NEW DELHI, Dec 30 (PTI): The US and UK have issued travel alerts asking their citizens to defer non-essential travel to Andhra Pradesh in wake of the violent incidents taking place in the state over Telangana statehood issue.

"The (State) Department recommends that US citizens defer all non-essential travel to Telangana and certain parts of Hyderabad (especially the Assembly and Secretariat, Osmania University, Panjagutta, and Ameerpet areas)," the US said in its travel advisory.

In its advisory, the UK Foreign Office said "the tension in the state of Andhra Pradesh, led by some groups for and against the formation of a separate state of Telangana, has provoked some incidents of violence.

"It is likely that the situation in some parts of AP will remain tense in the period ahead. Visitors to Hyderabad and the state of AP are advised to avoid crowded areas and public places, to check transport arrangements with their airline or hotel if arriving or departing from AP and to monitor the situation through the local media."

The US advisory said American citizens, resident or traveling in Andhra Pradesh during this period, are reminded to maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid political rallies, demonstrations and large crowds of any kind and should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio, and via the internet.