This
is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office
at the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai. OSAC encourages
travelers to use this report to
gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in western India. For more
in-depth information, review OSAC’s India-specific webpage for original OSAC
reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be
available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.
Travel Advisory
The
current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication
assesses most of India at Level 2, indicating travelers should
exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have
increased risk: do not travel to the state of Jammu and Kashmir (except the
eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil
unrest; and do not travel to within ten kilometers of the border with Pakistan
due to the potential for armed conflict. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel
Advisory System
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
The
Consulate represents the United States in Western India, including the states
of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa.
Crime Threats
The
U.S. Department of State has assessed Mumbai as being a MEDIUM-threat
location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S.
government. Although it is a city with an estimated
population of more than 25 million people, Mumbai remains
relatively safe for expatriates. Being involved in a traffic
accident remains more probable than being a victim of a crime, provided you
practice good personal security. The Mumbai
Police force lacks training and are overworked, but seem to do a reasonable job
in securing the city. Petty crime or crimes of opportunity have affected
expatriates with reports of stolen bags,
passports, and other valuables. Most of these crimes occur in a
non-confrontational / nonviolent manner. Areas foreigners frequent
are less vulnerable due to a generally adequate police presence. Violent
crimes do occur in Mumbai, but are generally isolated in more high-density
areas such as slums and crowded apartment blocks. While the potential
exists for a foreigner to be a victim of both violent or property
crime, there are no indications that criminals specifically target the expatriate
community. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.
Residential
theft is a common occurrence amongst the Indian population, normally
occurring when the property is vacant. Violence resulting in serious injury or
death is relatively rare. Most commonly, residential theft involves household
staff either stealing directly from their employer or allowing acquaintances into
the residence while the employer is away. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.
There
have been reports of local political organizations
pressuring Western companies, particularly in more rural areas, to hire
certain workers or vendors. In rare cases, organized crime elements make extortion
threats.
While it
appears that some criminal groups target lower-income Indian citizens and
tourists, there have been reports of criminals using the names of
actual U.S. diplomats, businesses, or individuals in their fraudulent
materials.
Other Areas of Concern
Avoid
walking in isolated areas alone at any time. Use caution when in high poverty
areas of the city, and around large public celebrations. Avoid the Red Light
district of Kamathipura.
The
Department of State recommends avoiding travel within ten kilometers of the
India-Pakistan border. Both countries maintain a strong military presence along
the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons
who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab between Attari,
India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open; confirm the
status prior to travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only
U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. The
Pakistani government requires that U.S. citizens resident in India must first
come to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi to sign an affidavit of intent to apply
for the Pakistani visa before submitting their application. Otherwise, apply for
a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to
India.
Cybersecurity Issues
The complexity
and capability of organizations conducting organized white-collar financial
scams and cybercrime continues to expand. Indian authorities report that West
African/Nigerian fraud rings are active in Mumbai and Goa. Many scams are
perpetrated by email, texts, ruse phone calls, and call centers involving
the promise or guarantee of a U.S. visa in conjunction with employment
overseas. Scammers use similar fake email domains, for example @diplomats.com
or @us-traveldocs.com. Often the scams include past and present names of
U.S. Consulate staff, officers, Ambassadors, and Principal Officers
to give an air of credibility to their emails. Those who fall victim
often wire money to bank accounts that are immediately emptied or closed, and
the source of the scams may or may not even reside in India.
Police
have busted numerous call centers across Maharashtra and
Gujarat responsible for tricking thousands of U.S. victims into
transferring money for scams, including posing as IRS agents, USCIS
officers, and family members in distress. Most victims were targeted for a few
hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, usually small enough amounts that
make it not worth the time for foreigners to pursue legally, since doing
so would require them to register a case in Indian courts
in person, or show up for trials that could be years later.
Several
hundred individuals with U.S. visas/travel documents have been the targets
of fraud by organized criminals who copy or steal their passport
and U.S. visa information in order to apply online for foreign
visas to facilitate human smuggling outside of India. Imposters
pose electronically as family members to apply for visas to Western
countries, use the U.S. visa information to bolster their
claims to legitimate travel.
It
is illegal to bring satellite phones into India regardless of whether you are
transiting, visiting, or staying in India. Authorities have arrested increasing
numbers of foreign nationals, including U.S. travelers, at airports around
India for carrying satellite phones. The ban on the use and/or import of
satellite phones in India remains strictly enforced. Review OSAC’s
reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security
on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends
& Best Practices, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM
Skimmers & Fraud, Taking Credit, and Satellite Phones: Critical or
Contraband?
