TRAVEL ALERT FOR INDIA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 126128

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC ASEC PTER IN
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT FOR INDIA


1. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens about
heightened security concerns in India, and advises U.S.
citizens traveling to or already in India to maintain a
high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to
increase their security awareness. This Travel Alert
replaces the Travel Alert issued on November 28 and
expires on December 31, 2008.

2. There are heightened security concerns in India
following the November 26 terrorist attacks on hotels, a
Jewish community center, a railway station, restaurant,
hospital, and other locations in Mumbai frequented by
westerners. Over 195 persons are believed to have been
killed and hundreds more injured. While terrorist
attacks are not new to India, the November 26 Mumbai
terrorist attacks in part targeted American citizens and
other westerners for the first time and tragically
demonstrate that even in five-star luxury hotels,
security is not equipped to deter such attacks. U.S.
citizens should take into account this new reality and
exercise caution when visiting India. Prudent security
measures include maintaining a high level of vigilance,
avoiding crowds and demonstrations and keeping a low
profile by not calling attention to one's nationality.

3. The Department of State advises Americans planning to
travel to Mumbai in the aftermath of the November 26
terrorist attacks to recognize that it may be some time
before all public infrastructure and services return to
normal. Emotions are running high and there are
possibilities of demonstrations which could turn violent.


4. Americans throughout India should be vigilant about
security at all times. The Embassy and Consulates are
actively assessing the countrywide security environment.
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 hotels,
restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues. If
unattended packages are spotted, American citizens should
immediately exit the area and report the packages to
authorities.


5. 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.


6. 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.


STATE 00126128 002 OF 002



7. 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 .


8. Minimize considered.
RICE