Is Kolkata safe to visit right now? (November 2026)

Travel advisories for India

What the advice says

• The US State Department rates India at Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, a country-level advisory not specific to Kolkata, dated June 16, 2025.
• The UK FCDO advisory is also issued at the country level for India, not specifically for Kolkata, and was last updated October 7, 2026.
• The FCDO notes a high threat of terrorism globally and says terrorist attacks are very likely to be attempted in India, with past attacks targeting hotels, restaurants, markets, transport hubs, and tourist sites; extra caution is advised around national holidays such as Republic Day, Independence Day, Diwali, and Eid.
• Strikes, political rallies, and demonstrations occur frequently in India and can turn violent, especially during elections; the FCDO advises avoiding protests and large gatherings and monitoring local media for curfews or disruptions.
• The FCDO warns of pickpocketing, bag snatching from motorbikes, and scams targeting foreign nationals in tourist areas, along with cybercrime and card skimming; it recommends keeping copies of travel documents separate from originals.
• The FCDO highlights risks of drink and food spiking, including cases involving British nationals being robbed or assaulted, and warns that methanol poisoning from counterfeit alcohol can be fatal and is not detectable by taste or smell.
• The FCDO specifically warns of sexual assault risks to female travelers, including harassment and serious attacks in tourist areas and cities, and advises women to avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone at any time of day.