The advisory states that violent crime continues to be a significant concern in various parts of India, with reports of sexual assaults at tourist destinations and urban areas. The Department highlighted that rape is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country. It warned that terrorist attacks could happen with little or no warning, potentially targeting popular places such as transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities.
“The advisory points out several regions in India where travel is either strongly discouraged or limited. Specifically, in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir—excluding the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh—Americans are advised against traveling due to the risks of terrorism and civil disorder. Violence in this area, especially along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, remains a significant concern, occasionally affecting tourist destinations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam,” the advisory stated.
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Caution is similarly advised along the India-Pakistan border, where the military presence on both sides increases the risk of armed conflict. While the border crossing at Attari in India and Wagah in Pakistan is the only official route for foreign travelers, the US has reminded citizens that a valid Pakistani visa is necessary before attempting entry. US citizens not residing in India must acquire this visa from their home country.
The advisory also flagged areas in central and eastern India where Maoist insurgents, known as Naxalites, are active. These groups operate across extensive rural regions from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana to western West Bengal, including parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. The State Department indicated that attacks against Indian government forces occur intermittently, and US government employees need prior authorization to visit most areas outside state capitals in these regions.
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In the northeast, the Department advises against traveling to Manipur, where ethnic tensions have led to significant violence and community displacements. Reports of attacks on government infrastructure continue. Other northeastern states like Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Tripura are deemed less volatile, although visitors are advised to remain alert, particularly outside major urban centers.
Additional warnings pertain to immigration compliance and visa enforcement. The Department states that breaches of Indian immigration laws could result in detention, fines, or entry denial. US citizens are cautioned against crossing the India-Nepal border by land, as electronic visas are not recognized at land crossings, and even holders of physical visas have encountered legal issues due to misunderstandings regarding travel authorizations and permitted stay durations.
Among other precautions, the advisory suggests travelers avoid solo journeys—especially women—and refrain from bringing satellite phones or GPS devices, which are illegal in India and may lead to severe penalties, including fines up to $200,000 or imprisonment. US citizens are encouraged to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and evaluate personal security plans prior to departure.
