TRAVEL WARNING
Country-specific safety information
Terrorism
According to computerannals, the security situation in India remains tense against the background of numerous serious terrorist attacks in recent years. In light of the terrorist threats, particular vigilance is advised across the country, particularly when visiting markets and public places, where there are large gatherings of people, and near government buildings and national landmarks. This is especially true in the context of national and religious holidays and major events. It must be assumed that New Delhi and other major cities in particular are the focus of terrorist activities. The attacks of the last few years confirm the tendency that places frequented by tourists are increasingly being targeted by terrorists.
General crime
The risk to which foreign travelers are exposed through violent crime is rather low in the tourist areas of India. However, travelers should always be guided by caution. Against the background of reports of sexual assaults, behavior that is appropriate to the situation and is culturally aware is particularly recommended for women traveling alone.
Tourists in New Delhi and other Indian cities are occasionally coerced into buying overpriced trips by local tour operators (primarily in New Delhi city center “Connaught Place”) with aggressive sales methods. These offices regularly pretend to be “officially recognized” in order to pretend special quality and reputation. Local taxi drivers sometimes work with these tour operators and drive tourists there specifically, especially directly after arriving at the airport in Delhi. Travelers should be extra vigilant when booking travel through Indian travel agents. Travelers who are in distress should immediately contact the local police (in Delhi the special 24-hour tourist police, emergency number 100).
It should be noted that tourists – especially in Rajasthan and Goa – have repeatedly fallen victim to well-organized con artists, including through the offer of lucrative jewelery shops.
State of Jammu and Kashmir (see also current information) Since September 2016, there have been increasing armed clashes between Indian and Pakistani troops as well as with various separatist groups along the international border and the Armistice Line (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. It is recommended that you obtain up-to-date information on the security situation before traveling to the region and that you follow instructions from the local authorities.
Essential travel to Srinagar should be made by air . However, due to the danger of terrorist acts of violence and unforeseeable clashes between demonstrators and the police or army, particular caution is advised. Up-to-date information about the security and infrastructure situation should be obtained immediately before and during the trip to the Kashmir region.
The Kashmir conflict has led to violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces and to numerous bomb attacks with many deaths over the past few decades. Individual actions directed against foreigners (including kidnappings) cannot be ruled out in the entire region.
Jammu region In Jammu, the security situation is basically stable. However, unpredictable violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces can also occur here, so that current information should be obtained immediately before a trip to Jammu and large gatherings of people should be avoided on site.
Ladakh trekkers are urgently advised to seek advice on the choice of trekking routes from trustworthy local guides. In general, it is strongly advised not to trek through these areas alone or with an undesignated guide, to hitchhike or to camp in secluded places. The border areas in Ladakh should be avoided because of the considerable security risks. In this context, reference is made to the Indian authorities’ obligation to authorize travel to border areas.
Northeast In the northeastern states of India – (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura) – militant political groups and criminal gangs are still active in some regions. Tourists have not been targeted by attacks and kidnappings, at least so far, but they can still easily get into danger.
When traveling to the northeast of India, travelers should therefore rely on safety-conscious, reliable local partners (tour operators, hotels / resorts, business partners) and behave appropriately. For some areas, entry permits are required in addition to the visa. It is recommended that you obtain up-to-date information on the current security situation and any special permit requirements shortly before traveling to northeast India, e.g. B. from local tour operators.
Other regions The states of Bihar, Jharkand, Chhattisgarh, the extreme southwest of Orissa, the extreme north of Andhra Pradesh and the extreme east of Maharashtra are recording – especially in rural areas – armed activities of a militant social revolutionary Maoist movement, which in individual districts up to go to the exercise of quasi-state violence. So far, the activities have not been directed against foreigners, but there was one kidnapping case in 2012. Acts of sabotage and attacks on the public rail network have also occurred in the past. In general, it is strongly advised to obtain information about the security situation before traveling to the areas mentioned and not to carry out tourist activities without local guides.
Special travel permits are required for parts of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and for the Lakkadives (Lakshadweep Islands). The permits must be obtained in India before entering the named states. The authorization requirement for travel to Nagaland, Mizoram and the Andamans has been lifted. Registration upon arrival is required. The Nicobar Islands are still inaccessible to tourists. Information on travel permits can be obtained from the Indian diplomatic missions in Germany.