Transportation-Safety Situation
Road Safety and Road Conditions
Roads
in Mumbai are in moderate condition, but the city's infrastructure is not
keeping pace with rapid population growth and
development. Traffic congestion throughout the city is significant at
virtually all times, with a corresponding increase in the number of high-speed traffic
accidents and fatalities, particularly on the few
highways. Maharashtra officials report that approximately 72,000 accidents
occur every year in the state, resulting in an average of 14,000
deaths. Mumbai continues to see an increase in auto accidents. Local media
reports that an Indian dies every three minutes in a road accident. In
general, most areas lack basic traffic law enforcement. Many
drivers routinely ignore traffic rules without regard to safety.
Travel
by road in India is dangerous; travel at night is particularly
hazardous. Buses, the transport mode of choice for hundreds
of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they service most cities. Unfortunately, bus drivers usually
drive without much of what Western travelers would understand as rules
of the road. Accidents are quite common. Trains, while statistically safer
than buses, also suffer accidents with alarming
regularity; train accidents and fatalities gain increasing media attention
due to the high death tolls when they do occur.
Traffic
in India moves on the left. It is important to be alert while crossing streets
and intersections, especially after dark, as traffic is coming in the
"wrong" direction (i.e. from the right). Travelers should remember to
use seatbelts in both rear and front seats where available, and to ask their
drivers to maintain a safe speed. At intersections, there are frequently
throngs of indigent individuals and street hawkers. Keep windows rolled up and
doors locked.
Drivers must
have either a valid Indian driver’s license or a valid international driver’s
license. Because of difficult road and traffic conditions, many U.S.
travelers who visit India hire a local driver. On Indian
roads, “might makes right.” For example, many vehicles, including buses
and trucks, run red lights and merge directly into traffic at yield
points and traffic circles. Cars, auto-rickshaws, bicycles, and
pedestrians behave only slightly more cautiously, but are often as or more
aggressive than larger vehicles. Frequent use of the vehicle horn, without
clear indication as the reason for its use, is customary.
Outside
major cities, main roads and arteries are often poorly controlled or maintained,
and frequently congested. Even main roads frequently have only two lanes,
with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few
divided highways, expect to meet local transportation
traveling in the wrong direction, often without lights after
dark. Heavy traffic is the norm and includes (but is not limited to)
overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel
carts, occasional horse or elephant riders en route to weddings or
celebrations, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock.
If
a driver hits a pedestrian or a stray animal, crowds can form quickly, often
surrounding the vehicles and individuals involved. Bystanders could
attack occupants under circumstances such as this; such attacks
pose significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle's
occupants, or incineration of the vehicle. If it appears to be unsafe
for individuals involved in an accident to remain at the scene, drive directly
to the nearest police station.
Protestors
often use road blockages as a means of publicizing their grievances,
causing severe inconvenience to travelers. Monitor local news reports for
any reports of road disturbances.Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices,
and Evasive Driving Techniques;
and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Conditions
Recognize
the risks inherent in using mass transit (e.g. buses, trains), particularly after
dark and especially if not in the company of known, trusted companions.
Traveling alone in hired taxis and rickshaws is generally safe, even as an
increasing numbers make use of application-based transportation providers, with
Uber, Meru, and Ola the most popular. Rickshaws and Taxis
now appear on Uber and Ola.
Mumbai’s
Suburban Railway carries millions
of passengers each day. Unfortunately, train accidents still occur with
some frequency. Trains are extremely overcrowded throughout the
day; exiting and entering the train can be dangerous, or in some cases
deadly. Many trains frequently operate with the doors open, leaving room
for more adventurous riders to hang out these doors during peak time
hours. On average, there are approximately 3,000 deaths related to the
train system per year, though this includes people riding on the outside or top
of the train, as well as some pedestrians. Petty theft is common; riders
should keep close watch of their belongings. Reports of harassment of
women persist. Women should travel in the female-only
compartment, which will offer a measure of security. However, there have been
reports of criminal gangs targeting women in these cabins.
Review
OSAC’s reports, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public
Transport, and Overnights and Travelers’ Guide to Indian
Transportation Security.
Aviation/Airport Conditions
Airlines
are one of the safest modes of transportation in India. Most airports
have a robust police presence, extensive CCTV coverage, and restrictions
limiting airport access to only employees and travelers. An adequate
number of police officers are in proper uniform outside
the arrival hall and parking area at the airport. In addition,
plain-clothed police officers also keep watch on suspicious activity.
The
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of
India’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of India’s air
carrier operations. Find further information on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Use
caution while booking private helicopters for travel, especially in northeast
India.
