

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - India
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INDIA - WARNING
 December 24, 1991

Summary:  Travel throughout most regions of India is generally
safe.  However, because of continuing terrorist activity in the
Kashmir portion of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and in the state
of Assam, U.S. citizens should defer travel to the Valley of Kashmir
and to Assam until further notice.  In addition, due to the
continuing violence in the state of Punjab, U.S. citizens should
defer all but essential travel to the Punjab as well as areas of
north-central and north-western Uttar Pradesh affected by this
violence.  Visitors should be aware that potentially dangerous
demonstrations can occur anywhere in India on short notice, and
although U.S. citizens may not be specifically targeted, they and
their vehicles may inadvertently get caught up in a demonstration or
riot.  U.S. citizens should read local English language newspapers
and check with the Consular Section of the American Embassy in New
Delhi or with the American Consulates General in Bombay, Madras and
Calcutta for current information concerning the security situation
at proposed destinations.  End Summary.

Travel throughout most of India is generally safe, and most U.S.
citizens have no untoward experiences.  This is particularly true
for travel to major urban centers such as Bombay, Madras, Bangalore,
Calcutta and New Delhi.  Similarly, except for Kashmir, well-known
tourist attractions are generally safe for tourists who exercise
caution.  However, potentially dangerous situations, such as
demonstrations or terrorist violence, may develop quickly and
without warning.  Travelers are advised to 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, Assam, Punjab, Northwestern Uttar Pradesh:  Because of
continuing terrorist activity, tensions and disturbances, visitors
are strongly advised to avoid the Kashmir portion of the state of
Jammu and Kashmir.  The kidnapping of foreigners by terrorists in
Kashmir underscores the advice that U.S. citizens should avoid
Kashmir until further notice.  Also, in view of the Government of
India's announcement in September 1991 that Assam is a "disturbed
area," U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to Assam.  Due to
continuing separatist violence in the state of Punjab, U.S. citizens
should defer all nonessential travel there.  As there have been a
number of recent terrorist attacks against trains in the Punjab,
U.S. citizens who must travel to the Punjab are advised not to do so
by train.  Also, in late 1991 there were several violent incidents
in the Terai area of north-central Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) near the
Nepal border and in some of the foothills of northern U.P.  These
incidents are related to the problems in the Punjab.  As in the
Punjab, nonessential travel to these areas of Uttar Pradesh,
including Jim Corbett National Park and Dudhwa National Park, should
be postponed.

India-Pakistan Border:  Travelers to the India/Pakistan border
should exercise caution in view of the continuing tensions between
India and Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir.  The only official
border crossing point for foreigners is at Attari, Punjab/Wagah,
Pakistan.  A Pakistani visa is required.

West Bengal:  Several foreigners visiting the Ananda Marg
Organization's facilities in West Bengal have been detained.  U.S.
citizens planning travel to West Bengal should first contact the
American Embassy in New Delhi or the American Consulate General in
Calcutta for further information.

Restricted/protected areas which require permission from the Indian
Ministry of Home Affairs to visit are:  Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland,
Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Kulu district and Spiti District
of Himachal Pradesh, certain parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the area
West of National Highway No. 15 running from Ganganagar to Sanchar
in Rajasthan, and the Union Territory of the Laccadive Islands.
Areas for which permits will be issued by Indian consulates abroad
without reference to the home ministry or by foreigners regional
registration offices in India are:  Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura,
Imphal town and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Mountain Climbing:  Both India and Pakistan lay claim to an area of
the Karakoram Mountain Range which includes the Siachen Glacier.
The two countries have established military outposts in the region
and, since May 1984, armed clashes have occurred.  Because of this
situation, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens against
traveling to or climbing peaks anywhere in the disputed area of East
Karakoram Range and on or near the Siachen Glacier.  Climbers should
in particular avoid the following peaks which lie within the
disputed area claimed by both India and Pakistan:  Rimo Peak,
Apsarasas-I, II, and III, Tegam Kangri - I, II, and III, Suingi
Kangri, Ghaint I and II, Indira Col, and Sia Kangri.

Piloting Civil Aircraft:  In past years, there have been a number
of incidents when civil aircraft have been detained for deviating
>From approved flight plans.  U.S. citizens piloting civil aircraft
in India are therefore strongly cautioned against changing filed
flight plans or overflying restricted airspace.

Vaccinations:  Please check with your local Public Health Service
office for recommended vaccinations.  Medical authorities suggest
taking preventive measures against malaria, hepatitis, meningitis,
and Japanese encephalitis [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.  All travelers should be aware of the possibility of
outbreaks of cholera and gastroenteritis which occur during summer
monsoon months [July and August], 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
(seal unbroken) and avoiding ice.  Eating untreated fruits and
vegetables and cooked foods sold by street vendors can be risky.

Registration:  U.S. citizens resident or visiting in India are
encouraged to register with the American Embassy in New Delhi or
with the American Consulates General in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.

No. 91-249

This replaces the travel advisory for India dated October 17, 1991
to warn American travelers to defer nonessential travel to parts of
northwestern Uttar Pradesh due to violent incidents related to the
situation in the Punjab.

