Published: February 27, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State India Travel Advisory and India International Travel Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy New Delhi:
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021; American Center - 24, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001.
Tel: +91-11-2419-8000. Hours: 0900-1700, Monday-Friday.
U.S. Consulate General Mumbai:
C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East, Mumbai 400051.
Tel: +91-22-2672-4000.
U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad:
Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032.
Tel: +91-040-6932-8000. Hours: 0830-1700, Monday-Friday.
U.S. Consulate General Kolkata:
5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata – 700071 West Bengal.
Tel: +91-33-6827-2400.
U.S. Consulate General Chennai:
Gemini Circle, Chennai 600 006.
Tel: +91-044-2857-4000. Hours of Operation: 0800-1700; Monday-Friday.
Virtual Presence Post Bangalore
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai Country Chapters meet quarterly, and the Bengaluru Country Chapter meets monthly.
Contact OSAC’s Asia team with any questions.
India Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers should exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
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; a permit is required for travel to Ladakh). 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.
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.
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. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.
Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a significant swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha. The Naxalites have historically conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials. Naxalite attacks generally occur in rural areas within close proximity of forested mountains. They target GOI officials but are generally unwilling to target U.S. or commercial interests.
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.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai as being MEDIUM-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for India, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
The crime emergency line in India is 100 or 112 from a mobile phone. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Crime rarely targets foreigners. Petty crime (e.g. theft of personal property) is common and occurs regularly in local markets, at tourist sites, and on public transportation (e.g. trains, buses, auto rickshaws). Exercise extra vigilance in major tourist areas, on overnight trains, and at rail stations and airports. Theft of U.S. passports is common, particularly in major tourist areas, on trains, at airports, and metro/train stations.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics indicate a total of
A total of 27,721 cases of murder were registered during 2023, showing a marginal decline of 2.8% over 2022 (28,522 cases).
For cities with a population greater than two million, for murder, A total of 2,004 cases of murder were registered during 2023, showing a decline of 1.3% over
2022 (2,031 cases). There is no change in crime rate (1.8%) in 2023. “ Disputes’ (9,209 cases) was the motive in highest number of murder cases during 2023
followed by ‘Personal Vendetta or Enmity’ (3,458 cases) and ‘Gain’ (1,890 cases).
Although violent crimes are generally uncommon, crimes against women remain a top security concern. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics indicate a total of 4,48,211 cases of crime against women were registered during 2023, showing an increase of 0.7% over 2022 (4,45,256 cases).
Crimes reported against women have been among local residents almost exclusively; a large portion involve domestic disputes. Occasionally, local women riding motorbikes have had jewelry snatched by passing riders. Though there has been an increase in rape and sexual harassment reports, this may be attributed to an increased willingness to report incidents, not necessarily to an increase in occurrences. Sexual assault remains a top priority and target of state and city police officials. See section on Safety Concerns for Women Travelers below.
Criminals sometimes attempt to drug drinks in order to steal money and possessions or conduct sexual assaults. U.S. travelers have received drugged drinks or tainted food in an effort to make them more vulnerable to theft, particularly at train stations. When in a bar/restaurant, keep a close watch over your drink, and do not accept a drink from anyone you do not know or trust. Even food or drink purchased from a canteen or vendor could be tainted.
Residential theft is a common occurrence amongst the Indian population, normally occurring when the property is vacant. Violence resulting in serious injury or death is relatively rare. Most commonly, residential theft involves household staff either stealing directly from their employer or allowing acquaintances into the residence while the employer is away.
There have been reports of local political organizations pressuring Western companies, particularly in more rural areas, to hire certain workers or vendors. In rare cases, organized crime elements make extortion threats. Criminal groups tend to target lower-income Indian citizens and tourists. There have also been reports of criminals using the names of actual U.S. diplomats, businesses, or individuals in their fraudulent materials.
Several scams target foreign travelers. Some foreigners have fallen prey to property scams, usually when they become convinced to invest in property along with an Indian partner. The trend involves the Indian partner using a false pretext to make a claim on the entire property, generally after construction or restoration is complete, or offering. There have been a number of other scams perpetrated against foreign travelers, particularly in Goa, Jaipur, and Agra that target younger travelers and involve suggestions that money can be made by privately transporting gems or gold (both of which can result in arrest) or by taking delivery abroad of expensive carpets, supposedly while avoiding customs duties. The scam artists describe profits that can be made upon delivery of the goods and require the traveler to pay a "deposit" as part of the transaction.
These schemes invariably result in the traveler losing all their money. The gem/gold is nearly always counterfeit; if it was real, the traveler could be subject to arrest. Such schemes often pull the unsuspecting traveler in over the course of several days and begin with a new friend who offers to show the traveler around, so that the friend or new acquaintance can practice his English. Offers of cheap lodgings and meals also can place the traveler in the physical custody of the scam artist and can leave the traveler at the mercy of threats or physical coercion. Travelers should deal only with reputable businesses and should not give their money unless they are certain that goods being shipped to them are the goods they purchased.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Underground pedestrian crosswalks are inviting locations for gangs of criminal youths, con artists, and beggars. Unsecured construction sites can also present risks for pedestrians.
