-specific travel advisories right before your trip—news can change fast here. Many hostels and hotels ask guests to register with local police, which is normal. Major roads and airports are currently secure, but random security checks do happen, especially near state borders or during festivals.

If you plan to rent a car or bike, keep both digital and a print-out of your ID, since police love paperwork here. There's also a good chance you’ll need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) if you're going to Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, or Mizoram, so apply ahead online.

• Stick to main roads and tourist-friendly towns—don’t go wandering in remote zones without a local guide.
• Don’t ignore official curfews—they’re enforced, especially in spots like Imphal.
• If you see a protest or roadblock, just turn around. Locals know best; follow their advice.
• Keep your embassy’s emergency number handy, just in case.

The vibe in most tourist hubs right now is relaxed and welcoming. You don’t need to look over your shoulder every minute, but staying updated with official info is still wise. Fast news, open eyes, and a little flexibility will keep your trip safe and fun.

Traveling Smart: Tips from Recent Visitors

Nothing beats hearing straight from people who were just in the region. Folks coming back from northeast India in 2025 have lots to say—some of it reassuring, but plenty you need to be ready for. Here’s what they’ve learned, and what you should know before you pack your bag.

Border states like Manipur and Nagaland still have tight checkpoints. Bring a few photocopies of your ID—they make things way faster at road stops. Most travelers said that security officers asked for physical proof of bookings too, especially near Imphal and Dimapur. Police presence is heavy in certain pockets, but it’s really just about keeping an eye on things after last year’s incidents.

Meghalaya and Assam, on the other hand, feel much more relaxed. According to data published by the Assam Tourism Department in May 2025, tourist arrivals were up 18% compared to the same time last year. Most visitors felt completely safe in places like Shillong and Kaziranga National Park, mentioning that locals were used to foreigners coming through and eager for tourism to bounce back.

Here are a few practical tips recent travelers swear by:

• Download offline maps before you go. Many areas, especially close to the Myanmar border, lose cell service fast, and Google Maps can’t help if there’s no signal.
• Carry cash. ATMs outside big towns run dry after local holidays, and card machines are hit or miss. People traveling in April had to hunt for functioning ATMs during Bihu festival week in Assam.
• If you’re heading to remote villages, let somebody in your hotel know your route and expected return. WhatsApp location sharing is great, but again, don’t count on mobile networks working everywhere.
• Permits matter in some states. For example, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram all require Inner Line Permits (ILP) for Indian nationals, and foreigners need Restricted Area Permits. Apply online at least two weeks before you plan to arrive.
• Check local curfew times. Even now, towns near the Myanmar border sometimes set curfews with little notice. Taxis and buses also change schedules when tensions spike.
• Health stuff: Bring a basic first aid kit. In a recent survey by Northeast Frontier Railways, 37% of visitors reported minor stomach bugs—likely due to different food and water.

Here’s a quick look at what visitors experienced by state:

For anyone serious about north east india travel, planning and flexibility are key. The real-world vibe? It’s much safer than the headlines make it seem, especially if you follow advice from people who’ve just been.

Best Places to Go (and What to Avoid)

If you want adventure without getting into risky territory, northeast India still gives you loads of options. Some states are running full speed on the tourism front, while others need extra attention and caution. Here’s what you really need to know right now.

North east india travel is at its best in places like:

• Meghalaya: Shillong and Cherrapunji are alive with music festivals, clean street food, and safe walking tours. The living root bridges in Mawlynnong are open for hikes. Locals are used to travelers and the vibe is super friendly. Avoiding late-night solo walks in remote areas is just common sense here.
• Assam: Kaziranga National Park is open and packed with camera-wielding rhino fans. Guwahati city feels safe, buzzing with cafes and markets. But steer clear of remote border zones after dark—highway checks aren’t just random, they’re there for safety.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang Monastery and Ziro Valley are standing out for peaceful views and chill weather. Permits are still needed for foreigners and Indian visitors, so sort that out before you go. Right now, areas near the China border are not recommended for casual tourists—stick to standard routes.

There are some areas with extra caution in play. Manipur saw a spike in unrest mid-2024 and some places still have army patrols. Imphal’s city center is calm during the day, but venturing out on the highways—especially at night—gets you into unpredictable territory. Southern Nagaland, especially near the Myanmar border, gets mentioned in advisories for a reason: it’s just not worth the stress now.

Here’s a quick data table so you can compare at a glance:

A few quick tips when picking your stops:

• Stick with well-known routes and use local taxis or trusted buses.
• Always carry a physical permit and a few printed IDs—a quick check can happen anywhere.
• If locals warn you about a road or area, listen. Word-of-mouth is gold.
• When in doubt, check the latest travel advisories or ask your hotel. What was safe a month ago could change fast if there’s a festival, election, or sudden shutdown.

The truth is, with some simple planning and flexibility, you can see the most famous parts of northeast India without hassles. Go where the locals go, and don’t push your luck in remote or restricted areas, especially at night. Most travelers this season are raving about friendly guides and the wild scenery—just plan smart and stay alert for updates if you’re going off the beaten track.