Tag Archive for 'India'

U.S. State Department Warning Issued for India

Published on August 9, 2010 in Travel Advisory. 0 Comments Tags: .

American Citizens are advised to avoid travel to the northern Indian city of Leh and the surrounding mountainous area of Ladakh, which are recovering from severe damage caused by extensive flash flooding and landslides over the weekend. News reports indicate that over 100 persons have died in the incident with hundreds more still missing. Many buildings were destroyed and telephone and cell phone communication links were badly damaged. Roads into and out of Ladakh remain blocked by landslides. The Government of India is working to clear roads, repair damage, and assist those stranded by the flooding.

At this time, the U.S. Embassy has received no reports of any U.S. citizen casualties. We are currently working with Indian authorities in the area to help locate and evacuate American citizens. American citizens are strongly encouraged to delay unnecessary travel to the area.

Evacuations

American citizens in Leh who wish to leave are encouraged to contact local airlines for information on outgoing flights. Airlines have increased their flights out of Leh airport to between 6 and 9 flights per day. However, uncertain weather conditions could cause delays. If you are trying to reach a friend or family member in the area, please be aware that communication systems were badly damaged during the flood. It is difficult for people in Leh to send or receive phone calls or emails.

Strike in India causes Travel Delays

Published on April 27, 2010 in Travel Advisory. 0 Comments Tags: , .

April 27, 2010. Shutdown strike declared in much of Western and central India

SOURCE:

Altegrity Risk International

Communist and opposition parties launched 12-hour strikes across much of India on April 27th, with Communist-ruled West Bengal, Tripura, and Kerala states worst affected by the unrest, to protest rising food and fuel prices. The strike also impacted parts of Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar states. The strike disrupted air and train services to West Bengal with few reporting for work in the state. Only 10 out of the 25 domestic and international flights scheduled for the morning of April 27th reportedly took off from Kolkata’s International Airport. Educational institutions also shut down in West Bengal and Kerala states. The demonstrators disrupted rail transportation in parts of Uttar Pradesh state and burned three buses in that state’s Lucknow. Toilets in Kolkata’s airport closed as striking workers locked them although tea harvesting operations continued as normal in West Bengal as owners threatened to cut striking workers’ wages. Protesters blocked traffic on national and state highways in Orissa state, while private and public transportation also ground to a halt in Kerala state. Jharkhand state suffered the effect of the protest as well as a 48-hour shutdown strike declared by Maoist militants.

Travel Warning for India

Published on February 16, 2010 in travel alert. 2 Comments Tags: , .

new_travel_alert3U.S. Embassy New Delhi issued the following Warden Message on February 14:

American citizens are advised to be alert to the continued possibility of terrorist attacks in India. The February 13 terrorist bombing in a bakery frequented by Westerners in Pune, Maharashtra, serves as a reminder that terrorists and their sympathizers are capable of attacking targets where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit.

U.S. citizens are urged to always practice good security, maintaining a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. Anyone noticing an unattended, suspicious package should not touch the package and immediately inform the police. 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.

Travel Warning for India

Published on February 1, 2010 in travel alert. 0 Comments Tags: , .

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.

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.

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, 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.”

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site 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 and on 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. For after-hours emergencies, call 91-90-0060-4234.

New Delhi Airport Travel Delays

Published on January 20, 2010 in Airport Delays. 2 Comments Tags: , .

At least 60 flights have been delayed and canceled and more than 50 trains delayed after a dense fog enveloped New Delhi on January 20th, reducing visibility to less than 100m (330ft), local media reported. The delays and cancellations affected thousands of passengers at airport and railway stations. More than 400 people reportedly died as cold weather swept through northern India in January, with most fatalities reported in Uttar Pradesh state.

New India Tourist Visa Requirements

Published on January 8, 2010 in Travel Advisory. 2 Comments Tags: , , .

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.

Travel Warning for India

Published on December 11, 2009 in travel alert. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .
travel alert for indiaThe Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the possibility of violence as Andhra Pradesh continues to experience civil unrest. A demonstration is planned for December 10, and there is the potential that episodic clashes between the police and protesters will spark wider unrest in the city of Hyderabad. The Department recommends that U.S. citizens defer all non-essential travel to the Telangana Region of Andhra Pradesh and certain parts of Hyderabad (especially the Assembly and Secretariat, Osmania University, Panjagutta, and Ameerpet areas). The Telangana Region includes the districts of Rangareddi, Warangal, Medak, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Adilabad, and Khammam. This Travel Alert supplements the Travel Alert for India dated October 29, 2009, and expires on December 31, 2009. In the wake of political party Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s arrest on November 29, 2009, and his continuing hunger strike, there have been numerous reports of civil unrest. These have mainly taken the form of mob action against stores and vehicles, and enforced observance of a TRS-called strike. There have also been repeated clashes between police and protesters. Government security forces have been augmented in Hyderabad and in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.

U.S. citizens resident or traveling in Andhra Pradesh during this period are reminded to maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid political rallies, demonstrations, and large crowds of any kind. U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio and via the Internet.

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.

If you are currently in India and have purchased our Atlas International or Day Tripper travel health insurance and think you might need to be politically evacuated, then please contact the assistance telephone number on your ID card for live assistance.  Click here for Worldwide toll-free numbers or you can call 317-262-2132 collect from anywhere in the world 24 hours a day for assistance.

Travel Warning - Airport Delays in India

Published on September 29, 2009 in Airport Delays. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

new_travel_alert10It is reported that pilots for the national carrier reported sick for a fourth consecutive day as part of a protest against the cancellation of performance-related bonuses, local media reported.  Please contact your carrier for possible delays and cancellations.

If you are making plans to travel to India, then we strongly recommend purchasing trip delay insurance.  Get a trip insurance quote at www.InsuranceForTrips.com

NEW US Embassy Warning for India

Published on September 21, 2009 in Travel Advisory and travel alert. 1 Comment Tags: , , .

U.S. Embassy Kathmandu issued the following Warden Message. 

The festival season of Dashain and Tihar is fast approaching. Historically during this time there is an increase in criminal activity such as thefts and robberies, clashes, snatching of bags and purses, and house break-ins. Incidents of street harassment by intoxicated individuals also typically increase during this time. Dashain lasts from approximately September 19, 2009, through October 2, 2009, followed by Tihar, which will take place from October 15-19, 2009.

For precautions and more information visit the US State Deparment Website http://nepal.usembassy.gov/wm-09-21-2009.html

India Airports Begin H1N1 Screenings

Published on August 12, 2009 in Airport Delays. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

India reported screenings for H1N1 at 22 of it’s international airports.  At the Indira Gandhi International Airport, four thermal scanners were installed last week.  Please allow additional time for check-in and transit layovers.