Be wary of unexpected persons coming to your hotel room. Never open the door to unsolicited room service or maintenance personnel. Contact the front desk if you have any doubts. Leave valuables and important papers secured in your hotel's safe deposit box. Make sure to give luggage only to a member of the hotel's bell staff, and to secure a receipt.
Restrict evening entertainment to well-known venues and avoid walking in isolated areas alone at any time. Use caution when in high poverty areas of the city, and around large public celebrations. Avoid Mumbai’s Red-Light district of Kamathipura.
Travelers to Hyderabad are particularly vulnerable in the areas surrounding the historic monument of Charminar (popular with tourists and marketgoers) and the Old City district of Hyderabad. Due to heavy crowds and extremely congested vehicle traffic in the narrow and confined spaces of the Old City, personal space is non-existent, and the risk of pickpocketing and assault rises. During festival periods, this part of the city can get congested to the point that crowds become impenetrable, creating an isolated person’s risk for victims of crime inside the crowd
Vulnerable areas for travelers in Kolkata, generally safe during the day, include red-light districts like Sonagachi, Watgunge, and Kidderpore, as well as areas prone to petty theft like Esplanade, MG Road, and Sealdah, especially after dark. Avoid poorly lit areas and river ghats (e.g., Baghbazar) late at night.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for India. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
There has been an uptick in kidnapping for ransom. These kidnappings are not based on nationality, but rather due to the victim’s perceived wealth. Most kidnappings involve Indian citizens, but on occasion, foreign nationals of South Asian descent have been kidnapped. Kidnappings of children and women in the local community are becoming more common.
A total of 107,588 cases of kidnapping & abduction were registered during 2022, showing an increase of about 6% over 2021. During 2022, a total of 117,083 kidnapped or abducted persons (21,199 male, 95,883 females, and one transgender person) were recovered, out of which 116,109 persons were recovered alive and 974 were found dead.
Few cases involving U.S. citizens have been reported; such reports primarily involve family members allegedly holding children in India for arranged marriages against the wishes of one parent.
Criminals in Kolkata have targeted tourists whose first language is not English for “express kidnappings,” where they befriend travelers by speaking their native language and then hold them for days while emptying the victim’s bank account. There are reports that express kidnappers have held some women for weeks and allegedly repeatedly raped them. Express kidnapping is a concern in Odisha as well.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed New Delhi as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai are assessed as MEDIUM-threat locations for terrorism.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for India, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist. Review the latest U.S. Department of State Country Report on Terrorism for India.
India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have occurred during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but they could occur any time. Hoax bomb threats have surged in India, impacting schools, hospitals, airports, and airplanes.
Anti-Western terrorist groups, some on the U.S. government's list of foreign terrorist organizations, are active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba.
On November 10, 2025, a vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated near the Lal Qila train station in New Delhi. The blast killed 13 and wounded 28. Jaish-e-Mohammed initially claimed responsibility but has since retracted their involvement.
The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends avoiding travel to Jammu & Kashmir because of the potential for terrorist incidents as well as violent public unrest. The U.S. government prohibits its employees from traveling to Jammu & Kashmir without permission; the U.S. Embassy grants permission only in exceptional circumstances such as for official duties. A number of terrorist groups operate in the territory targeting security forces, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Foreigners are particularly visible, vulnerable, and at risk. In the past, serious communal violence left the territory mostly paralyzed due to massive strikes and business shutdowns, and U.S. citizens have had to be evacuated by local police.
Maoist extremist groups called “Naxalites” are present in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and western Odisha. There is also a Naxalite presence in the “Tri-Junction” area, where Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu states converge. The Naxalites have a long history of conflict with state and national authorities, including frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, and are responsible for more attacks in the country than any other organization through an ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation. The Naxalites have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens but have attacked symbolic targets. While Naxalite violence does not normally occur in places foreigners frequent, there is a risk that visitors could become victims of violence. In Mumbai, focus is on Naxalite activity in Chhattisgarh and eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The Indian Mujahedeen (IM) is responsible for dozens of bombings and has killed hundreds of civilians. IM's goal is to carry out terrorist actions against non-Muslims in furtherance of its ultimate objective of an Islamic Caliphate across South Asia.
As of early 2026, the U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution (Level 2) when traveling to India due to crime, terrorism, and civil unrest. Specific warnings exist for eastern India, including a "do not travel" advisory for Manipur, and reconsideration of travel to other Northeastern states and parts of Central/East India.
- Manipur: Do not travel to Manipur due to ongoing ethnic-based conflict, which has resulted in extensive violence, community displacement, and limited ability of the U.S. government to provide emergency services.
