The advisory indicates that violent crime remains a significant concern in various regions of India, with reported incidents of sexual assault at tourist locations and urban areas. The Department highlights that rape continues to rise as one of the most rapidly increasing crimes in the country. It cautions that terrorist attacks may occur unexpectedly and could target popular venues, including transportation hubs, markets, shopping areas, and government facilities.
The advisory specifies multiple regions in India where travel is strongly discouraged or restricted. In the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir—excluding the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh—Americans are warned against traveling due to the risks associated with terrorism and civil unrest. Violence in this area, especially along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, remains a serious concern and has at times affected tourist hotspots like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam,” the advisory noted.
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Similar caution applies to the India-Pakistan border, where military forces on both sides increase the risk of armed conflict. While the official border crossing between Attari in India and Wagah in Pakistan is the only approved route for foreign visitors, the US has reminded citizens that a valid Pakistani visa is necessary before attempting entry. US citizens not residing in India must secure this visa from their home country.
The advisory also highlights areas in central and eastern India where Maoist insurgents, commonly known as Naxalites, are active. These groups are prevalent in large rural regions spanning eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana to western West Bengal, including parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. The State Department states that sporadic attacks against Indian government forces occur, and US government employees must obtain prior authorization to visit most areas outside of state capitals within the affected regions.
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In the northeast, the Department advises against travel to Manipur, where ethnic tensions have led to widespread violence and community displacements. Attacks on government infrastructure continue to take place. Other northeastern states such as Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Tripura are regarded as less unstable, although visitors should remain vigilant, especially outside major urban centers.
Additional warnings concerning immigration compliance and visa enforcement are issued. The Department points out that violating Indian immigration laws may lead to detention, fines, or entry denial. US citizens are advised against crossing the India-Nepal border by land, as electronic visas are not accepted at land crossings, and even those with physical visas have encountered legal issues due to misunderstandings regarding travel authorizations and permissible stay durations.
Among other recommended precautions, the advisory suggests that travelers avoid solo journeys—especially women—and refrain from carrying satellite phones or GPS devices, which are illegal in India and can lead to severe penalties, including fines up to $200,000 or imprisonment. US citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and review their personal security plans prior to departure.
