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U.S. updates travel advisory for India
The advisory specifically highlights a rise in violent crimes, including sexual assault, particularly at popular tourist destinations.
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Staff Reporter - Tue, 17, Jun 2025
- 16:13 EDT
- 35
US State Dept logo / File photo
The U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for India on June 16 issuing a Level 2 travel warning—that urges Americans to exercise "increased caution” while traveling to the country.
The advisory specifically highlights a rise in violent crimes, including sexual assault, particularly at popular tourist destinations.
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“Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India,” the advisory notes, adding that U.S. citizens have been victims of violent crimes in various parts of the country. It also warns that terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting crowded places such as markets, transportation hubs, malls, and government facilities.
While the Level 2 advisory applies to most parts of India, the State Department has marked certain regions under a more severe “Do Not Travel” classification. These include areas in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir—excluding eastern Ladakh and its capital, Leh—due to persistent terrorism and civil unrest.
The advisory warns of ongoing violence in Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, and along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, where foreign tourists are restricted from visiting some locations.
The only official border crossing permitted for non-citizens is at Attari-Wagah in Punjab, and travelers are reminded that a valid Pakistani visa is required prior to entry.
Americans are further warned against crossing the India-Nepal land border due to a history of immigration-related detentions and fines stemming from visa and documentation issues. The State Department emphasized that even travelers with valid visas have faced legal complications at land crossings.
Further, the advisory cautions Americans to avoid large parts of central and eastern India—spanning eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, and western West Bengal—where Maoist insurgents, known as Naxalites, have carried out attacks against police and government officials.
U.S. government employees working in India are required to seek prior authorization to travel to many of these regions, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
The northeastern state of Manipur has also been flagged under the “Do Not Travel” category due to recent ethnic violence and internal conflict, which has resulted in community displacement and attacks on government installations.
The advisory adds that travelers should not carry satellite phones or GPS devices, which are illegal in India and may result in a fine of $200,000 or imprisonment of up to three years. It also advises women not to travel alone and recommends that all travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for U.S. authorities to assist in emergencies.
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