- Northeastern States: Reconsider travel to Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya due to the risk of violence from ethnic insurgent groups.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai as being MEDIUM-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for India, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
India is a relatively stable parliamentary democracy. The federal government, known as the “central” or “union” government, is divided into executive, judicial, and legislative branches. Under the constitution, the country’s 28 states and eight union territories have a high degree of autonomy and have primary responsibility for law and order. Observers considered the recent parliamentary elections held on September 9, 2025, which included more than 600 million voters, to be free and fair, although there were reports of isolated instances of violence. Recent elections have shown a peaceful turnover of power
Protests & Demonstrations
Demonstrations and general strikes (bandh) often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more. U.S. citizens caught in such a strike may find they are unable to make flight and rail connections, as local transportation can be severely limited. Local media generally give an idea of the length and geographical location of the strike. Large religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result in dangerous and often life-threatening stampedes. Local demonstrations can begin spontaneously and escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services and posing risks to travelers. In response to such events, Indian authorities occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. You are urged to obey such curfews and travel restrictions and to avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following political rallies, elections, and religious festivals (particularly when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide).
Tensions between castes and religious groups can also result in disruptions and violence. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites and disrupt train operations in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. India generally goes on “High Alert” status prior to major holidays or events. You should monitor local television, print media, Mission India’s American Citizens Services Facebook page, and enroll with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for further information about the current situation in areas where you will travel.
India has recently experienced demonstrations in response to controversial government actions, such as the approval of the Citizenship Amendment Act and Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act of 2019 and the Farmers' Protests that began in 2020. Widespread demonstrations often result in periodic interruption of internet and telephone services across India. Public transit and ground and air traffic are occasionally affected. While most demonstrators are peaceful, it is not uncommon for police and a minority of demonstrators to clash, resulting in injuries and a few reported deaths, such as in a Farmers' Protest in January 2021. A farmers’ protest in 2024 has resulted in at least one protester’s death and dozens of other injures.
Police handle large demonstrations professionally when they have advanced notice and can adequately plan for the event. However, major cities can experience spontaneous demonstrations and incidents of violence that can disrupt traffic flow, as well as cause damage to property before the police can respond.
Protests broke out in Ladakh in September 2025; the focus of the protests was more safeguards and protections for individuals in the area from the Indian government. After a two-week hunger strike, younger protestors shifted their focus to local government buildings resulting in a violent clash with law enforcement. This resulted in the deaths of four protestors and 12 injuries. In early 2026, Left-wing activists in Kolkata, West Bengal, have held protests over a range of issues, including against United States foreign policy.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Anti-U.S. protests are not common, although an anti-U.S. protest occurred in 2020 in Mumbai, condemning the U.S. killing of an Iranian general. The group responsible has support on several social media sites that feature anti-U.S. images and videos. There were no reports of Westerners or private organizations being targeted as a result.
Kolkata has a history of anti-imperialist protests in West Bengal, which often see demonstrations against U.S. foreign policy, as well as occasional protests targeting U.S., Israeli, and, in some cases, other international actors' policies.
Law Enforcement
The states and union territories have primary responsibility for maintaining law and order, with policy oversight from the central government. Police are within state jurisdiction. The Home Affairs Ministry controls most paramilitary forces, the internal intelligence bureaus, and national law enforcement agencies, and provides training for senior officials from state police forces. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces; members of the security forces have committed some abuses.
A lack of accountability for official misconduct persisted at all levels of government, contributing to widespread impunity. Lax enforcement, a shortage of trained police officers, and an overburdened and under resourced court system contributed to a low number of convictions.
Police Response
West Bengal and Bihar have some of the lowest police-to-population ratios in India, significantly below the national average. Police strength is well below the worldwide average of 350:100,000. The ratio of police officers to citizens in India is approximately 152.8:100,000. With the population well over 21 million and a density of over 29,000 people per square mile, policing is a difficult task. While the numbers of reported incidents increase every year, many more go unreported. There is a common perception that the police are corrupt and cannot be trusted. In some cases, police officers are involved in crime or are bribed to turn a blind eye. Many victims do not go to the police for fear of persecution and harassment. Even those who witness crimes avoid getting involved in a judicial process that is painfully slow, inconvenient, and ineffective. These practices, and a lack of basic equipment and formalized training for patrol officers, have corroded public confidence, and there is no certainty of punishment for criminals.
As a part of a citizen friendly and responsive policing program, Hyderabad City Police launched a mobile app titled "HAWK EYE." Traffic congestion constrains the ability of Consulate officials and Indian emergency responders to aid travelers anywhere in Hyderabad quickly. The police do an effective job of managing large-scale protests and are responsive to security requests. Police services are relatively strong and responsive inside Hyderabad’s business districts, especially in Hi-Tec City and Gachibowli. Once a suspect is under arrest, the time for a case to be heard in court is often several years. For more information, see Hyderabad City Police website.
The Mumbai police do an effective job managing large-scale protests and are responsive to security requests. Find further information on the Mumbai Police online.
