India
3 governments, 3 different opinions
Japan (MOFA)
Level 4
Applies to: Near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir
Level 4: Evacuate / Do Not Travel
Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and most of India sit in MOFA's lightest category. At the other end, it advises evacuation for the area around the India-Pakistan Line of Control and against travel to most of Jammu and Kashmir (excluding the Srinagar area and Ladakh). Manipur, parts of the north-east and parts of the central and eastern states are under advice against non-essential travel. Also watch for pickpocketing, scams aimed at tourists, and food and water hygiene.
United States (State Dept)
Level 2
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in India due to crime, terrorism, and civil unrest. Do not travel to Jammu and Kashmir (except Ladakh) and within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to terrorism and civil unrest.
United Kingdom (FCDO)
FCDO advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir (except Ladakh by air, and the cities of Jammu and Amritsar). Warns specifically about sexual assault, drink spiking, air pollution, and food/water-borne illness. Advises women to take extra precautions.
Japan rates Near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir at Level 4, while the US Level 2 covers the whole country. The two numbers describe different areas, so they cannot be compared directly.
None of the three governments treats India as a single risk zone, but they draw the lines differently. Japan's MOFA divides the country region by region, reserving its heaviest category for the area around the India-Pakistan Line of Control while placing Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai in its lightest. The US frames its caution nationally rather than regionally, citing crime and terrorism across the country. The UK is more specific still, advising against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border and against all but essential travel to Manipur. The UK also warns explicitly about sexual assault against women travellers, a risk Japan's advisory barely raises, and is alone in flagging severe air pollution in Delhi and other cities.
What Each Government Says
Japan (MOFA)
Level 4: Evacuate / Do Not Travel
“Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and most of India sit in MOFA's lightest category. At the other end, it advises evacuation for the area around the India-Pakistan Line of Control and against travel to most of Jammu and Kashmir (excluding the Srinagar area and Ladakh). Manipur, parts of the north-east and parts of the central and eastern states are under advice against non-essential travel. Also watch for pickpocketing, scams aimed at tourists, and food and water hygiene.”
United States (State Dept)
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased caution in India due to crime, terrorism, and civil unrest. Do not travel to Jammu and Kashmir (except Ladakh) and within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to terrorism and civil unrest.”United Kingdom (FCDO)
Advises against all travel to parts of India
“FCDO advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir (except Ladakh by air, and the cities of Jammu and Amritsar). Warns specifically about sexual assault, drink spiking, air pollution, and food/water-borne illness. Advises women to take extra precautions.”Destination Customs
Prohibited / Restricted Imports
Gold — strict restrictions. Gold bars/coins over duty-free allowance are subject to high import duty (up to 15%). Must be declared.
Currency over USD 5,000 in cash, or USD 10,000 in cash + traveller's cheques combined — must be declared.
Drugs and narcotics — strictly prohibited. Severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences.
Satellite phones — prohibited without government license. Will be confiscated at customs.
Certain electronics (laptops, cameras over 1) — may require declaration for re-export.
Export Restrictions
Antiquities over 100 years old — export strictly prohibited under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act.
Indian currency over INR 25,000 — cannot be taken out of India.
Endangered wildlife products (tiger, elephant ivory, certain plants) — strictly prohibited under Wildlife Protection Act.
Customs rules can change. Always verify with the local customs authority or embassy before travelling. See Japan return customs guide
SAFE-SENTINEL Tips
💡 Based on all 3 sources:
- 1.Women: avoid travelling alone at night. Use pre-booked transport and share ride details with someone you trust. The UK specifically warns about sexual assault risk
- 2.Only drink bottled or purified water. Avoid raw vegetables, salads, and ice from street vendors. Traveller's diarrhea is extremely common
- 3.Use Uber or Ola for transportation — avoid auto-rickshaws at night, especially from train stations
- 4.Beware of common scams: "my shop is closed but I know a better one", fake tourist offices near train stations, gem/carpet scams
- 5.If visiting Delhi in winter (Nov–Feb), consider an N95 mask — air pollution can reach hazardous levels
- 6.Keep digital copies of all documents. Petty theft is common on trains and in crowded markets
- 7.Get comprehensive travel insurance and ensure it covers medical evacuation. Hospital standards vary dramatically
Pre-Trip Checklist
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Sources & Freshness
⚠️ This information may not reflect the latest situation. Always check official sources before travelling.