US Issues Level-2 Travel Advisory for India, Citing Crime and Terrorism Risks

The US Department of State has reissued a Level 2 travel advisory for American citizens and employees residing in or travelling to India.

The advisory, which urges individuals to “exercise increased caution,” was updated on June 16 following a periodic review and revisions to entry and exit requirements.

The advisory warns of risks related to crime and terrorism, with special emphasis on the safety of women, particularly when travelling alone or visiting tourist locations.

Rising Crime and Terrorism Concerns

The advisory explicitly states, “Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Violent crime and terrorism occur in India.

Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations.”

India has remained at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) since 2022, with similar warnings issued throughout 2022, 2023, and early 2024.

The updated advisory follows heightened global concern after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists.

Restricted Areas and High-Risk Regions

US citizens have been advised to avoid travelling to certain areas altogether. The advisory strongly warns against visiting Jammu and Kashmir, excluding the eastern Ladakh region and Leh, due to the risks of terrorism and civil unrest.

“Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible. Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. Violence also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam,” the advisory states.

Additionally, travellers are discouraged from visiting areas near the international border with Pakistan due to the possibility of armed conflict.

Women Advised Not to Travel Alone

The US Department of State has specifically advised women to exercise extreme caution while travelling in India.

The advisory highlights that the US government has limited ability to provide emergency services in rural regions, making solo travel especially risky for women.

“Do not travel alone, especially if you are a woman,” the advisory notes.

Naxal-Affected Regions Highlighted

The advisory also points to the threat of Maoist extremist groups, commonly referred to as Naxalites, who are active in several parts of India. These groups operate across a wide area stretching from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana to western West Bengal.

The states identified as affected by Naxalite violence include Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Odisha, and West Bengal. The advisory also includes parts of eastern Maharashtra and eastern Madhya Pradesh in this list of high-risk regions.

US government employees in India are required to obtain special authorisation before travelling to these states, excluding their respective capital cities.

Manipur and Border Regions Cautioned

The northeastern state of Manipur has also been included in the list of areas to avoid, following reports of ethnic-based violence and large-scale community displacement. US government personnel must also seek approval before travelling to Manipur.

Furthermore, US citizens have been advised not to cross the India-Nepal border by land due to potential immigration-related detention and fines.

Ban on Satellite Phones and GPS Devices

The advisory reminds travellers that carrying satellite phones or GPS devices is illegal in India and may lead to severe penalties, including fines up to $200,000 or imprisonment of up to three years.

Travellers are encouraged to remain vigilant, review travel plans, secure travel insurance, and stay updated on local developments throughout their stay in India.

Congress Slams Government Over Advisory

The opposition Congress party has criticised the ruling government over the advisory, calling it both a shock and a global embarrassment.

“The June 2025 update warns women not to travel alone in India due to surging rape, violence, and terrorism risks. Is this the collapse of PM’s ‘safe India’ narrative? A global embarrassment for @narendramodi and @BJP4India,” the Karnataka Congress posted on social media platform X.

The advisory serves as a renewed reminder to American citizens of the persistent security challenges in India and the need for heightened caution while travelling in specific regions across the country.