US Issues Travel Advisory for India: What You Need to Know

The United States has issued a travel advisory for its citizens traveling to India, highlighting concerns over rising crime rates, particularly sexual violence, and the threat of terrorism in certain regions. Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution and avoid specific areas in central and eastern India. The advisory also notes the limited ability of the US government to provide emergency services in rural regions. Key areas of concern include Maoist-affected regions and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This advisory serves as a crucial guide for US citizens planning to visit India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 22, 2025, 22:18 IST

Travel Advisory Highlights

New York/Washington: The United States has released a travel advisory for its citizens planning to visit India, recommending heightened caution due to concerns over crime and sexual violence. Travelers are specifically warned against visiting certain regions in central and eastern India due to the threat of terrorism.

The advisory, published last week, highlights that incidents of rape are escalating rapidly in India, with violent crimes, including sexual assaults, occurring at popular tourist destinations and other areas.

It further notes that terrorists may target tourist attractions, transportation hubs, shopping centers, and government buildings, often with little to no warning.

Issued on June 16, the advisory emphasizes that the US government has limited capacity to assist citizens in rural regions, particularly those extending from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana to western West Bengal.

Additionally, it advises against travel to parts of Central and East India due to terrorism threats.

The advisory mentions that Maoist extremist groups, known as 'Naxalites,' operate in a vast area of India, including eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana, extending through western West Bengal.

There have been sporadic attacks on Indian government officials in rural areas of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, which border Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The southwestern regions of Odisha are also impacted.

US government personnel in India must seek permission before traveling to most areas in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha, although no approval is needed for the capitals of these states.

Furthermore, US employees must obtain authorization to travel to the eastern parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Travel to Manipur is also discouraged due to ongoing ethnic conflicts that have led to significant violence and community displacement. US government employees require prior approval to visit this region.

Lastly, the advisory warns against travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, except for the eastern Ladakh region and Leh, due to terrorism and civil unrest.