U.S. Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for India Amid Crime & Terror Fears. The United States government has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for India. The advisory urged American citizens to “exercise increased caution”. This was due to growing threats of violent crime and terrorism in India. The advisory  particularly cautions women targeting specific high-risk regions across the country.

The travel advisory, released by the U.S. State Department on June 16, 2025, points to rising safety concerns. It also alerts its citizens about the regional unrest. Stating that it could pose serious risks for American travelers.

Women Advised: Do Not Travel Alone

In one of the strongest warnings, the advisory directly states:
“Do not travel alone, especially if you are a woman,”

“Rape is one of the fastest-growing crimes in India,” the advisory states. The warning highlights that rape is one of the fastest-growing crimes in India. This comes amidst multiple incidents reported even at tourist locations, markets, and public transport hubs. Women travelers have been urged to stay in groups and avoid isolated areas.

Regions Under the Radar: Where NOT to Go

• Several regions were flagged as dangerous, with the advisory discouraging all travel to:

• Jammu & Kashmir and the India-Pakistan border (due to terrorism and potential armed conflict)

• The advisory says, “Violence also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.”

• Manipur (due to ongoing ethnic violence)

• The US advisory says American citizens must “reconsider travel to [northeastern states] due to terrorism and violence.”

• Parts of central and eastern India, such as eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, western West Bengal, where Maoist insurgents are active

• It has said, “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.”

• Furthermore, the U.S. government employees must now obtain prior approval to travel beyond capital cities in India. That is in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Meghalaya, and Madhya Pradesh.

Tech Gear Could Land You in Jail

In addition to this, the advisory also warns visitors against carrying satellite phones or GPS tracking devices. “Possession of satellite phones or GPS tracking devices is illegal in India and may result in a fine of up to USD 200,000 or up to three years in prison,”

Land crossings from India into Nepal could lead to immigration-related detentions and fines, even for travelers with valid visas.

Limited U.S. Assistance in Rural Areas

The U.S. State Department notes that in the event of an emergency, U.S. officials may not be able to reach citizens quickly. It especially mentions rural and insurgency-prone areas.

With rising unrest, complex regional tensions, and an increase in violent crime, the U.S. travel advisory sends a clear message to citizens: “Plan with caution, or not at all.