US reissues India travel advisory, citing crime and terrorism risks
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US reissues India travel advisory, citing crime and terrorism risks
The US State Department has reissued its travel advisory for India at ‘Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution’ The update, released after a routine review, includes strengthened guidance on entry and exit mandates. The alert specifically advises Americans to avoid travel to Jammu and Kashmir (excluding eastern Ladakh and Leh) due to terrorism and unrest. It also flags risks at the Nepal land border, with potential for fines or detention for undocumented entry. US citizens have been urged to enrol in STEP, refrain from solo travel – especially women, avoid satellite phones or GPS (banned in India), carry insurance, and establish comprehensive contingency plans.
The US State Department has reissued its travel advisory for India at ‘Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution’, warning US citizens of heightened risks from violent crime and terrorism. The update, released after a routine review, includes strengthened guidance on entry and exit mandates.
The US State Department issues travel advisories using a four-level system to guide American citizens on international travel safety.
> Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions indicates the lowest risk, where travellers can proceed as usual with standard safety awareness.
>Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution means there are heightened risks in certain areas, such as crime, terrorism, or civil unrest, and travellers should stay alert and take extra precautions.
> Level 3 – Reconsider Travel is issued when serious risks exist in a country or region—such as widespread violence, political instability, or severe health threats—and Americans are advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
> Level 4 – Do Not Travel represents the highest risk, typically due to ongoing armed conflict, life-threatening disease outbreaks, or complete breakdowns in law and order. Travel to Level 4 countries is strongly discouraged as it may place travellers in serious danger.
The recent advisory underscores a surge in violent crimes, particularly rape, at tourist hotspots and urban zones, and warns of unpredictable terrorist threats aimed at transportation hubs, markets, malls, and government sites. It flags US assistance limitations in rural areas stretching from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, mandating special travel clearance for American government personnel.
The alert specifically advises Americans to avoid travel to:
Jammu and Kashmir (excluding eastern Ladakh and Leh) due to terrorism and unrest;
South of the India‑Pakistan border zone within 10 km of the Line of Control;
Parts of central and east India afflicted by Naxalite insurgency;
Manipur, where ethnic violence persists.
The advisory further recommends exercising caution, or reconsidering travel, to northeastern states in India like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura due to occasional ethnic insurgencies.
Travellers have been urged to enrol in STEP, refrain from solo travel – especially women, avoid satellite phones or GPS (banned in India), carry insurance, and establish comprehensive contingency plans. STEP, or the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, is a free service provided by the US Department of State that allows US citizens and nationals travelling or living abroad to register their trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
The advisory also flags risks at the Nepal land border, with potential for fines or detention for undocumented entry. US citizens have been advised to monitor official channels for ongoing travel and health updates.
This alert aligns with growing security concerns following recent high-profile terror incidents in Jammu & Kashmir, such as the April Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, and mirrors similar alerts from other Western governments.