Don’t travel alone in India: US warns women tourists

Washington: The US State Department has escalated its travel advisory for India to Level 2, encouraging Americans, especially women to "exercise increased caution" due to rising concerns about crime and terrorism .

The advisory highlights that rape is “one of the fastest‑growing crimes in India”, with violent incidents particularly sexual assault, occurring at tourist attractions and public venues.

It also warns that terrorist attacks may come with little to no warning, targeting tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping centres and government buildings.

Officials note the US government’s limited capacity to provide emergency services in India’s rural areas, specifically pointing to zones from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through to western West Bengal.

As a result, US government personnel require special authorisation to travel to several states outside their capital cities:

• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Chhattisgarh
• West Bengal
• Meghalaya
• Odisha

Additionally, visits to eastern Maharashtra and eastern Madhya Pradesh also need prior approval.

Restricted and aution-advised zones

Jammu and Kashmir: Marked as "Do Not Travel" (excluding eastern Ladakh and Leh), owing to the risks of terrorism and civil unrest, especially near the Line of Control and popular tourist spots such as Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam.

India–Pakistan border: Also rated "Do Not Travel" given the potential for armed clashes.

Notably, the crisis since the April attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 25 tourist lives, has intensified tensions along the border.

Central and eastern India: Maoist (Naxalite) insurgency is active in rural areas across eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, western West Bengal, and parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and adjoining regions.

Northeastern states: Travel is advised to be reconsidered, especially outside the capital cities, due to sporadic violence and bombings. Manipur is specifically flagged under “Do Not Travel”, citing ethnic conflict, crime and targeted attacks

Border crossings and legal warnings

Travellers are urged not to cross the India–Nepal border by land, owing to the risk of immigration detentions and fines. Note that e‑visas are not accepted at land crossings, even for those with physical visas.

The department also stresses that carrying satellite phones or GPS devices is illegal in India, punishable by up to US $200,000 in fines or three years' imprisonment.

Safety advice for tourists

The advisory strongly recommends:

• Avoiding travelling alone, particularly for women
• Keeping a contingency plan: enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Programme (STEP); obtain travel insurance covering evacuation and medical emergencies; review the Overseas Security Advisory Council’s India Country Security Report; and consult the CDC for health alerts
• Staying alert to surroundings and monitoring evolving security updates

Contextual backdrop

Earlier this year on 22 April, a militant attack in Pahalgam resulted in 25 deaths and rekindled cross-border tensions. This incident triggered a rise in militant activity along the LoC and visa and airspace restrictions between India and Pakistan.

What Level‑2 means

Under the Level 2 advisory, travel is not forbidden, but Americans are warned that crime and terrorism are real risks. The guidance encourages taking heightened precautions, rather than completely avoiding travel.