latest update: Govt Of India Travel Advisory for U.S. citizens

Govt Of India Travel Advisory: February 16, 2021

India – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

COVID-19, due to crime and terrorism, be more careful for India.

Read the COVID-19 page of the State Department before planning any International trip.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (COD) released Level 2 Travel health Warning to India due to COVID-19.

Most transport options like airports and land/sea borders are open. Companies are running, although some Quarntibe measures or entry restrictions are in effect for some Civil Travelers of United States.

For more information about COVID-19 in India, visit the COVID-19 page of the Embassy.

Do not travel:

• The Jammu & Kashmir state (apart from the eastern region of the Ladakh and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest.
• Within 10 KM (kilometers) of the Inda-Pakistan border due to the capability of Armed Conflict.

A recent report by Govt of India Travel Advisory said, rape is one of he fastes growing crimes in Inda. Violent crimes such as sexual offensess have occured at turist destinations and elswhere.

Terrorists can attack with little or no warnning, targeting tourist sites, transport centers, market/shopping centers, and government facilities.

The United States of America’s government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in rural areas ranging from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana and to Bengal (West) as US government officials must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the information page of the country.

If you decide to travel to India go by the following Govt of India travel advisory

• See the Us Embassy web page on COVID-19
• Visit CDC’s webpage on travel and COVID-19.
• Do not travel alone, especially if you’re a lady. Visit our site for female travelers.
• Review your personal safety plans and be alert around your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program to receive Alerts (on your phone/ devices) and make it easier to locate in an emergency.
• Review India’s crime and security report.
• American citizens traveling abroad should always have an emergency contingency plan. Preview Traveler’s checklist.

Jammu and Kashmir State

Terrorist attacks and violent unrest are possible within the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all visits to this state (except visits to the eastern region of the Ladakh and its capital, Leh). Sporadic Violation mainly occurs along the Line of the control (LOC)) that separates India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian Govt. forbids overseas travelers from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Indian and Pakistan Border

According to the Govt of India travel advisory, India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. There are no citizens of India or Pakistan who can cross the Line of Control (LOC). but there is an official cross-border point between Attari, India, and Wagah. The border crossing is usually open, but please confirm the current position of the crossing before starting your journey. Entering Pakistan is required for a Pakistani visa, and only U.S. citizens Living in India may only apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Or else, apply for a Pakistani visa in your country prior to your visit.

A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India can apply for a Pakistani visa in India. or else, apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence prior to India’s visit.

North Eastern states

Incidents of violence by rebel ethnic groups, including the bombing of buses, trains, railway lines, and markets, sometimes occur in the northeast of India.

U.S. government personals are forbidden from visiting the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. consulate General in Calcutta.

Central and eastern India

Govt of India travel advisory, as reported by extremist Maoist groups, or “Naxalites”, are active in a large part of India, from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana to western Western Bengal, particularly in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and rural areas. So in the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madya Pradesh, U.P.(Utter Pradesh), Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites carried out continuous terrorist attacks against local police paramilitary forces and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all travelers from the US government of the states with Naxalite activity should obtain authorization from us consulate responsible for the is being visited. Us authorities traveling only to the capitals of those states do not require prior authorization.