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Mike · Site Admin Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 4512 Location:

September 1, 2010

The U.S. Mission in India alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in India to safety and security issues related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India, between October 3 and October 14, 2010, especially in light of the Worldwide Caution issued by the Department of State on August 12, 2010, regarding the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. This Travel Alert expires November 15, 2010.

The U.S. government has no information on any specific threat of attack that any individual or group is planning to coincide with the Games. In the event the U.S. government receives information of any specific threat, the Department of State would provide information on that threat to the public immediately. U.S. citizens planning on traveling to India during the Commonwealth Games should carefully read the State Department’s Country Specific Information for India and check www.travel.state.gov for up-to-date Travel Alerts or Travel Warnings on safety and security issues. All U.S. citizens in or traveling to India are urged to enroll with the U.S. Mission in India to receive these alerts as quickly as possible.

Indian authorities will be responsible for security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games. 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.

A sizable number of tourists, athletes, and VIP visitors are expected to be in New Delhi for the Games. Due to large crowds and security screening measures allow plenty of time for travel to game venues.

Transportation: U.S. citizens are advised to take care when traveling within Delhi. While many of Delhi's roads and public transport systems have been upgraded for the Games, some roads remain poorly maintained, which can cause traffic delays and accidents. The Delhi Metro Network has been extended for the Games and all ticket-holding spectators are entitled to free transport to and from the game venues on the Delhi Metro and on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses on the day of the event for which their ticket is valid. Special care should be taken when using public transportation or driving at night.

Crime: Indian police and security forces will increase their presence in Delhi during the Games, particularly around game venues. However, U.S. citizens are advised to be on guard against petty crime, pickpockets, and the theft of personal property on trains or buses. Major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites are often used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors. Beware of touts who solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation, hotels, guided tours, or even Commonwealth Game tickets. Tickets for Game events can only be purchased online, via phone, or at designated retail outlets. Please see www.tickets.cwgdelhi2010.org for details.

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, U.S. 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".

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website where the Worldwide Caution and current 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). U.S. citizens are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India.

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 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 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 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 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.
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