Sunday, June 22, 2025
The United States has issued a renewed travel advisory for its citizens heading to India, citing a complex mix of safety concerns. These include an increase in violent crime, sporadic terror-related activity in central and eastern regions, and civil unrest in isolated parts of the country. The advisory, released in mid-June, identifies zones where Americans are strongly discouraged from traveling, while also offering practical precautions for those who continue with their travel plans.
The travel guidance categorizes India under the “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution” tier, though several specific locations are placed under the most severe level—“Level 4 – Do Not Travel”—due to significant threats to public safety.
Violent Crime on the Rise in Urban and Tourist Areas
One of the most pressing issues outlined in the advisory is the sharp rise in criminal incidents, particularly offenses targeting women. Sexual violence, including assault and rape, has emerged as a major concern, and foreign tourists are not exempt from this threat. These incidents have occurred across major cities, in public transit zones, and even at popular tourism sites.
Travelers are advised to take robust personal safety measures, especially after dark. This includes avoiding walking alone, using official transport services, and staying in accommodations with reliable security arrangements. The advisory highlights the need for vigilance not only in remote regions but also in bustling city centers and transportation hubs where petty theft and physical assaults are increasingly reported.
Insurgent Activity in Interior States Poses Ongoing Risk
Beyond urban crime, the advisory spotlights a long-running insurgency issue across large stretches of central and eastern India. Rebel factions, particularly Maoist groups, are active in a broad corridor spanning eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and western West Bengal. These groups have launched attacks on government forces, public officials, and infrastructure assets, creating zones of high instability.
Though tourists are not the primary targets, their presence in these areas may expose them to unexpected violence, checkpoints, or even blockades. These insurgents operate primarily in rural and forested zones, where law enforcement presence is limited and response times in emergencies are slow.
Areas bordering Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh are also flagged as extensions of the insurgency belt, with unpredictable incidents ranging from landmine explosions to ambushes.
Infrastructure Gaps Undermine Emergency Response Capabilities
In tandem with security threats, the advisory draws attention to India’s infrastructure disparities, especially in rural zones. Travelers are cautioned that emergency medical care, law enforcement support, and communication systems may be either unreliable or altogether absent in many of the affected regions.
Even routine issues such as illness or injury can become serious challenges if travelers are in areas with no nearby hospitals or clinics. The patchy mobile coverage further complicates efforts to request assistance or notify authorities in a crisis. Because of this, the advisory strongly discourages independent or unaccompanied travel in India’s interior.
US Government Staff Require Approval for High-Risk Travel
In acknowledgment of the elevated risk levels, the U.S. government requires its own diplomatic and consular staff in India to seek special permission before traveling to several states. This includes:
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- Chhattisgarh
- Odisha
- West Bengal
- Meghalaya
Additionally, employees must secure approval before entering eastern parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Although capital cities in these regions are generally excluded from such restrictions, movement outside major urban centers is considered high-risk and heavily monitored.
Manipur and Jammu & Kashmir: Avoid Travel Entirely
Two specific areas—Manipur and most of Jammu and Kashmir—are designated as “Do Not Travel” zones. In Manipur, longstanding ethnic conflict has led to widespread violence and large-scale population displacement. Infrastructure has been disrupted, and public safety has significantly deteriorated, prompting a firm warning against travel to this northeastern state.
Likewise, travel to Jammu and Kashmir is strongly discouraged due to terrorism threats and sporadic civil unrest. Exceptions are made for eastern Ladakh and Leh, which remain open to tourism under current conditions. However, visitors are advised to monitor local developments closely, as the region remains politically sensitive and prone to sudden disruptions.
Travel Recommendations for Safer Journeys
Despite the outlined dangers, the advisory makes clear that much of India remains open and accessible to international travelers, especially major cities with better security infrastructure. Visitors planning to explore places like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad can generally do so safely by following standard safety practices.
To reduce exposure to risk, U.S. citizens are encouraged to:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates from embassies.
- Avoid demonstrations, protests, and large public gatherings.
- Use only reputable transportation and lodging providers.
- Maintain a low profile and avoid discussing political matters in public.
- Carry duplicates of identification and travel documentation, including digital backups.
- Be mindful of local laws and customs, particularly in conservative regions.
- Monitor local news and safety alerts for real-time developments.
Regions with Heightened Risk Require Extra Planning
Travel to any of the flagged regions should only be undertaken with careful planning, local guidance, and contingency arrangements. For those pursuing adventure tourism, spiritual pilgrimages, or professional work in rural India, the risks may be higher than in other parts of Asia. The advisory stresses that proper due diligence, route mapping, and risk assessment are essential.
Travelers are further advised to stay informed about weather conditions, transportation strikes, or infrastructure issues that could suddenly alter their itinerary or leave them stranded in remote areas with little recourse.
Responsible Travel Still Possible with Awareness
While the travel advisory highlights serious challenges, it does not discourage all travel to India. Rather, it presents a nuanced view: India remains a rewarding and culturally rich destination, but one where travelers must approach their journey with preparation and awareness.
Avoiding high-risk zones, adhering to safety protocols, and maintaining communication with local authorities and embassies can allow travelers to enjoy their visit while minimizing potential threats.
Conclusion
The United States’ travel advisory serves as a vital reference for its citizens considering a trip to India. By shedding light on crime trends, insurgency risks, and infrastructure weaknesses, it empowers travelers to make informed, safe choices. With responsible planning and awareness of regional dynamics, India can still be explored safely, even amid the complexities of its evolving security landscape.
