**India**

**December 4, 2008**

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 December 31, 2008.

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.

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]{.underline} and international
flights. Indian security forces will be conducting checks of vehicles,
passenger baggage, airport entrance, and exit roads.  Under this
heightened security system where extra surveillance has been setup at
most airports, passengers should expect to be frisked several times
before boarding the aircraft.\
\
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.

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.

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, entertainment, and
recreation venues. If unattended packages are spotted, American citizens
should immediately exit the area and report the packages to authorities.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
regularly monitor the Department\'s Internet web site at
[[http://travel.state.gov]{.underline}](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]{.underline}](http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/),
and also at
[[http://travel.state.gov]{.underline}](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/]{.underline}](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]{.underline}](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]{.underline}](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]{.underline}](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]{.underline}](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]{.underline}](http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov/).