India
SAFETY INDEX
Is India a Safe or Dangerous country?
India is a relatively safe country, though there are some hazards each newcomer should be aware of. Terrorism is a threat, the probability of attacks is high, constant vigilance is recommended. Demonstrations and strikes might cause inconveniences and unrest. It can be escalated rapidly and turn violent. Monitor local media in order to be aware of any strikes in advance. Swimming in India: Seemingly to be safe, Indian water might hide dangerous strong undertows. During monsoon season, you should exercise extra caution while swimming in open water along the Indian coastline. Every year, several people in the Bay of Bengal, Mumbai, Goa, and Puru drown. There have been reports of crocodile attacks in salt water on the Andaman Islands. Train travel: Travel by train in India is generally safe. Nevertheless, accidents and on-board fires are sometimes caused by aging infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, overcrowding, and operator errors. Instable areas Jammu & Kashmir: Due to the high probability of terrorist attacks and frequent civil unrest, travelling to these areas with the exception of visits to Ladakh region and its capital Len is not recommended. Since the 90s, as many as 70.000 people have been killed in the Kashmir conflict. India-Pakistan border Travelling is not recommended within 10th km zone of the border between Pakistan and India. Military presence is high, due to the disputed area: Karakoram mountain range. North-eastern states Civil unrest and often bombings of public transport, make the area dangerous, thus travelling is strongly unadvised to these areas. States: Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur are especially under concern. Restricted/Protected areas: Certain areas need special advance permission. Areas requiring a permit include: The state of Arunachal Pradesh Portions of the state of Sikkim Portions of the state of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border Portions of the state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) near the Chinese border Portions of the state of Rajasthan near the Pakistani border Portions of the state of Jammu & Kashmir near the Line of Control with Pakistan and certain portions of Ladakh The Andaman & Nicobar Islands The Union Territory of the Laccadives Islands (Lakshadweep) Portions of the state of Manipur Portions of the state of Mizoram Portions of the state of Nagaland Crime: Petty crime is on the rise. It is common, particularly on public transport. Travelling by train, lock your sleeping compartments. Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon. Be cautious displaying valuables or cash in order to reduce chances of being robbed. ATM scams are on the rise. Use a credit card for payments only at reputable establishments, otherwise, there is a high chance, that your credit card credentials might be stolen. Sexual assaults: India notoriously known for a high rate of sexual assaults, though many of them are committed against locals, foreigners must be cautious as well. Travelling alone for women is not recommended. Sexual harassment might occur anywhere: marketplaces, train stations, buses and public streets. Delhi has the highest rate of sexual harassment. Female tourists should be accompanied, avoid isolated areas at any time of day. Scams- Pretending not to know where is your hotel
- Importing Gemstones scam
- Fast meter
- Beg for milk or pen
- Fake train ticket
- Unofficial road fee asked by police officer
- Unofficial SIM card
Warnings & Dangers
OVERALL RISK : HIGH
India is relatively safe country. Though, there is need to be vigilant all the time. India is ranked 106th out of 162 on the ranking of the safest and most dangerous countries.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
This is a real pain of India. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are very common, especially on public transport.
MUGGING RISK : HIGH
Kidnapping almost doesn’t exist. Mugging is not common.
SCAMS RISK : HIGH
Unfair individuals or group of them desire to take an advantage of distracted tourists. Scams in India are the worst in the world.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : HIGH
Taxi drivers know that you are a foreigner and do not acquaint with the local taxi fares used to refuse to switch on the taxi meters and call the price they deem relevant to call for their service. Be aware of pickpockets in the public transport, particularly while getting on the transport in the big transport hubs. Be especially vigilant in the overnight trains and buses. Do not accept any food or drinks as it may be spiked. Driving the rented motorcycle may be dangerous because the traffic is chaotic, driving standards is poor. If you decided to rent a motorcycle, be very cautious and use helmet.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : HIGH
India is very exposed to natural dangers. Earthquakes, flooding and severe storms are the main perils. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
TERRORISM RISK : HIGH
India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect tourists directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups are active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : HIGH
Sexual assaults do occur very frequent both day and night. Try not travel alone at all. Be in a group, avoid poorly illuminated streets and bars with intoxicated individuals.