India Travel Risk

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.
• 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 and shopping malls Government facilities

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. 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.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

India-Pakistan border area

FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border, except for Wagah-Attari border crossing. While The Wagah-Attari border crossing is currently closed, visitors can still access and attend the daily border retreat ceremony.

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir

FCDO advises against all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except for:

• travel by air to and from the city of Jammu
• travel within the city of Jammu

Manipur

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur including the capital, Imphal. Curfews and restrictions continue in parts of Manipur following ongoing ethnic violence since May 2023.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these regions.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of India.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in India.

There is a heightened risk of terrorism in some Indian regions. Read our advice on regional risks in India for more information.

Terrorist and insurgent groups operating in India include:

• Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and associated proxy groups such as The Resistance Front in Indian-administered Kashmir
• Naxalite (Maoist or Left Wing Extremism) groups active in some of the India’s eastern, southern and central states
• Khalistani extremists operating mainly in Punjab
• Daesh, Al Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and other groups may also be planning attacks

Terrorist attacks have targeted Indian government interests and civilians, including tourists and foreign nationals. Security has been strengthened, including at major hotels and transport hubs. However, terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:

• restaurants, hotels, bars, shopping centres and markets
• stations and airports
• places of worship and tourist attractions
• festivals, sports venues and beaches

Take particular care during periods of national or religious significance, such as:

• Republic Day (26 January)
• Independence Day (15 August)
• Diwali (usually in October or November)
• Eid (date changes each year)

Stay aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with local media reports. It is advisable to always carry identity documents and follow the advice of local authorities.

This section has safety advice for regions of India. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice for India.

India-Pakistan border area and western India

FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border. The Wagah-Attari border crossing is closed for tourist transit except for the daily border retreat ceremony. If you have plans to travel to India from Pakistan using any land borders, make alternate plans and follow the advice of local authorities

The India-Pakistan border in Gujarat and Rajasthan is unmarked in some areas. Approaching it away from an official crossing point could be dangerous. Where it is unmarked, you could enter Pakistan illegally.

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir

FCDO advises against all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except for:

• travel by air to and from the city of Jammu
• travel within the city of Jammu

There have been frequent terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. There is a continuing threat, towards Indian government targets and civilians including tourists and foreign nationals. See Terrorism.

There is a heavy security presence in the Kashmir Valley. This, combined with violent protests and operations by security forces, has resulted in a number of deaths and serious casualties.

The authorities can impose and lift curfews and other restrictions frequently and quickly. Stay vigilant, monitor local media, and follow the advice of local authorities and your travel company.

Foreign nationals are vulnerable in rural districts and outside the main population centres and tourist areas. There is a risk of unpredictable violence, including bombings, grenade attacks, shootings and kidnapping. The long-standing policy of the UK government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The level of consular assistance that the British High Commission in India can provide in Jammu and Kashmir is severely limited.

Manipur

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Manipur due to ongoing ethnic violence since May 2023.

There may be curfews and other restrictions including transport disruptions and the suspension of internet services at short notice in some parts of the state.

Some insurgent groups are active in north-east India including in the state of Manipur.

You should:

• avoid protests or large gatherings
• follow the advice of the local authorities and your travel company
• monitor local media and follow any curfew restrictions

Partial regional extract; read the full official section.

Risk level

India - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.

Regional risks

Manipur - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to Manipur due to the risk of terrorism and insurgency.

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir due to the unpredictable security situation. There is a threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest and kidnapping.

This advisory excludes travelling to or within the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Border areas with Pakistan - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Pakistan in the following states due to the unpredictable security situation and presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance:

• Gujarat
• Punjab
• Rajasthan

The Attari-Wagah border crossing is currently closed.

Demonstrations and mass gatherings

Demonstrations, mass gatherings, general strikes, "bandh" or "hartal," take place frequently. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation, including metro closures. Increased security measures could be put in place, including at transportation hubs, metro stations and border checkpoints.

Stampedes at religious and political gatherings pose a serious risk, often leading to loss of life.

Local authorities may impose curfews and other restrictions on short notice. Suspending internet services during curfews is a common response to violent unrest, communal tensions and large-scale protests.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including curfews
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir

The security situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is tense. There are high risks of violent protests, civil unrest and acts of terrorism and militancy.

Violent clashes between militants and security forces occur regularly. Terrorist attacks against security forces have led to civilian casualties. Further attacks could take place at any time. You could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Indian army has enhanced powers in this territory. Authorities may impose curfews and security restrictions on short notice.

• Avoid gatherings and demonstrations
• Always carry ID
• Expect a heightened security presence and security checks
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

印度现有橙色（高风险）地区2个，其他地区均为黄色（中风险）。具体如下：

一、橙色地区：控克什米尔地区和东北部地区（含阿萨姆邦、梅加拉亚邦、那加兰邦、曼尼普尔邦、特里普拉邦、米佐拉姆邦及印非法占领的我藏南地区）。外交部提醒中国公民近期谨慎前往上述地区，已在当地的人员和机构密切关注局势发展，保持高度警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身和财产安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

二、黄色地区：其他地区。外交部提醒在印度其他地区的人员也要加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。