Bhubaneswar: The United States has suddenly updated its travel advisory for India, urging its citizens—especially women—to exercise heightened caution. Notably, the advisory includes Odisha among 14 Indian states identified as high-risk due to concerns over terrorism, violent crime, and civil unrest.
The US citizens have been warned against travelling to south-western regions of Odisha impacted by Maoists activities. “Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that share a border with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected,” the advisory stated.
The US government has asked its employees to obtain special authorisation before travelling to regions beyond the state cities in several states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Meghalaya, and West Bengal. Travel to parts of eastern Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh is also restricted.
The revised advisory, classified as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, also warns travellers about growing incidents of violent crimes, including rape and sexual assault, particularly in tourist hubs, transport centers, markets, and other public areas. The US State Department specifically highlighted that women should avoid traveling alone in India as they may face elevated risks.
Incidentally, Odisha has also hit headlines for a series of alleged disturbing sexual assault cases, with three gang rapes reported across the state in the last few days.
The advisory also underscores the threat of terrorist attacks, which could occur without warning at high-density locations such as airports, train stations, shopping malls, and government facilities.
Additionally, the advisory reiterates the US government’s long-standing warnings against travel to Jammu & Kashmir (excluding Ladakh) and areas near the India-Pakistan border, citing terrorism and civil unrest. States like Manipur and parts of the Northeast have also been flagged due to ongoing ethnic violence and insurgency threats.
Restrictions for US Government Personnel
The inclusion of Odisha alongside other states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and parts of West Bengal signals US concerns over internal security challenges, including Maoist-affected regions.
The advisory further mandates that US government employees must seek special authorisation before traveling to certain regions, including Odisha’s interior areas. This highlights the perceived severity of security risks in these parts of the country.
The US has also reminded travellers about India’s strict laws on satellite phones and standalone GPS devices. Bringing in or using these without permission can lead to hefty fines or imprisonment.
What Traveler Have Been Advised To Follow:
Travel in groups, especially women.
Stay alert at tourist spots and transport hubs.
Avoid sensitive regions unless absolutely necessary.
Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates and assistance.
