IMPHAL, June 23: The United States Department of State has updated its travel advisory for India, urging American citizens to exercise increased caution due to elevated risks related to terrorism, crime, and sexual violence. The countrywide advisory remains at Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”), but Manipur and parts of the Northeast have been flagged as high-risk zones, warranting stricter warnings.
In the latest advisory, Manipur has been designated a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” area. The U.S. government cited the ongoing ethnic-based civil conflict, widespread violence, and community displacement as the primary concerns. The advisory notes that attacks against Indian government targets are frequent in the state, with the situation posing a significant threat to public safety and foreign visitors.
Other Northeastern states, including Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Tripura, have been placed under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory. The State Department referred to the presence of ethnic insurgent groups, which have a history of violent acts such as bombings of buses, trains, and markets. However, it acknowledged that there have been no recent incidents of violence reported in several of these states.
Additionally, the advisory mentions that U.S. government employees are subject to prior approval for travel to certain Indian states and regions. This includes Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and non-capital areas of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
The U.S. Embassy has urged its citizens already in India or those planning to travel to remain vigilant, stay updated through local news, avoid large gatherings, and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for officials to locate them in an emergency.
This travel advisory comes amid a prolonged period of ethnic unrest in Manipur, where violence between communities has led to over 260 deaths and mass displacement since May 2023. The situation remains volatile, with sporadic incidents of violence continuing to surface.
