The US has improved its travel advisory for India, decreasing it from Level 4 (no travel) to Level 3, which encourages individuals to reconsider their plans.

It also lowered the level of travel advice for Pakistan from Level 4 to Level 3.

The State Department updated its travel advisories for India and Pakistan on Monday, indicating that the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the region has improved.

According to the State Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for India owing to COVID-19, suggesting a high level of COVID-19 in the country.

“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,” it said.

“Reconsider travel to India due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism,” it said.

The most recent travel alert replaces one issued on May 5 that categorised India as Level 4.

When the advice was issued last month, India was in the midst of a second wave of the pandemic, with more than 3,00,000 new coronavirus infections being reported every day. Medical oxygen and beds were in short supply in hospitals.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Pakistan due to COVID-19, signifying a moderate level of the pandemic, the State Department maintained a Level 3 risk for US nationals travelling to Pakistan due to terrorism.

“Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and sectarian violence,” the State Department advised. “Exercise increased caution in Pakistan due to COVID-19; some areas are at risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.”