The U.S. State Department is warning travelers to “exercise increased caution” while visiting India due to rising crime and potential terrorist attacks. Canva

If you’re planning a trip to India anytime soon, you might want to take some extra precautions before you go.

The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory to India, advising travelers to take extra precautions due to crime and terrorism risks.

Here’s what you need to know if you plan on traveling to India.

What does the latest travel advisory to India mean for you?

Item Detail Start Date June 16, 2025 What’s changing? Updated travel advisory warning travelers to “exercise increased caution” in India due to crime and terrorism risks What will happen? People should not travel alone, especially women; not bring a satellite phone or GPS device; “stay alert” and review “personal security plans;” and buy travel insurance Who will it affect? Travelers to India

The agency gave a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory to India because of crime and terrorism risks in the country.

There is a risk of violent crime, including sexual assaults, that take place at tourist hubs and other sites.

Terrorism can also happen “with little or no warning” in tourist hubs, transportation centers, shopping centers and government facilities, according to the State Department.

What is the highest travel advisory?

There are four levels of travel advisory, Level 1 through Level 4. This travel advisory for India is a Level 2 concern for the entire area, and Level 4 for certain areas, especially along the India-Pakistan border due to armed conflict.

See the full travel advisory for other areas of the country that are classified as “do not travel.”

When planning a vacation, you should check the current travel advisory for that destination. So, which level is the most concerning?

Level 1 : Exercise Normal Precautions – This is the lowest level of advisory; it is advised that there is some risk in that area, and travelers should take precautions while on their visit.

Level 2 : Exercise Increased Caution – There is a heightened risk for safety and security in that area, and travelers need to take extra caution.

Level 3 : Reconsider Travel – There are serious risks to safety, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans to this destination.

Level 4: Do Not Travel – This is the highest level of advisory, and it is strongly recommended not to travel to any destinations with a Level 4 advisory, due to many factors, one of which is that the U.S. government might not be able to provide travelers any assistance in the event of an emergency.

What should travelers to India do in light of this travel advisory?

Travelers to India should not travel alone, especially women. They should also not bring a satellite phone or GPS device.

Travelers are advised to “stay alert” and review “personal security plans” as well as buy travel insurance.

The State Department also suggests to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency and purchase travel insurance.

For more information and advice about traveling to India, read the full travel advisory here.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.