US Warns of Rising Sexual Violence, Terror Threats in India; Advises Women Not to Travel Alone

Washington: The United States has issued a Level 2 travel advisory, urging its citizens to exercise increased caution while visiting India. The updated guidance from the U.S. State Department highlights growing concerns over violent crime, sexual assaults, terrorism, and regional instability in certain parts of the country. Although the alert does not discourage travel entirely, it calls on American travellers to remain vigilant and comply with local regulations.
The advisory draws particular attention to the rise in sexual violence, including rape, which it says has been reported even in urban centres and popular tourist destinations. Women are strongly advised against travelling alone. It also warns that terrorist attacks could occur with little or no warning, identifying transit hubs, marketplaces, heritage sites, and government facilities as likely targets.
The U.S. government also noted its limited ability to provide emergency services in rural and high-risk regions, particularly in areas impacted by extremist activities or poor infrastructure. Travel by U.S. government personnel to large parts of central and eastern India — including districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Bihar, and West Bengal — is restricted without prior authorisation, largely due to the presence of Maoist insurgent groups (Naxalites). While capital cities in these states remain accessible, remote areas require additional clearance.

Manipur has been designated a no-travel zone for American personnel due to ongoing ethnic tensions and internal displacement. The notice also advises reconsidering visits to northeastern states where occasional incidents of violence by insurgent groups targeting public spaces and infrastructure have been reported.
In Jammu and Kashmir, travel beyond Leh and parts of Ladakh is discouraged, citing risks of terrorism and civil unrest. The advisory notes that sporadic violence persists near the Line of Control (LoC), including in tourist destinations such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.
Additionally, travel along the India–Pakistan border is strongly discouraged due to heightened military tensions and a heavy security presence. The only official border crossing open to non-Indian and non-Pakistani nationals remains the Attari-Wagah post in Punjab, which travellers are advised to verify for operational status in advance.
The advisory also flags potential legal and logistical issues for those crossing the India–Nepal land border. Even travellers with valid physical visas have reportedly faced detention or fines due to misinterpretations of immigration rules. The U.S. urges its citizens to carry proper documentation and fully adhere to Indian immigration laws.

Further, travellers are reminded that carrying satellite phones or standalone GPS devices is prohibited in India. Violations may result in fines of up to 200,000 dollar or imprisonment of up to three years.
To ensure safety, American citizens travelling to India are encouraged to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time security updates and assistance in emergencies. Travellers are also advised to consult the India Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), review health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and confirm that their travel insurance includes coverage for medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip cancellations.