TRAVEL ALERT: INDIA - SECURITY ISSUES

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 009665 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC IN SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT: INDIA - SECURITY ISSUES STATE 00009665 001.2 OF 002 ¶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- STATE 00009665 002.2 OF 002 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. ¶6. Minimize considered. CLINTON