The Kolkata Police Department and local police throughout northeast India are professional. Police typically are limited in their ability to respond to emergencies due to the lack of transportation, training, equipment, and communications systems. It may take several years for a case to be heard in court. Kolkata Police provide several citizen-centric programs focusing on community safety, assistance for the elderly, and digital awareness. Key initiatives include Pronam (support for senior citizens), the Bondhu App (emergency services), Neighbourhood Watch (local vigilance), and KIRAN (driving training for women).
The Chennai police lack training and equipment but are professional and responsive. They have been successful managing protests, which are relegated to approved zones within the city. Police often arrest protesters outside of these approved locations.
Report crimes to the local police by calling 100 or 112 from a mobile phone.
In Kolkata and across Eastern India, the primary emergency, police, fire, and ambulance service number is 112. This is a pan-India emergency helpline that works 24/7, even without a SIM card on mobile phones.
For immediate, urgent crimes in Kolkata, the traditional police control room number 100 remains active.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
The Department of State recommends avoiding travel to areas within ten kilometers of the India-Pakistan border.
Travel by road is dangerous but common; travel at night is particularly hazardous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths, which have included U.S. citizens. Local media reports that an Indian dies every three minutes in a road accident. In general, most areas lack basic traffic law enforcement. Many drivers routinely ignore traffic rules without regard to safety. Traffic travels on the left and often does not stop for pedestrians, even in marked pedestrian crossings; therefore, it is important to be alert while crossing streets and intersections, especially after dark Travelers should remember to use seatbelts in both rear and front seats where available, and ask their drivers to maintain a safe speed; seatbelts are not common in three-wheel taxis (autos) and in taxis’ back seats. Always wear helmets on motorcycles and bicycles. When driving, strictly obey traffic regulations and carry your registration and license.
Approximately half of deaths on Indian roads are among vulnerable road users: motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas. Stay alert and drive defensively. Tamil Nadu and Chennai have often led India in the number of traffic accidents annually.
People drive erratically. If a driver hits a pedestrian or a cow, the vehicle and its occupants are at risk of being attacked by passersby. These attacks pose a significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle's occupants or risk of incineration of the vehicle. It could be unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature, and drivers may instead wish to seek out the nearest police station.
At intersections, there are frequent throngs of indigent individuals and street hawkers. Keep windows rolled up and doors locked.
Urban roads are in moderate condition, but the infrastructure is not keeping pace with rapid population growth and development. Traffic congestion is significant at virtually all times, with a corresponding increase in the number of high-speed traffic accidents and fatalities, particularly on the few highways.
Some urban roads change the direction of traffic flow twice a day to accommodate huge inflows and outflows of vehicles during rush hours. The safest driving policy is to assume that other drivers will not respond to a traffic situation in the same way you would in the U.S. Road rage is common.
Drivers must have either a valid Indian driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license. Because of difficult road and traffic conditions, many U.S. travelers who visit India hire a local driver. On Indian roads, “might makes right.” For example, many vehicles, including buses and trucks, run red lights and merge directly into traffic at yield points and traffic circles. Cars, auto-rickshaws, bicycles, and pedestrians behave only slightly more cautiously, but are often as or more aggressive than larger vehicles. Use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence. It is both customary and wise.
Inside and outside major cities, roads are often poorly maintained and congested. Even main roads frequently have only two lanes, with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few divided highways, expect to meet local transportation traveling in the wrong direction, often without lights after dark. Heavy traffic is the norm and includes (but is not limited to) overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel carts, occasional horse or elephant riders en route to weddings or celebrations, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock.
Driving under the influence of alcohol, exceeding 30 mg per 100ml of blood detected by a breath analyzer (.03 BAC equivalent), is punishable under Indian law.
Protestors often use road blockages as a means of publicizing their grievances, causing severe inconvenience to travelers. Monitor local news reports for any reports of road disturbances.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Indians use public transportation extensively. Buses and metro rail are the cheapest, most frequently used means of public transportation. Buses, the transport mode of choice for hundreds of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they serve almost every city of any size. However, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are quite common. Auto rickshaws (three-wheeled vehicles) are a popular form of transportation, drivers are known to perpetrate crimes against passengers, especially at night against women. Public transportation is crowded and frequently experiences groping/petty crimes.
Interstate trains are safer than buses, but train accidents do occur more frequently than in other countries, especially at night; accidents gain increasing media attention due to the high death tolls when they do occur. Theft aboard trains along popular tourist routes is common. Criminals can drug food/drink offered to passengers. Where possible, lock your compartment. If you must sleep, position your luggage so that you would awaken if someone attempted to tamper with it. Alert authorities if you feel threatened. Extra police often ride trains on routes where crime is a serious problem.
Exiting and entering a train can be dangerous, or in some cases deadly. Many trains frequently operate with the doors open, leaving room for more adventurous riders to hang out these doors during peak time hours. On average, there are approximately 3,000 deaths related to the train system per year, though this includes people riding on the outside or top of the train, as well as some pedestrians.
