US Issues Travel Warning For India, Flags Rape And Terror Threats

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON,  D.C. — The U.S. Department of State has reissued a Level 2 travel advisory for India, urging American citizens to exercise increased caution due to what it described as rising incidents of violent crime, sexual assault, and terrorism. The advisory, reviewed and updated on June 16, calls particular attention to the safety of women travelers and recommends avoiding travel alone, especially at tourist sites and public spaces.

“Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations,” the advisory states. It warns that rape remains one of the fastest growing crimes in India and that attacks can occur without warning. The document also highlights the risk of terrorism, cautioning U.S. citizens against visiting crowded locations such as transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities. According to the advisory, terrorists may target these locations with little or no notice.

The State Department added that it has limited ability to offer emergency services in certain rural regions of the country, particularly in eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, and parts of West Bengal. U.S. government employees are required to obtain special authorization before traveling to these areas.

The advisory strongly discourages travel to Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of eastern Ladakh and its capital Leh, due to terrorism and sporadic violence. Tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam have seen unrest, and access to certain areas along the Line of Control is restricted for foreign visitors. Travel near the India-Pakistan border is also advised against, with only one official crossing point at Attari-Wagah available to non-citizens.

Parts of central and eastern India, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, remain under threat from Maoist insurgents known as Naxalites, who continue to target police and government forces. Manipur, affected by ethnic-based violence and instability, is also considered unsafe. The advisory further recommends reconsidering travel to the northeastern states due to the risk of insurgent attacks, although it notes no recent incidents in some regions.

The State Department also cautions travelers against using land crossings from Nepal, citing serious visa and immigration issues that have resulted in detentions and fines. Travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), avoid carrying satellite phones or GPS devices—which are illegal in India—and prepare contingency plans for emergencies.