Washington DC: The United States issued a Level-2 travel advisory for India, urging its citizens to 'exercise increased caution' while traveling in the country due to concerns over crime and terrorism. The advisory, issued by the US State Department on June 16, highlights specific regions and risks and outlines restrictions for US government employees.
The advisory warns of a surge in violent crimes, including sexual assault, particularly at tourist spots and crowded public places such as markets, transport hubs and government buildings. “Rape is one of the fastest-growing crimes in India,” the statement noted, adding that terror attacks could occur with little or no warning.
Several parts of India, especially in rural and remote regions, have been marked as high-risk. The US government also flagged limited capacity to provide emergency services in rural stretches ranging from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana to western West Bengal. Due to these risks, US government employees are required to obtain special authorisation before travelling to several states and regions.
The advisory lists the following states where travel beyond capital cities requires official clearance: Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Odisha. Similar restrictions apply to the eastern regions of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Jammu & Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border and certain parts of central and northeast India, including Manipur, were also highlighted for extra caution.
US travellers were also warned against crossing the India-Nepal border by land, citing the risk of immigration-related detention and fines.
Additionally, the advisory outlines legal restrictions on carrying certain devices. “Possession of satellite phones or GPS tracking devices is illegal in India and may result in a fine of up to USD 200,000 or imprisonment for up to three years,” it said.
Caution On Solo Travel, Espicially For Women
The guidance includes standard safety tips such as avoiding solo travel, especially for women, and remaining vigilant in public areas. It stresses that threats can evolve rapidly, and both tourists and government personnel should stay updated on local conditions.
The updated advisory comes amid a global tightening of travel guidelines and is intended to ensure the safety of US citizens abroad. Travellers are encouraged to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and to maintain regular contact with the US Embassy or Consulates while in India.