Reports of harassment of women on trains persist. Women train passengers should travel in the female-only compartment, which will offer a measure of security. Nonetheless, there have been reports of criminal gangs targeting women in these cabins. Foreigners are not the exclusive target in these reports, though they may draw attention. Some OSAC companies prohibit foreign visitors from using trains due to the higher risk of sexual assault at train stations
Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings and beware of unmarked cabs. Travelers have fallen victim to nefarious activity that often occurs in unregulated buses or taxis. Do not enter any car carrying unfamiliar passengers. Use pre-paid taxis. In Delhi, for example, you pay in advance for taxi fare, pre-approved by Delhi Transport Authority for each destination. When you are in the car, sit in the rear seat, lock the doors from the inside, and do not allow the driver to accept additional passengers. Seatbelts are uncommon in taxis.
Traveling alone in hired taxis and rickshaws is generally safe, even as an increasing number make use of application-based transportation providers. Beware of taxi drivers and others, including train porters, who solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers accepting such offers have frequently found themselves the victims of scams, including offers to assist with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, disproportionately expensive hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," extended cab rides, and even threats when the tourists decline to pay. There have been reports of tourists being lured, held hostage and extorted for money in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members.
Obtain taxis from hotels and pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. At many airports, auto rickshaw drivers are not permitted to pick up or drop off passengers. Never take advice from taxi drivers regarding your stay/tour. Travelers accepting these offers have frequently found themselves the victims of scams, including transfers to disproportionately expensive hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," and even threats when the passengers try to decline the offer.
Web-based taxi services like Ola, Meru, BluSmart, and Uber are popular in India for both cars and auto rickshaws. If you decide to use one of these web-based services, verify the license plate of the vehicle before you enter it. It is not uncommon for other vehicles and drivers to attempt to steal fares. Become familiar with your web-based application for the service you choose, as many have emergency help options. Sometimes drivers will ask for more money than the agreed upon fare in the ride-hailing applications.
When using public transportation, always exercise caution with your bags and refrain from sharing details of your identity and travel plans. If you take public transportation in rush hour or visit crowded places, hold your bag in front of you. Scam artists often use major airports, train stations, metro stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites to prey on visitors, often creating a distraction to accomplish their goals.
Review OSAC’s Travelers' Guide to Indian Transportation Security and Safety and Security in the Share Economy.
Aviation Concerns
Airlines are one of the safest modes of transportation in India. Most airports have a robust police presence, extensive CCTV coverage, and restrictions limiting airport access to only employees and travelers. An adequate number of police officers are in proper uniform outside the arrival hall and parking area at the airport. In addition, plain-clothed police officers also keep watch on suspicious activity.
Travelers should be aware that Indian air travel has experienced a significant increase in disruptions due to hoax bomb threats. While these threats have most frequently targeted flights inbound from Gulf countries, flights originating from a variety of locations have also been affected. The number of reported hoax bomb threats impacting Indian airlines rose sharply from 71 in 2023 to 728 in 2024/25. Indian regulations require airlines to respond to all threats, resulting in diversions, cancellations, and delays; however, to date, none of these threats have materialized into actual attacks. Domestic Indian carriers are the primary targets, but international airlines—including American, JetBlue, and Air New Zealand—have also been impacted.
Use caution while booking private helicopters for travel, especially in northeast India.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of India’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of India’s air carrier operations. Find further information on the FAA's safety assessment page.
Upon leaving some Indian airports, take precautions because of the large crowds and chaotic atmosphere, which is ideal for pickpockets. Be careful with bags in the arrival and departure areas outside airports. When coming out of the airport, stay away from anyone offering cheap residential accommodation or transportation. If you require assistance with luggage, make sure porters are airport-accredited and identifiable by their uniform. In addition to safeguarding luggage, exercise extreme diligence in maintaining positive control over your travel and identity documents.
Unlicensed taxi drivers often approach travelers arriving at the airport offering rides; if you require a taxi service, decline these offers and use one of the multiple legitimate taxi kiosks located inside the airport.
In New Delhi (DEL), contact the "May I help you" counter in the airport Arrival Hall for help and guidance. There is adequate coverage by uniformed police patrols outside the arrival hall and in the parking area. In addition, police officers in plain clothes also keep watch on suspicious activity. You can contact the nearest police officer to report any suspicious behavior.
In Kolkata (CCU), use caution when taking public transportation from the airport. Generally, reputable hotels will arrange for airport pickup and delivery. Never accept rides from individuals claiming to be taxis. If you must use public transportation, use a pre-paid taxi service from the authorized taxi stand located just prior to exiting the airport near exit 4A and 4B.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.
Maritime Security
Travelers on India’s inland waterways are likely to encounter poorly maintained watercraft with minimal safety equipment and unverifiable (or missing) certifications. Swimming in India’s freshwater lakes and rivers is not advisable, due to endemic parasites and pollution from agricultural, residential, and industrial sources.
