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
(Join our
ETNRI WhatsApp channel
for all the latest updates)
The advisory includes several areas where Americans are told to 'do not travel' or 'reconsider travel' due to serious security threats:
Live Events
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Rape, terror: US updates travel advisory for India, asks women not to travel alone
The US Department of State has issued a Level 2 advisory to American citizens and workers living in India, asking them to "exercise increased caution", claiming that the country is witnessing a surge in rape, violence and terrorism incidents of late. The Trump administration has also asked women not to travel alone and be extra alert while at any tourist sites and other increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Violent crime and terrorism occur in India. Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations," the advisory, which was reissued on June 16 after periodic review with updates to entry/exit requirements, of terrorism, the advisory asked US citizens to avoid travelling to tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls and government facilities, claiming they are vulnerable to terror attacks. The update in the US travel advisory to India comes nearly two months after Pakistan-based terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 25 of them in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 2."Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir: Do not travel to this area (except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest," the State Department attacks and violent civil unrest are possible. Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. Violence also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC," it citizens were also warned about potential armed conflict between India and Pakistan, and were advised not to travel to areas near the international women to exercise the utmost caution, the notification said that the US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in rural State Department specifically talked about the Naxal threat, saying, "Maoist extremist groups, or Naxalites, are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal". It included Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya and Odisha in the list of states which are affected by those who decide to travel to India in the coming days, the advisory urged them to not carry a satellite phone or a GPS device. "Possessing a satellite phone or GPS device is illegal in India and may result in a penalty of $200,000 or jail time of up to three years. Do not travel alone, especially if you are a woman".advertisementAdditionally, US nationals in India were instructed to review their travel plans and stay vigilant about their surroundings at all times, while also ensuring travel ATTACKS CENTREThe Congress seized the opportunity to attack the Centre, calling the advisory a "shock" and an "embarrassment" for the government."US Travel Advisory Shocks India! The June 2025 update warns women not to travel alone in India due to surging rape, violence, and terrorism risks. Is this the collapse of PM's "safe India" narrative? A global embarrassment for @narendramodi and @BJP4India," the Karnataka Congress wrote on Watch
Hans India
3 hours ago
- Hans India
Middle East air travel hit hard as airlines avoid region after US strikes on Iran
Air travel across the Middle East continues to face major disruptions after the United States launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday. Airlines are now avoiding large parts of the region's airspace due to growing security concerns, causing delays, longer flight times, and increased costs. According to flight tracking service FlightRadar24, commercial planes are being rerouted to avoid flying over countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel. Instead, they are taking longer paths over safer areas such as the Caspian Sea, Egypt, or Saudi Arabia. This change is leading to higher fuel consumption and more expensive flight operations. 'Following the U.S. strikes, commercial flights continue to avoid high-risk zones, adhering to airspace restrictions introduced last week,' FlightRadar24 shared on social media platform X. The situation in the region remains tense with increased missile and drone attacks. Safe Airspace, an aviation risk monitoring group, warned that the US strikes could lead to higher risks for American airlines flying near the Middle East. While there are no direct threats to civilian planes yet, the group said Iran might respond by targeting US military bases or using its allies, like Hezbollah. Safe Airspace also warned that other Gulf nations, such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, could face increased danger. The group advised airlines to remain extremely cautious. In Israel, the country's main airlines -- El Al, Arkia, and Israir -- have stopped running rescue flights meant to bring Israeli citizens back home. El Al also announced that its regular commercial flights will stay suspended until at least June 27. Israeli airspace remains closed, although land borders with Jordan and Egypt are still open. The conflict has stranded thousands of people. Nearly 40,000 foreign tourists in Israel are trying to leave, with many seeking to cross into Jordan by land or reach Cyprus by sea. Israel's Tourism Ministry is helping to organise their evacuation. Several countries have already begun pulling out their citizens.
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Indian man pens heartbreaking farewell after losing job in Dubai: ‘Completely finished savings'
An Indian man has shared a deeply emotional account of his sudden departure from Dubai after five years of living and working there. In a Reddit post, he recounted how an unexpected job termination left him financially drained and heartbroken, forcing him to return to India, an outcome he described as 'the end of his dream.' The user had been living in Dubai since 2019, working hard to support himself and his family back home. (Pexel) 'My heart is breaking into million pieces… I have to leave Dubai tomorrow. Fired. Broke. Empty,' he wrote, describing how a single HR meeting led to the collapse of the life he had built. 'One meeting. Security walked me out like a criminal. Five years hard work, overtime, skipping holidays for project, poof! Gone.' The user had been living in Dubai since 2019, working hard to support himself and his family back home. But with rising costs and no new job prospects despite sending 'literally hundreds' of applications, his savings eventually ran out. 'Dubai salary sounds big but rent? DEWA? Grocery? School fee for sister back home? Petrol? All eating money like monster,' he explained. Even selling off his belongings, 'my small TV, my mattress, my little plant' wasn't enough to get by. 'Feels like selling pieces of my life,' he said. Despite the pain, his farewell was laced with bittersweet nostalgia. 'Oh Dubai… how can I leave you? The smell of karak chai in morning… the crazy beautiful light show on Burj Khalifa… even the stress of Sheikh Zayed Road traffic jam! All gone.' Also read: Noida man dies in cab accident, family claims driver fell asleep at wheel The post also highlights the immense emotional toll of job insecurity. 'What hurts most? Failure. Feeling like I failed myself. Failed my family… Going back to village with empty hands… shame is heavy stone in my stomach,' he wrote, adding, 'My father voice on phone… trying to be strong, 'Come beta, home is home.' But I hear the disappointment.' Take a look at the post: Many took to the comments section to respond. One user wrote, "You're not a failure, you have sustained your family back home for many years. They should be proud of you. DXB isn't the be all and end all of life, you can shine in India or anywhere in the world. If you love living in Dubai then coming back is also an option when you manage to find a role" Another added, 'I'm really sorry you're going through this. But this isn't the end. Take this as your new challenge and be determined. You can start again, stronger than before. Dubai is just one place. You have it in you to persevere anywhere.'
