US issues Level 2 travel advisory for India: What it means & what travellers should know

The US government has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for India, urging American citizens to “exercise increased caution” due to crime and terrorist threats. The advisory, updated on June 16, 2025, highlights rising incidents of rape and other violent crimes, including sexual assaults at tourist spots.

While India is the primary focus of the advisory, the US also issued warnings for other nations, including travel advisories for areas along the India-Pakistan border and certain rural areas prone to terrorist activity.

Key Advisory Points for Travel to India:

• Violence and Crime: Terrorist attacks can occur with little or no warning, and often target tourist spots, transport hubs, markets, and government buildings.
  
  
  
• Special Authorization: US government employees must obtain special permission to visit certain rural areas across eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, and western West Bengal due to terrorist activity.
  
  
• Satellite Devices: Do not carry satellite phones or GPS equipment. Possession can result in a $200,000 fine or three years of imprisonment.
  
  
• Women Travelers: Avoid traveling alone and review travel tips for women.
  
  
• Personal Preparedness: Maintain personal security measures, stay alert, and review the India Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC).
  
  
• Contingency Plans: Prepare an emergency plan, review the Traveler’s Checklist, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  
  
• Travel Health Advice: Check the CDC page for the latest travel health information.
  
  

Restricted Areas in India
The advisory includes several areas where Americans are told to “do not travel” or “reconsider travel” due to serious security threats:

• Jammu and Kashmir:
  
  
  • Do not travel due to terrorism and civil unrest.
    
    
  • Violence occurs sporadically, especially along the Line of Control and in tourist spots like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.
    
    
• India-Pakistan Border:
  
  
  • Do not travel due to risk of armed conflict.
    
    
  • The only official crossing point is Attari (India)–Wagah (Pakistan). Visas are required.
    
    
• Central and Eastern India:
  
  
  • Do not travel due to terrorist activity by Naxalite groups, especially in rural areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.
    
    
• Manipur:
  
  
  • Do not travel due to ethnic-based violence and targeted attacks on Indian government personnel.
    
    
• Northeastern States:
  
  
  • Reconsider travel due to terrorist threats and ethnic insurgent attacks.
    
    
  • US government employees require special permission to travel to certain areas, including Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and areas outside the state capitals.
    
    

Additional Advice
The advisory reminds travelers that violations of Indian immigration rules can result in serious penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. Electronic visas are not valid for land crossings into India.