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Registration & Travel Information
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.
Travel Alert: India Security Issues
January 29, 2010
1. The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to
ongoing security concerns in India. The U.S. government
continues to receive information that terrorist groups
may be planning attacks in India. Terrorists and their
sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and
capability to attack targets where U.S. citizens or
Westerners are known to congregate or visit. This
replaces the Travel Alert dated December 29, 2009, and
expires on April 30, 2010.
2. The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provide a vivid
reminder that hotels, markets, and other public places
are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups.
U.S. citizens are urged always to practice good security,
maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low
profile. U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local news
reports and consider the level of security present when
visiting public places, including religious sites, or
choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and
recreation venues.
3. 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 website
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.
4. 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.
5. U.S. citizens with questions or concerns 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. For after-
hours emergencies, call 91-11-2419-8000.
-- 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. For after-hours
emergencies, call 91-22-2363-3611, ext. 0.
-- 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. For after-
hours emergencies, call 91-44-2857-4000, 91-44-2811-2000,
or 91-44-2811-2021.
-- 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. For after-hour
emergencies, call 91-99030-42956 (cell) or 91-33-3984-
2400, ext. 0.
-- 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. For
after-hours emergencies, call 91-90-0060-4234.
Travel Alert: Update on Changes in Indian Tourist Visa Regulations
December 23, 2009
The Department of State wishes to alert U.S. citizens with Indian tourist visas about new regulations that may affect planned travel. Travelers are urged to review travel plans in light of these new regulations. This Travel Alert supplements the Travel Alerts for India dated October 29 and December 9, and expires on January 21, 2010.
Foreign tourists departing India with visitor (T) visas will now receive a stamp in their passports at the port of departure that indicates that the bearer will not be allowed to reenter India for two months, regardless of their length of stay or validity of the visa.
Tourists who wish to return to India before the two-month period has passed must visit an Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate abroad to present their case for reentry, and must provide documentation in support of the request. If approved, the traveler will receive a letter authorizing reentry to present at an Indian port of entry. Only one request for reentry may be made during a two-month interval.
Tourists who have been granted permission to return to India may also be required to register with the nearest Foreigners Registration Office within 14 days of their return, regardless of the length of their stay. The procedures and requirements for registration can be complex. Travelers are advised to follow directions as stipulated on their visas regarding registration procedures irrespective of the visa category.
To date, these changes have mostly affected tourist (T) visa holders, but the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India have also received reports pertaining to other visa types and about inconsistent implementation of the new rules, which have not been widely publicized and are subject to change. Prior to traveling to or departing India, Americans who may be affected by these changes are urged to contact the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate overseas or Foreign Registration Office in India to determine proper procedures to follow.
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 website 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, U.S. 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."
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts, including the existing Travel Alert for India, 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 Consulate’s website, Embassy's website and also at the Department's website.
U.S. citizens with questions or concerns 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 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 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 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 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.
Monthly Closure of American Citizen Services Unit
September 1, 2009
Beginning Friday, September 25, the American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi will be closed to the public on the last Friday of the month for routine services (e.g. passport renewals and pickups, extra pages, notarial services, reports of birth and benefit check pickups). American citizens with emergencies outside of normal office hours should call the Embassy switchboard at 2419-8000 and ask for a duty officer.
A revised list of American Citizen Services Unit closure dates is attached.
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.
U.S. Embassy, New Delhi
Warden Message
August 7, 2009
American citizens are advised to be alert to the continued possibility of terrorist attacks. There is a continuing threat from terrorism throughout India and the upcoming series of major holidays (including the August 15 Independence Day celebration) could provide terrorist groups an opportunity or pretext to stage an attack. The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provided a vivid reminder that luxury hotels are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups. U.S. citizens are urged to always practice good security, maintaining a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. Americans are advised to monitor local news reports, vary their routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and 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.
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.
-- 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.
