Is India safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
Millions of visitors travel around India every year without serious problems. The realistic risks are scams and touts, petty theft on trains and in crowds, traffic, and stomach upsets; women travellers also face more harassment than in many countries. Read official advice for specific regions, such as parts of Jammu and Kashmir and areas near the border with Pakistan, which governments advise against.
The real risks
Scams and touts
Fake 'tourist offices', drivers claiming your hotel has closed, gem-export schemes and overpriced shops on commission. Book transport through apps or your hotel and ignore unsolicited help.
Petty theft
On trains, at busy stations and in markets such as Chandni Chowk. Lock bags to the berth on overnight trains and keep valuables in front.
Traffic
Roads are chaotic. Take care crossing, wear helmets on two-wheelers and avoid night-time road travel between cities.
Food and water
Stomach upsets are common. Drink bottled or filtered water and choose busy places with high turnover.
Restricted regions
Some border areas and parts of Jammu and Kashmir are subject to travel warnings or permits. Check UK or US advice before planning.
Areas and times to take care
The classic Golden Triangle and Rajasthan routes, Varanasi, Kerala, Goa and Mumbai are well-travelled and generally safe with normal precautions. Busy areas such as Old Delhi, Paharganj and the ghats of Varanasi are crowded and full of touts rather than dangerous; keep your belongings close and use a guide for the first walk in Varanasi's lanes. Avoid empty streets late at night and follow official advice for border regions.
Getting around safely
Uber and Ola are widely available in cities and avoid fare disputes; prepaid taxi counters at airports and stations are a safe fallback. Trains are generally safe; AC classes are more comfortable and more secure. Avoid overnight buses with unknown operators, and for long road journeys use a reputable company and driver.
Solo and women travellers
Many women travel India solo, but staring, comments and occasionally groping are more common than in many countries. Dress modestly (covering shoulders and legs), use women-only carriages on the Delhi Metro, book ride-hailing rather than street transport after dark, choose well-reviewed accommodation and arrive in new cities by day. Being firm and loud if harassed usually draws help from bystanders.
Health, water and heat
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and be careful with ice and raw salads. Heat is extreme from April to June (often above 40°C), and Delhi's air pollution can be severe from about November to January. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and, in some areas, malaria occur, so use repellent and see a travel clinic about vaccinations before you go.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is India safe for tourists?
Most trips are trouble-free with normal precautions. The main issues are scams, petty theft, traffic and stomach upsets; check official advice for border regions.
Is India safe for solo women?
Many women travel solo, but harassment is more common than in many countries. Dress modestly, use ride-hailing at night and choose well-reviewed accommodation.
Can I drink the tap water?
No. Drink bottled or filtered water.