Exercise caution if intending to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, several people in Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha), off the Eastern Coast in the Bay of Bengal, and other areas drown due to strong undertows. It is important to heed warnings posted at beaches and to avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.
If visiting the Andaman Islands, be aware that there have been reports of crocodile attacks in saltwater resulting in fatalities. Ask residents about dangerous sea life before swimming and always keep a safe distance from animals.
Many of India’s coastal areas are prone to seasonal cyclones (April to June and September to December), strong currents, and occasional destructive tsunamis. While the Indian Navy and Coast Guard have strengthened coastal security since the 2008 attack on Mumbai, the threat of waterborne terrorist infiltration cannot be discounted. Indian law enforcement disrupted a plot by an al-Qa’ida-linked cell in September 2020 targeting the Indian Navy. A variety of domestic terrorist groups have demonstrated more intent than capability to carry out mass-casualty attacks, but like the coastal security threat, they cannot be entirely discounted.
Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in India review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for India
The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of people to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention. The government generally observed these laws. There were reports of arbitrary arrest and several instances when police used special security laws to postpone judicial reviews of arrests.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government has generally implemented the law effectively. There were numerous reports of government corruption in 2022.
In April 2022 the Supreme Court suspended a colonial-era sedition law that criminalized acts or attempts “to bring into hatred or contempt, or…excite disaffection toward the government.” The ruling made hundreds of individuals detained under the law eligible for bail and forbade law enforcement from filing new cases under the law. Civil society organizations celebrated the ruling, stating that the government used the sedition law to deter critical speech against the government.
Streaming services and social media companies have expressed concern over charges filed or investigative cases opened against them by Indian state and local officials regarding content on their platforms deemed inappropriate.
Health Concerns
For medical emergencies, the number for ambulance services is 102.
The quality of medical care in India varies considerably. Medical care in the major population centers approaches and occasionally meets Western standards. Adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas. Public health facilities can be overwhelming. There are concerns about nursing care, and finding English-speaking nurses can be an issue at times. Most hospitals require advance payment or confirmation of insurance prior to treatment. Payment practices vary and credit cards are not routinely accepted for medical care.
The healthcare system on the outskirts of big cities and in rural areas is lacking in infrastructure and appropriately trained medical staff. In many places, healthcare facilities do not exist.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General use selected accredited facilities for minor treatments, while patients requiring major medical treatments and surgical interventions receive medical evacuation (medevac).
Emergency medical services are extremely limited. Emergency medicine/trauma care is still below western standards, but capabilities are improving. Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. Local traffic does not yield to emergency vehicles, and traffic congestion could prevent speedy transport to a hospital. It is often timelier to proceed to the hospital using private transportation (such as a taxi or private vehicle) than to wait for an ambulance response.
Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Companies offering vacation packages bundled with medical consultations and financing options provide direct-to-consumer advertising over the internet. These packages often claim to provide high-quality care, but the actual quality is highly variable. People seeking health care should understand that India's medical systems operate differently from those in the U.S. and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.
Despite reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in general travelers should not delay or avoid treatment for urgent or emergent medical situations. However, health tourists and other travelers who may be contemplating elective procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital infection-control practices. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before travel and refer to information from the CDC. Refer to OSAC's report, Medical Tourism Surging.
Altitudes in popular trekking spots can be higher than 20,000 feet; make sure that you have had a recent medical checkup to ensure that you are fit to trek at these altitudes and carry sufficient medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling in High Altitude.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for India. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Strongly consider all routine vaccines prior to all travel.
In addition to routine childhood and adult immunizations, recommended vaccines in India are: Cholera, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies (Pre-exposure), Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, IPV (Polio) booster, MMR booster, and Yellow Fever. In India, the vaccination schedule followed is different from that in the U.S. The vaccines available in India are also non-US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccines.
Complete vaccinations, particularly for Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis, prior to travel to India. Rabies is endemic in India and Japanese Encephalitis is prevalent in some areas; the latter vaccine is not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. The potential unavailability of post-exposure vaccines for rabies is a concern, as is the rabies immunoglobulin unavailability outside of big cities, which can be life threatening.
Dogs and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Vaccinate against rabies for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and travelers in rural areas. Vaccinate for shorter stays that involve occupational exposure, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys also can transmit rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding monkeys. If bitten, immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.
Influenza is transmitted from November to April in areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (north India), and from June through November (the rainy season) in areas south of the Tropic of Cancer (south India), with a smaller peak from February through April. Off-season transmission can also occur. All travelers are at risk and should receive the influenza vaccine during the flu season.
Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam.
Malaria prophylaxis depends on time of year and area the traveler is visiting. Dengue fever presents significant risk in urban and rural areas. The highest number of new cases occurs from July to December, with cases peaking from September to October. Use daytime insect precautions such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and mosquito repellent. Zika is also present in India.
