TRAVEL ALERT-INDIA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 128097

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC IN
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT-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 replaces the
Travel Alert issued on November 29 and expires on January
5, 2009, advises U.S. citizens of recent security
procedures for travelers, and reminds them of the need to
exercise caution when visiting India.


2. American citizens in India are advised that the
Government of India has ordered heightened security
measures at airports and the surrounding areas throughout
India. The Government of India has alerted airline
security officials that threat information has been
received targeting airports on or around December 4
through December 6. All major airports in India,
including those in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai,
Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Kochi, have been placed on high
alert following threats of airport attacks and hijacking
of planes.


3. Passengers will be allowed entry to an airport only
after showing valid photo identity cards and are advised
to arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance
for both domestic and international flights. Indian
security forces will be conducting checks of vehicles,
passenger baggage, airport entrances, and exit roads.
Under this heightened security system where extra
surveillance has been set up at most airports, passengers
should expect to be frisked several times before boarding
the aircraft.



4. 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 this new reality into account
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.


5. 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 that could turn violent.


6. 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 when visiting public
places, including religious sites, hotels, restaurants,
ethe 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

STATE 00128097 002 OF 002
ntertainment, and recreation venues. If unattended
packages are spotted, American citizens should
immediately exit the area and report the packages to
authorities.


7. For the latest security information, Americans
traveling abroad should regularly monitor the
Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov
where side 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.


8. 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.


9. 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.
RICE