India
3 governments, 3 different opinions
Japan (MOFA)
Level 1
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions in most of India. Level 2 for Jammu & Kashmir and northeastern states. Be aware of pickpocketing, scams targeting tourists, and food/water safety.
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.
Japan and the US assess this country one level apart. Review both perspectives below.
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 India Level 1 for tourist areas while the US rates it Level 2 overall. This is one of the more significant temperature gaps: the US explicitly warns about terrorism, crime, and civil unrest at a national level, while Japan limits its higher warnings to specific regions. The UK adds critically important warnings for women travellers regarding sexual assault — a risk that Japan's advisory barely mentions. The UK also uniquely warns about severe air pollution in Delhi and other cities.
What Each Government Says
Japan (MOFA)
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
“Exercise normal precautions in most of India. Level 2 for Jammu & Kashmir and northeastern states. Be aware of pickpocketing, scams targeting tourists, and food/water safety.”
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)
See our advice before travelling
“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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Emergency Contacts
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Sources & Freshness
⚠️ This information may not reflect the latest situation. Always check official sources before travelling.