The US Department of State has issued a Level 2 advisory for India, urging American citizens to exercise increased caution due to risks of crime and terrorism. The updated advisory, reissued on June 16 following a periodic safety review, also includes region-specific warnings, with the Northeast and Manipur facing elevated travel alerts.
“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,” the advisory states.
It adds that violent crimes, including sexual assault, have occurred at tourist sites and other public locations, and advises women to avoid travelling alone and to remain alert, especially in crowded or high-profile areas.
Northeast India flagged for security risks
The advisory urges American travelers to reconsider travel to Northeastern states, noting that while incidents may be infrequent, insurgent groups in the region have occasionally carried out attacks targeting public infrastructure such as markets, transportation hubs, and rail networks.
“Northeastern states – Reconsider travel to this area due to terrorism and violence,” the advisory reads, reinforcing longstanding concerns about security volatility in the region.
Although the advisory notes no recent reports of violence in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura, it maintains travel restrictions for US government personnel. Officials are required to obtain prior approval before traveling to Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, or to any area outside the capital cities of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
The advisory singles out Manipur with a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning, the most severe issued by the US State Department. The restriction cites ongoing ethnic-based conflict, community displacement, and continued attacks on government targets as the basis for the elevated risk.
“Do not travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime,” the notice states. US government employees must receive prior clearance before visiting the state.
Manipur has witnessed waves of violence since ethnic tensions flared in 2023, displacing thousands and drawing national and international concern over humanitarian and security conditions.
Apart from the Northeast, the advisory maintains a Level 4 warning for Jammu and Kashmir (excluding Ladakh), as well as areas along the India-Pakistan border, citing ongoing security risks and the potential for terrorist attacks.
The advisory follows a routine safety assessment by the US State Department and serves both as a cautionary guide for travelers and a protocol framework for diplomatic staff. While most of India remains open under the Level 2 advisory — meaning travelers should exercise increased caution — regions flagged under Levels 3 and 4 remain of serious concern.
(With inputs from agencies)
