Is India safe now for tourists?

India is generally considered safe for tourists who exercise a high degree of caution, though safety varies by region. Major cities and tourist hotspots are generally fine, but visitors should watch for petty crime, scams, and harassment. Avoid border areas, specifically within 10km of the India-Pakistan border, and Jammu & Kashmir, except for Ladakh.

Is it safe to go to India right now?

Advisory summary

Violent crime and terrorism occur in India. Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning.

Is it safe to travel to India now in 2025?

As you might expect, there's a variety of opinions on how safe India is for travelers. The 2025 Global Peace Index ranks the country 115th out of 163 countries, noting India's high level of militarization, nuclear capabilities and internal squabbles.

Which place is safe to travel now in India?

Kolkata, West Bengal

One of the best among the safe places to visit in India, Kolkata is a strong contender for one of the safest cities with a very low crime rate, which was 86.5 cognisable crimes per lakh in 2022 (NCRB).

What not to do in India as a tourist?

17 Things Not to Do in India: What to Avoid

• Don't use your left hand to give or take something. ...
• Don't wear shoes inside temples or in people's houses. ...
• Don't wear revealing clothes. ...
• Public displays of affection is a no-no. ...
• Don't be too friendly or polite. ...
• Avoid getting scammed.

The #1 Mistake Travellers to India Make #HowToRock

Can females wear shorts in India?

You can wear jeans and tshirt, or loose breathable clothes. Avoid wearing spaghetti strap tops, shorts, or mini-skirts. Try to keep covered your cleavage, thighs, and often shoulders. Yes, women can and do wear shorts in India, but it is mostly common in urban, metropolitan regions and tourist spots.

What should I be careful of in India?

Take care of your possessions on buses, trains and in crowds. Criminals may ride past on motorbikes and snatch valuables. Be cautious in tourist areas, where scammers, pickpockets and ticket touts target foreign nationals.

Is it wise to travel to India now?

Exercise a high degree of caution

Pay close attention to your personal security and the current health situation. Monitor the media for new and existing risks. in India overall. Exercise a high degree of caution in India overall due to the threat of terrorism and crime and the risk of civil unrest.

Which city is very safest in India?

Top 10 safest cities in India 2025: Why they rank high

• 1/11. Who ranks and what's new. ...
• 2/11. #1 Mangalore, Karnataka. ...
• 3/11. #2 Vadodara, Gujarat. ...
• 4/11. #3 Ahmedabad, Gujarat. ...
• 5/11. #4 Surat, Gujarat. ...
• 6/11. #5 Jaipur, Rajasthan. ...
• 7/11. #6 Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. ...
• 8/11. #7 Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

What is the new travel rule in India?

Foreign travellers entering India are now required to complete an e-Arrival Card within 72 hours prior to their arrival, as part of a new digital immigration process introduced on 1 October, 2025.

How safe is Mumbai for tourists?

Mumbai is arguably one of the safest major cities in India for tourists. Let's discuss everything you need to know about staying safe while experiencing the magic of Mumbai.

How much money do I need per day in India?

Backpackers in India spend as little as $25–35 per day, staying in hostels and using public transport. Mid-range travelers in India spend $60–100 per day, balancing comfort and affordability with 3-star hotels and occasional private drivers.

Where not to travel right now?

It's not safe to travel to places like Burkina Faso, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Haiti, and Myanmar, where major governments advise "Do Not Travel" due to conflict, terrorism, or instability, while areas near borders in Turkey, Israel/Palestine, and Togo also carry high risks. You should always check the latest advisories from your government (like Smartraveller.gov.au, GOV.UK, or Travel.State.gov) for current warnings on specific regions.

Is now a good time to go to India?

The best time to visit India is between October and March, when the weather is more likely to be warm, sunny, and dry. During this time, the north offers clear blue skies. However, December and January are much cooler, with potential fog, while the higher Himalaya can be very cold, but with clearer mountain views.

What kind of clothes to wear in India?

* Loose, flowing cotton clothes are ideal. * Kurtahs (tunics), salwar kameez, and long dresses are perfect. * Avoid skimpy or tight western clothes outside touristy areas.

Which part of India is more safe?

Mangalore, Karnataka is recognized as the safest city in India for 2025, based on composite safety indices and crime data.

Which city is top in crime in India?

Crime in Indian Cities 2023: Delhi and Bengaluru Continue to Top the Charts - OpenCity.

What is the world's safest city?

Abu Dhabi has ranked first on the world's safest cities list in 2026, the 10th consecutive year it has topped the list compiled by online database Numbeo, reflecting the emirate's global leadership in promoting security, stability, and quality of life.

What month is the best to visit India?

The best time to visit most of India is during the cool, dry winter months from October to March, offering pleasant temperatures ideal for sightseeing, especially the popular Golden Triangle. However, India's diverse climate means the Himalayas are best from June to October, while the south enjoys beaches from October to April, and April-May is great for Himalayan regions like Ladakh before peak summer heat. 

What are the security levels in India?

India's security apparatus has a well-structured protection level system, which is generally known as X, Y, Z, and Z+ categories of security. They are assigned to persons who are under threat from minor risks to the highest level of potential danger.

Is tourism going down in India?

According to the Ministry of Tourism, over 6.19 million and 1.52 million foreign tourists arrived in India in 2022 and 2021 respectively compared to 10.93 million in 2019, representing a -44% degrowth.

Do and don'ts in India?

Do not step over a person sitting or lying on the floor, as it is offensive. Never touch anything with your feet, and don't point the bottom of your feet at religious altars or toward people. To avoid this, sit cross-legged or kneel on the floor while in a temple or holy place.

How to avoid stomach bug in India?

Avoid fruit and vegetables that you can't peel

The peel is a protective barrier from anything nasty that can upset your stomach. Other fruits and vegetables can be eaten, but ensure to wash them thoroughly before with boiled water or bottled water.

Is tap water safe to drink in India?

While foreign tourists are strongly advised not to drink tap water, even the locals in India do not drink it directly. Tap water in India is quite polluted and contains many bacteria and contaminants that can cause health issues for foreigners as well locals, such as diarrhea, vomiting, cholera, or typhoid.