June 2025 — NEW DELHI: The United States government has issued a new travel advisory for people planning to visit India, asking its citizens to exercise extra caution — especially women — and avoid certain areas due to risks such as crime, terrorism, and violence.
The advisory is listed as “Level 2,” which means “exercise increased caution.” It doesn’t ban travel, but it urges tourists to be very careful in specific areas of India.
🔴 What are the main warnings?
According to the U.S. Department of State, there are several major concerns:
Sexual violence: The U.S. warns that rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Women are especially advised not to travel alone, even in big cities or popular tourist destinations.
Terrorism and unrest: Some areas have been flagged for terrorist threats or political violence, where sudden attacks can occur without warning.
Limited police assistance: In remote areas, the U.S. says law enforcement can be slow to respond, making it harder for travelers to get help in an emergency.
⚠️ Areas tourists shouldn’t visit
Here are some areas the U.S. government says are not safe to visit:
- Jammu and Kashmir (except Leh/Ladakh)
This region is marked as “Level 4: Do Not Travel” due to terrorist attacks and conflict.
Even Indian tourists are often advised to stay away unless absolutely necessary.
- Northeast India (like Manipur and Nagaland)
Some northeastern states face protests, ethnic conflicts, and blockades, making them risky for travelers. - Naxal-affected states
These include the following areas:
Chhattisgarh
Jharkhand
Odisha
Bihar
West Bengal
Maharashtra
Telangana
These areas are affected by Maoist (Naxal) insurgent groups, which have committed violence in the past.
🧳 What tourists are advised to do
The US embassy advises its citizens:
Avoid traveling alone, especially if you are a woman.
Stay away from the areas mentioned above unless absolutely necessary.
Be cautious in crowded places like markets, train stations and public events.
Register your trip with the US embassy using the STEP program.
Avoid carrying satellite phones or GPS devices, which are illegal in India and can lead to jail time.
🇮🇳 Political reactions in India
The travel advisory has created a stir in Indian politics. Senior Congress leader from Chhattisgarh T.S. Singh Deo criticised the ruling government, asking why women’s safety has become such a global concern.
He said the US warning was “shameful” and showed that the government’s promises to protect women are not working. He challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take responsibility and improve the situation.
🧭 Final Thoughts
While millions of tourists visit India safely every year, the US advisory is a reminder that travellers should be aware of local security issues, especially in sensitive areas. If you are planning to visit India, it is best to stick to well-known tourist spots, travel in groups, be cautious and avoid places marked as dangerous.
(Source: US Department of State)
