Is India safe for Black travellers?
Documented mob attacks on Africans, widespread colourism, regional no-go zones
Why this rating
The US rates India Level 2, and the FCDO advises against travel to Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and the Pakistan border area. There is a long record of racist attacks on African residents and students (2012 to 2020), often driven by crime stereotypes, alongside pervasive colourism. Most recent evidence concerns residents rather than tourists, which is why it is rated watch rather than warn.
Vibe check
Essentials
- Currency
- INR (Rupee)
- Language
- Hindi + English + regional languages
- Best time to visit
- Oct-Mar
- Visa
- E-visa available for most nationalities.
- Health
- No specific vaccines required for most areas.
- Emergency
- 112
- Plugs
- Type C, D, M 路 230 V, 50 Hz
- Driving
- On the left
Know before you go
- Repeated mob and police assaults on African nationals documented from 2012 to 2020
- FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the Pakistan border and most of Jammu and Kashmir
- FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Manipur
Border & airport: Major airports efficient; pre-book airport transfers.
SafeRoute tip: Stick to well-reviewed hotels and registered taxis, and avoid Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur and the Pakistan border. Expect intense attention.
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India: common questions
Is India safe for Black travellers right now?
SafeRoute rates India 40/100 (watch: mixed picture), last reviewed Sep 2026. The US rates India Level 2, and the FCDO advises against travel to Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and the Pakistan border area. There is a long record of racist attacks on African residents and students (2012 to 2020), often driven by crime stereotypes, alongside pervasive colourism. Most recent evidence concerns residents rather than tourists, which is why it is rated watch rather than warn.
What is the official travel advice for India?
US Level 2; FCDO: against all travel to Pakistan border area and most of J&K, all but essential to Manipur. Advice changes, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov before you book.
Do I need a visa to visit India?
E-visa available for most nationalities. Rules depend on your passport and change often, so confirm with the official embassy or e-visa site.
What should Black travellers know before going to India?
Stick to well-reviewed hotels and registered taxis, and avoid Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur and the Pakistan border. Expect intense attention. Major airports efficient; pre-book airport transfers. Key warnings: Repeated mob and police assaults on African nationals documented from 2012 to 2020; FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the Pakistan border and most of Jammu and Kashmir; FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Manipur.
Can I share my own experience of India?
Yes. Create a free SafeRoute profile to post a travel report on India, rate how you were treated and find Travel Twins heading there. It is free, with no paywall.
Editorial summary, not an official safety rating; conditions, visa and health rules can change without notice. Check official advice before you travel, e.g. GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov.