The significant wealth and class disparities in this country might provide some insights into the prevalence of scams and theft. However, according to John Gobbels, the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Medjet, an international emergency service, it is the state of medical safety that truly contributes to the perceived danger in India. Gobbels points out that the U.S. State Department has assigned Level 2 travel advisory status to India, with Level 1 advising normal precautions and Level 4 indicating “do not go.”
India’s “exercise increased caution” status is primarily attributed to several factors. Firstly, there are concerns about air pollution, which can be a health hazard. Additionally, the risk of contracting diseases like typhoid and food and waterborne infections is noteworthy. India is also home to the rare but life-threatening Nipah virus.
If you have your heart set on visiting the Taj Mahal or exploring India, Gobbels suggests taking several precautions. It’s advisable to consult with your physician before your trip, ensuring that you are up to date on vaccinations. Additionally, considering the prevalence of diseases like malaria, you may want to take antimalarial medications. Lastly, it’s wise to think about obtaining travel insurance to cover unforeseen medical emergencies during your stay.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.
SOURCE
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/india-travel-advisory.html
Country Summary: Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.
Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
If you decide to travel to India:
- Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers.
- Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for India.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel
India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.
U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.
Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.