US Issues Travel Advisory for India
The US State Department has updated its travel advisory for India, urging citizens to exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism.
Key Concerns Highlighted
Issued on June 16th, the level-2 warning highlights concerns about rape, violent crime, and potential terrorist attacks targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, and government facilities.
Restricted Access for US Government Employees
The advisory also notes the US government's limited ability to provide emergency services in rural areas spanning eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, and western West Bengal. US government employees require special authorization to travel to several states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha, beyond their capital cities.
Border and Legal Cautions
The advisory cautions against land travel across the India-Nepal border due to potential immigration issues and detentions. Furthermore, possessing satellite phones or GPS devices is illegal and carries significant penalties.
Travel Recommendations
Travelers, particularly women, are advised against solo travel, and extra caution is urged in Jammu and Kashmir, along the India-Pakistan border, and in parts of central and eastern India, as well as the Northeastern state of Manipur.