WARDEN MESSAGES

Heightened Security at Airports in India

December 4, 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 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.

Americans traveling or residing in India are reminded to monitor local news reports, vary their routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security when visiting all 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 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.

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.

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 Hyderabad is located at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323 Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, 500003; telephone +91-40-4033-8300; fax +91-40-4033-8300.  The Internet home page address is http://hyderabad.usconsulate.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