‘Rape, violence, terrorism’: US suddenly updates travel advisory for India, asks women not to travel alone

WASHINGTON: The US State Department has issued a sudden level-2 travel warning to India, which urges travellers to “exercise increased caution”. The advisory was issued on June 16 “due to crime and terrorism,” it said, adding that some areas have increased risk.

“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/shopping malls, government facilities,” the advisory said.

“The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in rural areas. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. Due to risks, US government employees working in India must obtain special authorization to travel to these states,” the advisory said.

Specifying the dos and the don’ts, the advisory mentioned that possessing a satellite phone or a GPS device is illegal in India and may result in a penalty of $200,00 or jail time of up to three years, “Do not travel alone, especially if you are a woman,” it said.