US issues India travel advisory, warns of ‘rape, violent crime, terrorism’
The advisory cautions against travel to the Jammu and Kashmir region.
The US Department of State has updated its travel advisory for travel to India.
The ‘Level 2 – Exercise increased caution’ warns US citizens of increased risk when travelling to some areas, because of “violent crime and terrorism”.
“Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls and government facilities,” the advisory said.
The advisory also makes it mandatory for US government employees to obtain special authorisation when travelling to select rural areas.
“The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in rural areas. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in India must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas,” the advisory said.
Travel to Jammu and Kashmir
The advisory also cautions against travel to the Jammu and Kashmir region.
“Do not travel to this area (except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest. 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,” the statement said.
“Violence also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam,” it added.
The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC, the advisory said.
Border areas
The Department of State also advises against travel to the India-Pakistan border area.
“India and Pakistan have a strong military presence on their respective sides of the border. The only official border crossing for non-citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab. It is between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan,” the statement said.
The US government further lists guidelines that its citizens must follow if they travel to India.
They should not bring a satellite phone or 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,” the advisory said.
It also advises women not to travel alone.
It urges citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get alerts and make it easier for the authorities to find travellers in an emergency.
Travellers are also encouraged to buy travel insurance.
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