Rape Rising, Terror Risk High, Says US Travel Advisory on India

Calls Out Surge in Crimes Against Women, Warns of Terror Strikes at Public Places

June 22, 2025

In a strongly worded advisory to its citizens, the United States government has warned against travel to several parts of India, citing the growing incidence of violent crime and the alleged threat of terrorism. The advisory places India under the “exercise increased caution” category, flagging sexual assault as one of the fastest growing crimes in the country.

A travel advisory is a safety notice issued by the U.S. government to inform its citizens about risks they may face when visiting other countries. It covers issues like crime, terrorism, health concerns, political unrest and legal restrictions.

The latest warning, issued on June 18, singles out rape as a particularly serious concern, noting that such crimes have been reported from a wide range of locations, including popular tourist spots. While the document does not list specific cases, its language aligns with latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau.

Delhi, for example, reports an average of nearly three rapes and 40 cases of crimes against women each day, according to media reports.

The document advises U.S. citizens to avoid travelling alone, particularly women, and urges them to remain aware of their surroundings.

The advisory also cautions travellers about the risk of terrorist attacks, stating that such acts may occur with little or no warning and target crowded locations such as markets, shopping centres, transportation hubs and government offices.

Regions flagged in the advisory include Jammu and Kashmir, large parts of central and eastern India, and border areas with Pakistan and Nepal.

It points to frequent violence and the risk of civil unrest in the Kashmir Valley, including popular destinations like Srinagar and Gulmarg.

The states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and parts of Maharashtra and Telangana are classified as high-risk zones due to the presence of Maoist groups. In many of these rural regions, the U.S. government has limited capacity to offer consular support in emergencies, leading to further concern about traveller safety, says the advisory.

The advisory also makes a specific reference to the ongoing crisis in Manipur, where violence has killed at least 250 people and displaced thousands since May 2023. The unrest, which has paralysed governance and strained law enforcement, prompted the U.S. to include the northeastern state in its no-travel list. “Do not travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime,” it says.

Other northeastern states like Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh are listed under “reconsider travel” warnings.

The advisory also addresses legal risks that travellers may face. Carrying satellite phones or GPS devices without permission remains a punishable offence in India, and may attract a heavy fine or imprisonment of up to three years, it says.

The U.S. State Department ranks countries on a scale from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel. These advisories are updated as needed. Some are revised after major events like terror attacks or natural disasters, while others are part of regular reviews that happen once or twice a year. Updates are based on information from U.S. embassies, local authorities, and security agencies.

India as a whole has been ranked Level 2, meaning “exercise increased caution,” while certain regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, areas near the India-Pakistan border, and Manipur have been categorised as Level 4, meaning “do not travel.”

The advisory follows a periodic review of the situation in India and draws heavily from a 2024 report by the Overseas Security Advisory Council. It is unclear whether the concerns over terrorism stem from a general assessment of risk following recent India-Pakistan tensions or from specific intelligence available to the United States.

What is clear is that the advisory reflects global perceptions of India, some of which – especially those concerning the safety of women and the situation in Manipur – are confirmed by the lived experiences of many Indians.

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