Chicago – April 25, 2025
The U.S. government is renewing its travel warning advisory for several cities in India after a major attack killed several dozen tourists.
On April 22, 2025, “a terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India, with media reporting multiple casualties. Several cities in India remain on high alert as a result of the attack, according to local media,” the U.S. State Department wrote in the April 23, 2025, alert.
At least 26 people, mostly tourists, lost their lives in the attack when, according to The New York Times, gunmen ambushed them in a popular meadow.
According to Fox News, the attack “was the worst assault in years targeting civilians in the restive region that has seen an anti-India rebellion for more than three decades.”
The U.S. travel advisory says: “Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh).”
The entire country of India has been under an “exercise increased caution” alert since 2024. That alert says, “Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.”
“Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan,” the alert continues. “It also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC.”
According to the State Department, “U.S. government personnel are prohibited from travel to Jammu and Kashmir.”
