Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith) Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- India Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1993 15:25:59 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - India ============================================================ India - Consular Information Sheet March 30, 1993 Country Description: India is a developing democratic republic. Tourist facilities are widely available in the major population centers and main tourist areas. Entry Requirements: For entry into India for touring or business, a passport and visa (which must be obtained in advance) are required. Evidence of yellow fever immunization is needed if the traveler is arriving from an infected area. For further entry information, the traveler can contact the Embassy of India at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 939-9839 or 939-9850. There are Indian consulates general in Chicago, New York and San Francisco. Terrorism: In March 1993, a series of bombings in several major cities resulted in over 300 deaths and 1000 people injured. As a general rule, principal targets of terrorists are public buildings, hotels and transportation centers. Foreigners have not been specifically targeted, and none were reported injured. In response to the bombings and as a precaution against further terrorist acts, the government of India has enhanced security measures considerably in New Delhi and other major Indian cities, especially around transportation centers and public buildings. While the threat of further acts of terrorism remains, there is no specific information to suggest that such attacks would be directed at U.S. citizens or U.S. interests. Areas of Instability: Countrywide -- The destruction of a respected mosque by Hindu extremists in December 1992 resulted in serious communal violence and riots throughout India, including most of its major cities. The potential for recurrences of communal violence in most major cities continues to exist. Major civil disturbances can pose risks to a traveler's personal safety and can disrupt transportation systems and city services. In response to communal violence, Indian authorities may occasionally impose curfews. In addition, political rallies and demonstrations in India have the potential for violence. Foreigners have not been the targets of either communal or political violence in India, and are principally at risk only of becoming inadvertent victims. U.S. citizens may contact the American Embassy or the nearest American Consulate General for further information about the current situation in areas where they wish to travel. Kashmir - Terrorist activities and violent civil disturbances continue in the Kashmir valley of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. There have been incidents in which terrorists have threatened and kidnapped foreigners. Assam - Terrorist groups in Assam have bombed trains, buses and bridges. The government of India has declared Assam to be a "disturbed area". Punjab and Uttar Pradesh - Significant separatist violence continues in the Punjab and nearby regions outside Punjab state. Gangs have kidnapped and held for ransom foreign company executives. All areas of Punjab state have been affected to some extent over the past year. Violent incidents also occurred in 1992 at various places in Uttar Pradesh state in the northwestern foothills and north-central Terai region. Militants and robber gangs operated in the area in and around Jim Corbett National Park and Dudhwa National Park, as well as on roads leading to Hardwar, Rishikesh, Dehra Dun and Mussoorie. India-Pakistan border - Tensions run high between India and Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for foreigners is at Attari, Punjab/Wagah, Pakistan. A Pakistani visa is required. Restricted Areas: Permission from the Indian government (from Indian diplomatic missions abroad, or in some cases from the Ministry of Home Affairs) is required to visit the states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Kulu district and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, areas of Uttar Pradesh, the area west of National Highway No. 15 running from Ganganagar to Sanchar in Rajasthan, the Andaman and Nicobar islands and the Union Territory of the Laccadive islands. Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care is available in the major population centers, but is usually limited in the rural areas of the country. Medical authorities suggest that travelers to India take preventive measures against malaria, hepatitis, meningitis and Japanese encephilitis (if arriving during the monsoon season). Travelers arriving from countries where outbreaks of yellow fever have occurred will be required to furnish a certificate for yellow fever vaccination. An office of the U.S. Public Health Service can recommend any additional vaccinations. Cholera and gastroenteritis occur during the summer monsoon months, mostly in the poorer areas of India. The best protection includes eating only at better quality restaurants or hotels, drinking only boiled or bottled mineral water and avoiding ice. Eating untreated fruits and vegetables and cooked foods sold by street vendors can be risky. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate payment in cash for health services. Supplemental health insurance which specifically covers overseas treatment has proved to be useful. Additional information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at [404] 332-4559. Information on Crime: Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common. The Department of State pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" contains information on safeguarding valuables and protection of personal security. It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders in India can expect a minimum jail sentence of ten years and fines. Customs Considerations: Indian customs authorities strictly enforce the laws and regulations governing the declaration, importation or possession of gold and gold objects. Travelers have sometimes been detained for possession of undeclared gold objects. Mountain Climbing: Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram mountain range which includes the Siachen Glacier. The two countries have established military outposts in the region, and armed clashes have occurred. Because of this situation, U.S. citizens traveling to or climbing peaks anywhere in the disputed areas face significant risk of injury and death. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak, Apsarasas I, II and III, Tegam Kangri I, II, and III, Suingri Kangri, Ghaint I and II, Indira Col and Sia Kangri. Piloting Civil Aircraft: In past years there have been a number of incidents in which civil aircraft have been detained for deviating >from approved flight plans. U.S. citizens piloting civil aircraft in India must file any changes to previous flight plans and may not overfly restricted airspace. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city of New Delhi on Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri 110021; telephone (91) (11) 600651. There are U.S. Consulates General in Bombay at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, Bombay 400026, telephone (91) (22) 363-3611; in Calcutta at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Calcutta 700071, telephone (91) (033) 22-3611 through 22-3615 and 22-2335 through 22-2337; and in Madras on Mount Road, Madras 600006, telephone (91) (44) 473-040/477-542. The workweek is Monday through Friday. Tips for Travelers: General information on travel in the area is provided in the Department of State brochure, "Tips for Travelers to South Asia". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi or at one of the U.S. Consulates in India can obtain updated information on travel and security in India and Bhutan. No. 93-054 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet, dated January 15, 1993, to include information about the potential for terrorism in India and to revise information on areas of instability.