Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jun 16: The US State Department has issued a Level-2 travel advisory for India, urging American citizens to “exercise increased caution” due to growing concerns around crime and terrorism in several regions across the country.

The advisory warns travelers of violent crimes, including sexual assault, particularly at tourist hotspots and public locations such as markets, transport hubs, and malls. “Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India,” it notes, highlighting that terrorist attacks could occur without prior warning.

Particular attention has been drawn to rural areas—especially across eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, and western West Bengal—where the US government has limited capacity to provide emergency support. As a precaution, US government personnel stationed in India must secure special authorization before traveling to these regions.

The advisory outlines a list of Indian states where such prior approval is mandatory for US government employees if they plan to travel outside capital cities. These include:

• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Chhattisgarh
• West Bengal
• Meghalaya
• Odisha

Travel to the eastern regions of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh also requires similar clearance. The advisory stresses that this requirement does not apply to trips solely within state capitals.

A specific warning was also issued for Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and parts of northeast and central India, areas deemed to carry elevated risks.

Additionally, travelers were cautioned against crossing the India-Nepal border by land, citing risks of immigration-related detentions and fines.

The US government also flagged legal restrictions in India, reminding citizens that satellite phones and GPS tracking devices are prohibited and possession can lead to penalties up to $200,000 or imprisonment for up to three years.

The advisory concluded with a strong recommendation:

“Avoid traveling alone, especially if you are a woman.”

This updated alert reflects the evolving security landscape in India and aims to ensure that US citizens make informed decisions before traveling.