The United States Department of State has reissued its travel advisory for India, urging American citizens to exercise increased caution due to persistent risks of crime and terrorism. The advisory, updated on June 16, 2025, highlights that "violent crime and terrorism occur in India" and emphasizes that "rape is one of the fastest-growing crimes in India." This Level 2 advisory – "Exercise Increased Caution" – reflects ongoing concerns that have been in place since 2022, but with renewed emphasis on specific threats.
One of the most alarming aspects of the advisory is the explicit warning regarding sexual assault. The advisory states that "violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations," recommending women, in particular, not to travel alone. This concern has been amplified following recent incidents, including the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists, adding a somber backdrop to the updated warnings.
Terrorism remains a significant concern, with the advisory noting that terrorists "may attack with little or no warning." Potential targets include tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets and shopping malls, and government facilities. The advisory specifically advises against travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (excluding the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest. It also cautions against travel near the India-Pakistan border because of the potential for armed conflict.
Certain regions within India are deemed particularly dangerous. The advisory recommends against traveling to parts of Central and East India due to the activity of Maoist extremist groups, known as Naxalites. These groups operate across a large area spanning from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, and attacks against government officers occur sporadically in rural areas. Due to the changing threat, U.S. government employees working in India need permission to travel to most areas in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha.
The advisory also highlights specific concerns in Manipur, where ongoing ethnic violence has resulted in significant community displacement and reports of extensive violence. The U.S. government employees require prior approval before visiting Manipur.
The U.S. government's ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in rural areas is limited, especially in regions affected by terrorism or Naxalite activity. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal.
The travel advisory includes practical advice for U.S. citizens planning to visit India. It warns against carrying satellite phones or GPS devices, as their possession is illegal in India and can result in severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment. Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in case of an emergency. It's also recommended to review personal security plans, stay alert to surroundings, and prepare contingency plans for emergency situations.
The advisory also advises against crossing the India-Nepal border by land due to the risk of immigration-related detentions and fines, as electronic visas are not accepted for land border crossings.
