A TRAVEL warning has been added to a popular bucket-list destination in Asia.
As hundreds of people jet off for the summer, US officials have asked for caution over a possible risk to life.
US citizens jetting off to India have been told to have extra caution over increased safety fears[/caption]
Certain regions including Jammu and Kashmir have ‘do not travel’ or ‘reconsider travel’ warnings[/caption]
Members of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) patrolling near the fence at the India-Pakistan International Border at Budwar post of Arnia sector[/caption]
The US State Department has requested travelers “exercise increased caution” if they are going to India.
A Level 2 advisory comes before officials recommend travelers reconsider their plans which is Level 3.
Level 4 where people are told not to travel.
The travel alert was issued “due to crime and terrorism” with specific areas at more risk than others, it stated.
Officials rolled out the Level 2 advisory on June 16 highlighting increased violent crime at tourist sites and other locations.
This includes sexual assault and rape which is “one of the fastest growing crimes in India”.
It added that “terrorists may attack with little or no warning”.
The alert noted that such attacks target tourist locations, transport hubs, markets and shopping malls, and government facilities.
As a result, anyone working for the US government must get special authorization before travelling to certain parts of the country, namely, rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal.
The State Department noted that the government is restricted in getting emergency services to any of its citizens that are in these remote areas.
AREAS TO AVOID
Under the travel advisory there are four specific regions that have do not travel warnings and a fifth where reconsideration of travel is advised.
It lists the following:
- Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir: Do not travel to this area (except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest.
- India-Pakistan Border: Do not travel to this area due to potential for armed conflict.
- Parts of Central and East India: Do not travel to this area due to terrorism.
- Manipur: Do not travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime.
- Northeastern states: Reconsider travel to this area due to terrorism and violence.
As well as avoiding these areas, the millions of Americans who travel to India every year must take some extra precautions under the new guidance.
The update was made to the travel advisory due to increased violent crime and terror threat[/caption]
Travelers who still plan to visit the country are urged to take additional precautions (stock)[/caption]
The advice includes not traveling alone (especially if you are a woman), having a contingency plan in case of emergency, and not bringing a satellite phone or GPS device which is illegal in India.
TAKE PRECAUTIONS
Officials state that those who continue with their plans to visit the country should:
- Review your personal security plans and stay alert to your surroundings.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get alerts and make it easier for us to find you in an emergency.
- Not bring a satellite phone or GPS device. Possessing a satellite phone or GPS device is illegal in India and may result in a penalty of $200,000 or jail time of up to three years.
- Not travel alone, especially if you are a woman.
- Review the India Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC).
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- Buy insurance before you travel. Check with provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
The advice now enforced for travel to India will be reviewed in 12 months.
A similar advisory has been issued for a popular vacation destination.
It comes due to an increase in crime with visitors warned against doing one thing that could make them more of a target.
Four Levels of Travel Advisory
The US State Department has four travel advisory levels which are revised regularly to detemine the safety of US citizens abroad.
Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions
- This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risks. There is some risk in any international travel, and conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States. This status is reviewed every 12 months.
Level 2 – Exercise increased caution
- Be aware of increased risks to safety and security. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory. This status is reviewed every 12 months.
Level 3 – Reconsider travel
- Reconsider your travel to the destination due to serious risks to safety and security. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory. This status is reviewed at least every 6 months.
Level 4 – Do not travel
- This is the highest advisory level due to life-threatening risks. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory. The U.S. government may have very limited or no ability to help, including during an emergency. We advise that U.S. citizens do not travel to the country, or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. This status is reviewed at least every 6 months.
Source: US Department of State
