Bhubaneswar: In a significant development with implications for both tourism and internal security, the United States Department of State has issued an updated travel advisory warning its citizens against traveling to several regions of India, including southwestern Odisha, due to ongoing threats from terrorism and violent insurgency.
The advisory, reissued following a routine review,
categorizes India under Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, but explicitly
designates areas affected by Maoist extremism—commonly referred to as the “Red
Corridor”—as “Do Not Travel” zones. Southwestern Odisha features prominently in
this list.
"Maoist extremist groups, or ‘Naxalites,’ are active in
a large area of India... Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected," the
advisory states, further cautioning that US government employees are required
to obtain special authorization to travel to these parts of the state.
Security experts note that Odisha has seen a resurgence of Maoist activities in the recent past, particularly in districts such as Malkangiri, Koraput, Kandhamal, and Rayagada. These regions, which border Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, have long been considered Maoist strongholds.
Although state security forces have made progress in curbing
insurgent networks, sporadic attacks on police personnel, forest officials, and
infrastructure projects have continued into 2025.
While the advisory does not apply to urban centers or the
state's capital, Bhubaneswar, it could still impact international travel
sentiment, especially among tourists interested in visiting eco-tourism hubs
and tribal regions in southern Odisha.
Advisory Highlights
Besides the Maoist-affected regions, the US advisory covers
other security-sensitive zones across India, including:
- Jammu & Kashmir (excluding Ladakh and Leh)
- Parts of northeast India, including Manipur and Nagaland
- Border areas along India-Pakistan, excluding the Attari-Wagah crossing
The advisory also warns US citizens not to carry satellite
phones or GPS devices, which are prohibited under Indian law, and encourages
female travelers not to travel alone.
Furthermore, land border crossings—particularly with
Nepal—are flagged due to risks of immigration detention and visa complications.