Local press reports indicate an extraordinarily high HIV rate among local sex workers. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in India.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Health care providers suggest traveling to India with a three to six-month supply of medications as a best practice. Medications should be kept in the prescription or commercial bottle, packed in carry-on luggage, and not exposed to extremes of temperature. Most prescriptions from local physicians can be filled locally. Beware, however, that many medications prescribed in India are not approved by the FDA and are counterfeit.
Most common medications are widely available in India with a prescription from a medical provider, although quality of medications can vary greatly depending on the pharmacy. Larger pharmacies situated inside hospitals are more reliable and recommended.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Food and drinking water safety are a concern in India. Several government initiatives are in place to improve drinking water and sanitation, but travelers should still avoid drinking tap water, as the quality is questionable. Food cleanliness standards are also debatable, especially at street vendors. Use extreme caution when dining at these facilities.
Tap water is not potable in most of India. Municipal water sources (water supply from the government) can be contaminated with biological and chemical pollutants. Water can be dirty in appearance and foul smelling. Waterborne illnesses, including typhoid fever, cholera, infectious hepatitis, and bacillary and amoebic dysentery are only a few of the serious diseases that can be transmitted by contaminated drinking water. Rely on bottled, distilled, or filtered water. Avoid buying bottled water from roadside vendors.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
Environmental hazards can be atmospheric, food-borne, vector-borne, and water-related.
Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in India, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you. The air quality in India varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the winter. Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. Air pollution in India is a critical concern due to the burning of wood and other biomass, fuel adulteration, vehicle emissions, and traffic congestion. In autumn and winter months, large-scale crop burning in agricultural fields is a major source of smoke, smog, and particulate pollution. Asthma and respiratory illness are common.
Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) before going out. Air Quality routinely reaches levels hazardous to health with high concentrations of particulate (PM2.5) air pollution. Particulate concentrations may frequently be moderately high. Particulate air pollution may have immediate adverse effects on people with respiratory and cardio-vascular health issues. Short-term high pollution levels may trigger asthma attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Long-term exposure effects include respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and heart attacks. During high pollution episodes, minimize time outside, take more breaks, and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. During high air pollution episodes, move activities indoors if possible or reschedule them. Run air cleaners continuously in your home, in the highest settings, during such air pollution episodes.
Sanitation practices in India remain sub-par, partly because of a lack of education and poverty, resulting in the high risk of food-borne hazards. Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections are very common.
Mosquito-borne illnesses like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika are commonly reported in India. Take appropriate measures (malaria prophylaxis and mosquito preventive measures) while traveling to mitigate vector-borne hazards.
Parts of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. Regions of highest risk, ranked 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehra Dun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and the entire northeast. Ranked 4 (high damage risk) is an area that sweeps along the north through Jammu and Kashmir, Eastern Punjab, Haryana, Northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of West Bengal. New Delhi is located in zone 4. Severe flooding is common in hilly and mountainous areas throughout India. Flooding in 2013 in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other areas left thousands of people presumed dead and temporarily stranded dozens of U.S. citizens.
Typhoons/cyclones and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, in particular the Eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, and have at times resulted in massive loss of life. Tourists and residents in areas prone to these events should remain vigilant during severe weather, monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal warnings. Residents in these areas should have contingency plans for loss of power and unavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days after a severe weather event.
In 2025, historic levels of rainfall in northern India caused the worst flooding and landslides to hit the region in decades with 90 deaths and hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes. During 2025’s monsoon season, India Today reported that India recorded 2,277 incidents of flooding and landslides with over 1500 reported deaths.
Water-borne illnesses are common in India as explained previously. In addition, natural disasters in India occasionally cause massive loss of life and property. Droughts, flash floods, cyclones, avalanches, and landslides brought on by torrential rains pose the greatest threats. The increasing severity of these disasters is fueled by climate change.
Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram mountain range that includes the Siachen glacier. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangerous. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. Check with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for information on current conditions.
Review OSAC’s report, Landslides: What Are They and How to Prepare.
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics indicate a total of 86,420 cases were registered under Cyber Crimes, showing an increase of 31.2% in registration over 2022 (65,893 cases). Crime rate under this category increased from 4.8 in 2022 to 6.2 in 2023. During 2023, 68.9% of cyber-crime cases registered were for the motive of fraud (59,526 out of 86,420 cases) followed by Sexual Exploitation with 4.9% (4,199 cases) and Extortion with 3.8% (3,326 cases).
India saw a massive 42% spike in cybercrime in 2024, with 22.68 lakh complaints filed on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Victims lost a staggering INR 22,845 crore, driven by rising digital fraud like phishing and investment scams.
Theft of financial information and identity theft have become significant concerns. The diplomatic community has experienced numerous incidents of local bank accounts being compromised. Advance fee fraud schemes are common in India, and incidents involving ATM skimmers have been reported.
Cyber actors do not have a high level of sophistication; some scams are more sophisticated. However, their offensive capabilities pose a moderate risk to those traveling in the country. Their capabilities include spear phishing, strategic web compromises, Microsoft Office exploits, custom and open-source malware, malicious Android apps, and mobile Android spyware implants.
