On 16 June 2025, the United States issued a Level 2 travel advisory for India, urging travellers to “exercise increased caution.” The alert was issued “due to crime and terrorism,” it stated, elaborating that certain areas may be facing increased risks. The advisory emphasized, “Do not travel alone, especially if you are a woman.”
“Rape is Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations,” the warning said. Moreover, it cautioned that “terrorists may attack with little or no warning,” focusing on locations such as markets, transportation centres, shopping malls, and government structures.
The US government’s ability to provide emergency assistance to its citizens is restricted in the rural areas covering eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, and western West Bengal. Due to safety hazards, US personnel need special permission to travel to Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Odisha, and West Bengal. However, permission is not necessary, the advisory stated, if employees are travelling exclusively to the capital city of the above-mentioned regions. “Maoist extremist groups, or ‘Naxalites,’ are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal,” the advisory said.
Travel to Manipur is not recommended for U.S. citizens, as the region is experiencing widespread violence and displacement due to an ongoing ethnic conflict. This includes a requirement for U.S. government employees in India to secure prior approval before visiting Manipur. Furthermore, U.S. citizens should avoid the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, apart from eastern Ladakh and Leh, citing risks of terrorism and civil unrest.
A few days ago the US government updated its travel advisory for India: https://t.co/2MjJwabpE7 pic.twitter.com/WojmgGLblk
— Ilhan Niaz (@IlhanNiaz) June 21, 2025
The U.S. Department of State has advised U.S. citizens against crossing the India-Nepal border by land due to risks of detention and fines for immigration violations. Travelers without valid documents or the correct visa type may face imprisonment, fines, or entry denial. The advisory notes that electronic visas are not accepted at land borders, and even those with physical visas have encountered issues. “Violations of Indian immigration laws are taken very seriously,” the advisory warns.
The advisory also warns travellers against bringing certain electronic devices, as it highlighted that “carrying a satellite phone or a GPS device in India is illegal and can lead to a fine of $200,000 or up to three years in prison.”
Travelers should enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrolment Program (STEP) for real-time alerts and emergency assistance, review the Overseas Security Advisory Council’s India Country Security Report, and prepare contingency plans. The advisory also recommends consulting the CDC for travel health information and securing comprehensive travel insurance, including evacuation and medical coverage, before departure.
