US cautions female citizens against travelling to India alone amid rape threats

The United States has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to exercise increased caution when visiting India, citing the growing threat of violent crime, particularly rape, along with concerns about terrorism in several regions.

The advisory notes that rape is among the fastest-growing crimes in India, with incidents of sexual assault and violent crime reported at tourist locations and other public areas. Travellers, especially women, are strongly advised not to travel alone.

“Violent crime and terrorism occur in India,” the advisory states, emphasising that terrorist attacks may occur with little or no warning, targeting tourist areas, transport hubs, markets, shopping centres, and government buildings.

The US government’s ability to provide emergency assistance in rural areas is limited, and its personnel require special authorisation to travel to regions spanning eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, and western West Bengal, due to heightened security risks.

The advisory also warns US citizens:

• Not to carry satellite phones or GPS devices, which are illegal in India and may result in a fine of up to $200,000 or imprisonment of up to three years.
• To enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts and easier location in emergencies.
• To review personal security plans, remain alert, and prepare a contingency plan.
• Certain areas are marked as ‘Do Not Travel’ zones due to terrorism or ongoing conflict. These include:
• The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except eastern Ladakh and Leh), where terrorist activity and civil unrest are frequent.
• The India–Pakistan border, due to the potential for armed conflict.
• Manipur, due to ongoing ethnic violence and regular attacks on government targets.
• Parts of central and eastern India, where Maoist extremist groups operate, including in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
• Several northeastern states, where sporadic violence by ethnic insurgent groups has been reported.

US government employees in India must obtain prior approval before travelling to many of these high-risk regions, and travellers are urged to carefully follow Indian immigration laws, especially when crossing land borders.

The advisory concludes with strong recommendations for purchasing travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, and to stay informed via official government resources.

For full details, US citizens are directed to visit the State Department’s official travel advisory website.