The United States has issued a travel advisory for India, urging its citizens to reconsider travel to certain areas due to safety concerns. The advisory, revised to include northeastern states, specifically advises against travel to Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and regions in the country where Naxalites are active.
The State Department has expressed concerns about high crime rates in India, including sexual assault, and the threat of terrorist attacks. It highlights that “rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India, sexual assault at tourist sites and terrorist attacks with little or no warning.” The advisory emphasizes the need for “increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.”
The northeastern states have been categorized as “Level 4: Do Not Travel” due to the prevalence of terrorism and violence. The State Department specifically advises against travel to Manipur due to “the threat of violence and crime.” Ongoing ethnic-based civil conflict has led to reports of extensive violence and displacement. The advisory also highlights the risk of attacks against Indian government targets.
Regarding Jammu and Kashmir, the US government advises against travel to the state, excluding the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh. The advisory cites sporadic violence and a high risk of incidents along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan, including tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley.
The advisory also addresses the India-Pakistan border, stating that the only official border crossing for non-citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab, between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is generally open, but travelers are advised to check its current status before attempting to cross.
Naxal attacks have been reported in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, bordering Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. US government officials are required to obtain permission before traveling to “most areas” in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha, although they are permitted to visit the capital cities of these states.
This revised travel advisory reflects the US government’s assessment of the current security situation in India and aims to provide its citizens with the necessary information to make informed travel decisions.
