US issues updated travel advisory for India; increased caution recommended

New Delhi, July 25: The U.S. State Department has issued an updated travel advisory for India, placing the country at ‘Level 2,’ due to general risks of crime and terrorism which indicates travellers should exercise increased caution.

The advisory, updated on July 23, includes specific warnings about certain regions within India due to heightened risks of crime and terrorism. It also warns that terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, and government facilities.

Specific Areas of Concern

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel: The advisory highlights the potential for terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, excluding the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh. Areas such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam in the Kashmir Valley are noted as frequent sites of violence. Additionally, foreign tourists are restricted from visiting areas along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan.

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel: The advisory emphasizes that the only official border crossing for non-citizens is between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. U.S. citizens residing in India can apply for a Pakistani visa within India; others must obtain a visa from their home country.

Portions of Central and Eastern India – Level 4: Do Not Travel: Maoist extremist groups, known as Naxalites, are active in a vast region extending from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these regions, excluding capital cities.

Manipur – Level 4: Do Not Travel: Manipur is highlighted due to ongoing ethnic-based civil conflict and violence, making it unsafe for travel. U.S. government employees need prior approval to visit Manipur.

Northeastern States – Level 3: Reconsider Travel: Ethnic insurgent groups occasionally carry out violent acts in the northeastern states, including bombings of public transport and markets.

While there have been no recent reports of violence in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura, the advisory still urges caution. U.S. government employees require approval to visit Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, and to travel outside the capital cities of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura