Washington/Bhubaneswar: In a move that could impact international travel and perceptions, the United States has issued a Level-2 travel advisory for India, urging its citizens to “exercise increased caution” due to rising concerns over crime and terrorism. Among the most notable inclusions is Odisha, one of six Indian states where US government personnel must now obtain prior approval to travel outside state capitals.
The advisory, released by the US State Department, highlights a troubling spike in violent crimes, particularly sexual assaults at tourist spots, public markets, and transport hubs.
“Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India,” the statement warned, while also noting that terrorist attacks could occur without warning.
The six Indian states requiring prior clearance for travel outside their capital cities are Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Meghalaya.
Odisha’s inclusion comes in the wake of the recent gang rape of a college student at Gopalpur beach, one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations. The shocking incident has drawn nationwide outrage and spotlighted the state’s growing law and order challenges, particularly around women’s safety and the security of public spaces.
This development is being viewed as a diplomatic red flag, pointing to persistent safety issues in Odisha’s rural and semi-urban regions. The advisory also underlined the limited capacity of the US government to provide emergency assistance in such areas—a key factor in the mandatory clearance requirement.
Further restrictions were mentioned for Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and specific areas in central and northeastern India, all flagged as carrying elevated risks.
The advisory also warned against land travel across the India-Nepal border due to potential immigration detentions and penalties. Additionally, US citizens were reminded that satellite phones and GPS tracking devices are banned in India, with violations punishable by heavy fines or imprisonment.
Concluding the advisory, the US government strongly urged its citizens, “Avoid traveling alone, especially if you are a woman.”
This updated alert signals a cautious stance amid India’s changing internal security dynamics, and Odisha’s mention underscores the need for focused efforts on law and order in the state.
US Raises Caution Level, Mandates Prior Approval for Travel to Six Indian States Including Odisha News Room Odisha.
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