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 locations.
“Exercise 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, said.
Warning 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 warned.
“Terrorist 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 added.
American citizens were also warned about potential armed conflict between India and Pakistan, and were advised not to travel to areas near the international border.
Advising 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 areas.
The 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 Naxalism.
For 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”.
Additionally, US nationals in India were instructed to review their travel plans and stay vigilant about their surroundings at all times, while also ensuring travel insurance.
CONGRESS ATTACKS CENTRE
The 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 X.