The complexity and capability of organizations conducting organized white-collar financial scams and cybercrime continues to expand. Scam callers may work at call centers. Some scammers will also assume the identities of certain professions such as mail couriers, phone-service providers, or law enforcement personnel.
Indian authorities report that West African fraud rings are active in Mumbai and Goa. Many scams are perpetrated by email, texts, ruse phone calls, and call centers involving the promise or guarantee of a U.S. visa in conjunction with employment overseas. Scammers use similar fake email domains, for example @diplomats.com or @us-traveldocs.com. Often the scams include past and present names of U.S. consulate staff, officers, ambassadors, and principal officers to give an air of credibility to their emails. Those who fall victim often wire money to bank accounts that are immediately emptied or closed, and the source of the scams may or may not even reside in India.
Police have busted numerous call centers across Maharashtra and Gujarat responsible for tricking thousands of U.S. victims into transferring money for scams, including posing as IRS agents, USCIS officers, and family members in distress. Most victims were targeted for a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, usually small enough amounts that make it not worth the time for foreigners to pursue legally, since doing so would require them to register a case in Indian courts in person, or show up for trials that could be years later.
Do not engage with unknown callers asking you to share personal identifying information, bank information, one-time passcodes (OTPs), or other sensitive information. Block callers that attempt to obtain your sensitive information.
Kolkata Police have recently dismantled several fraudulent call centers, with major raids in Salt Lake, Lake Town, and Harra, targeting operations that defrauded foreign nationals (particularly in the US) with fake tech support scams. A major bust occurred in the Bidhannagar area, resulting in the apprehension of six individuals involved in a sophisticated, multi-state network. These fake call centers targeted foreign citizens, posing as technical support to extort money, often using VOIP, calls.
Several hundred individuals with U.S. visas/travel documents have been the targets of fraud by organized criminals who copy or steal their passport and U.S. visa information to apply online for foreign visas to facilitate human smuggling outside of India. Imposters pose electronically as family members to apply for visas to Western countries and use the U.S. visa information to bolster their claims to legitimate travel.
Be wary of free Wi-Fi, and assume monitoring of all electronic media communications. Secure electronics in a hotel safe to prevent theft or loss of data.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
The Indian government has the authority and capability to monitor online behavior. The government has the legal authority in India to intercept, monitor, and decrypt information. Internet and telecommunication providers must give authorities direct access to traffic and communications. Travelers to India should use an encrypted messaging app for personal communications, and a VPN based in the United States or a trusted third country.
Import/Export Restrictions
Possession of satellite phones and other GPS devices is strictly prohibited in India and may lead to detention, fines, or arrest. American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India has encountered multiple cases involving U.S. citizens traveling to or within India with satellite phones or GPS devices that have resulted in detention and significant fines upon entry, exit, or during their visit.
According to the Telecommunication Act of 2023 (No. 44 of 2023, December 24, 2023), carrying satellite phones and other satellite-enabled navigational devices is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to INR 20 million (around 233,000 USD), or both. Contact the Embassy of India for advice before traveling.
The Department of State urgently advises U.S. citizens to not bring satellite phones or GPS devices when traveling to or through India. This does not include regular cell phones. Failure to comply can result in immediate arrest, large fines, the confiscation of the device, deportation, and significant travel delays. For your safety, and to avoid severe legal consequences, do not bring satellite phones or GPS devices to or through India. Contact the Indian Department of Telecommunications to request a license.
At the beginning of the COVID lockdown, U.S. exporters faced significant delays due to local port and supply chain disruptions. This issue was mostly resolved by September 2020. Today, traders are experiencing “extreme compliance” by import and trade authorities who are examining shipments closely to find a reason to delay or block them. They believe that this approach is likely the result of the government’s "Make in India" initiative, which seeks to phase out imports. Despite this, traders have not reported any significant trade disruptions, and U.S. products are able to enter India without any issue, but traders are worried of any potential new action that may be taken by authorities.
Before traveling to or from India, you are urged to inspect all bags and clothing thoroughly to ensure they do not inadvertently contain prohibited items. Several U.S. citizens have been arrested or detained when airport security officials discovered loose ammunition (even spent individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If you are found to have loose ammunition or bullets (including empty bullet shells used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, you could be charged with violation of the Indian Arms Act, incarcerated, and/or deported from India.
Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from India of such items as, antiquities, electronic equipment, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other prohibited materials. Permission from the Government of India is required to bring in restricted items, even if you are only transiting through India. If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk arrest or fine or both and confiscation of these items. If you are charged with any legal violations by Indian law enforcement, have an attorney review any document before you sign it. The Government of India requires the registration of antique items with the local police along with a photograph of the item. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of India in Washington or one of India's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. More information is available from the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs.
Indian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, or email USCIB for details. Please see our section on Customs Information for more information.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
