Information for Travelers

Recent Warden Messages

This page contains the most recent messages sent via e-mail from the American Citizen Services Unit to American citizens registered with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. If you are an American citizen and wish to receive these periodic messages directly, you must subscribe to our mailing list by registering with the Embassy here.

H1N1 Update Warden Message

U.S. Embassy, New Delhi
June 19, 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens in India to the latest information regarding human cases of H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1.

The Director General of Health in India has reported only 35 cases as of June 18, 2009, almost all recent arrivals from the United States. Because of the very low incidence, the Indian Government is aggressively tracking and treating each and every case of H1N1 Flu. Please note that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises Americans that, "If you think that you have the H1N1 Flu, you should stay at home...except to seek medical care. Do not travel..."

The Government of India requires everyone entering the country to complete a health questionnaire. If on arrival you are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, and/or difficulty in breathing) or you are suspected of having H1N1 infection, you will be quarantined at an Indian Government hospital and tested for the virus. If you are found to have H1N1 influenza you will be quarantined until you have completed a full five-day course of Tamiflu antiviral medication, you are without a fever for 48 hours, and/or Indian Health Officials feel the likelihood of virus transmission is low. Tamiflu is only available in India through the designated government facilities.

In addition, the Indian government advises anyone who exhibits flu-like symptoms at any time to contact the government hot line, 011-2392-1401, or go to a nearby Government Hospital to be tested and/or quarantined. Please note that the quality of medical care in India varies considerably and that the Embassy and Consulates cannot demand release of American citizens if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities. The U.S. Mission encourages all U.S. Citizens in India to fully cooperate with the Indian Government's efforts to control the pandemic.

Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our websites at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov, http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/, http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/, http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov/, or http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov/. As of June 17, private hospitals are not accepting H1N1 quarantine patients. They are being sent to Government facilities.

Americans should review the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization, and make their own decisions about whether to travel.

For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for travel safety information, please see the State Department's "Pandemic/Avian Influenza" and "Remain in Country" fact sheets on www.travel.state.gov. Further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.

Americans living or traveling in India are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within India. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:
-- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy's Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. The Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. The Internet home page address is http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300. The Internet home page address is http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov.

Urgent Warden Message

June 2, 2009

The United States Mission in India wishes to urgently remind all U.S. citizens resident in or traveling to India that there is a high threat from terrorism throughout India. As terror attacks are a serious and growing threat, U.S. citizens are urged to always practice good security, including maintaining a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. Americans in India should be vigilant at all times and monitor local news reports and vary their routes and times in carrying out daily activities. Americans should consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Embassy's website at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov, and also at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:

-- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy's Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

Warden Message: Unrest in Punjab

May 26, 2009

U.S. citizens are advised of the continuing tensions and civil unrest in the Indian state of Punjab. The killing of a Sikh leader in Austria May 24 sparked violent protests in many areas, particularly around Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Phagwara and Hoshiarpur. There have been no reports of foreigners being targeted, but due to the intensity of the protests, Americans could be at risk. The concern will be heightened when and if the body of the slain cleric is returned to India - possibly during the week of May 26-31. All U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Punjab should exercise caution, maintain a low profile, avoid all demonstrations, monitor local media for security updates, and anticipate major transportation disruptions.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Embassy's website at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov, and also at http://travel.state.gov.

H1N1 Airport Screening April 29, 2009

INDIA

April 29, 2009

The Government of India has announced new airport screening measures at each of its international terminals in response to the outbreak of H1N1 flu in a number of countries. These measures will take effect immediately.

The screening measures include requiring all travelers arriving on international flights to complete a questionnaire that will be reviewed by health care screeners upon arrival. Travelers who answer yes to any of the questions or show signs of fever or cough may be referred to a doctor and possibly detained for observation. Travelers showing signs of fever or cough during a flight may also be asked to wear a mask for the duration of the flight. Passengers sitting in the vicinity, three rows ahead and back, of the affected traveler may also be given masks to wear and be subject to additional screening upon arrival in India. Travelers arriving from or transiting affected countries, and who have a fever or cough at the time of embarkation, are being asked by Indian authorities to consider postponing their trip.

Travelers to India should be prepared for significant delays upon arrival as these screening measures are implemented.

For further information about H1N1 Flu, please consult the Department of State information at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_pandemic.html the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ or the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Embassy's website at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov, and also at http://travel.state.gov.

This site is managed by the U.S. Department of State. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

	Home \| Embassy News \| Citizen Services \| Visas \| Policy & Issues \| Resources Contact Us \| Site Index \| Privacy \| Webmaster