Terrorism Threat
The
U.S. Department of State has assessed Mumbai as being a HIGH-threat
location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government
interests
A
disparate number of Maoist extremist groups called “Naxals” or “Naxalites” are
active in parts of the Mumbai Consular District. They are particularly active
in rural parts of the Indian states of Chhattisgarh and extreme eastern
Maharashtra, and in border regions of the adjacent states of Andhra Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Orissa. The Naxalites have a long history
of conflict with state and national authorities, including frequent attacks on
local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials. The Naxalites
have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens, but have attacked symbolic
targets including Western companies. While Naxalite violence does not normally
occur in places frequented by foreigners, there is a risk that visitors could
become unintended victims. Due to the fluid nature of the Naxalite threat, the
U.S. Consulate General requires all U.S. government travelers to states with
Naxalite activity to receive prior authorization from the Regional Security
Office.
Apart
from the ongoing Maoist insurgency, there have been no major attacks in
Mumbai’s consular district since 2008, when members of the international
terrorist group Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) targeted the city, conducting a
complex attack operation that lasted three days, killed 173 people, and
wounded more than 300 others. The attackers stormed and bombed hotels, a Jewish
community center, a train station, a café, and a hospital during the lengthy
attack. Since that time, there have been a number of smaller attacks,
including a series of three coordinated bomb explosions in 2011 at the Opera House, Zaveri Bazaar,
and Dadar West
localities, leaving 26 dead and 130 injured.
There
continue to be reports of arrests of ISIS sympathizers and recruits, but law
enforcement agencies provide little information about these investigations.
There remain suspicions that some Islamic terrorists may be active throughout
India, including in Mumbai, but this belief is as of yet unsubstantiated, and
does not negatively affect life in the city.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Anti-Western
terrorist groups, including some appearing on the U.S. government's list of
foreign terrorist organizations (e.g. Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat
ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba,)
are active.
An
Anti-U.S. protest occurred January 9, 2020 in Mumbai, condemning the
U.S. killing of an Iranian general. The group responsible has
support on several social media sites that feature Anti-U.S. images and
videos. Bursts of violence targeting U.S. facilities are not uncommon.
Maintain respect and sensitivity to others’ political and religious
views.
Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence
The
U.S. Department of State has assessed Mumbai as being a MEDIUM-threat
location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S.
government interests.
Civil Unrest
Mumbai
has a history of large demonstrations. Mumbai police handle large
demonstrations professionally when they have advanced notice and can
adequately plan for the event. The city also experiences spontaneous
demonstrations and incidents of violence that can disrupt traffic flow, as well
as causing damage to property before the police can respond. These protests
usually occur with little or no warning. The police are quick to disrupt such
protests, although this may result in violent clashes between police and
protestors, ending in injuries and sometimes death. For more
information, review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
In
2019, the Indian government abrogated Article 370 of the Indian
Constitution, which took away the State of Jammu and Kashmir’s special
status and relegated the former state to union territory status. In the
aftermath, India experienced widespread demonstrations that continue to
influence protests in 2020.
Following
the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in late 2019, protests broke
out across the country, including in Mumbai’s consular district. Local police
handled the demonstrations professionally and protesters were unimpeded by the
police.
Religious/Ethnic Violence
Religious
violence occurs occasionally, especially when political/nationalist groups
purposefully aggravate tensions between religious communities.
Vigilantes
have attacked and killed foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus in
conservative, rural areas. Review OSAC’s Report Putting Your Faith in Travel: Security
Implications.
Large
religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result in
dangerous and often life-threatening stampedes. Authorities occasionally impose
curfews/restrict travel. Obey curfews and travel restrictions, and avoid
demonstrations and rallies, as they all have the potential for violence.
Post-Specific Security Issues
Environmental Hazards
The
monsoon season lasts from June through September. Flooding during the monsoon
season remains a great concern. More than 1,000
people have died due to flooding in the worst seasons. Inadequate
drainage, clogged storm sewers, and expansive city growth exacerbates
flooding.
Parts
of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. These regions are
north of the Mumbai Consular District.
Typhoons/cyclones
and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, and have at times
resulted in massive loss of life. Remain vigilant during severe weather,
monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal
warnings. Maintain contingency plans for loss of power and
unavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days
after a severe weather event.
Critical Infrastructure
Refrain
from taking pictures of Indian Government facilities, train stations, airports,
power plants, or other key sites receiving protection from the Government of
India. Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for
Photography.
Personal Identity Concerns
Five
years after the gang-rape of a young woman in New
Delhi triggered nationwide protests and led to more stringent laws
on sexual assault and rape, the arrival of the global #MeToo movement in India has opened new conversations on sexual
violence. The Narendra Modi government has introduced the
"zero-tolerance" policy towards violence against women, reform of
criminal justice system, and simpler, quicker, and more effective delivery of
justice. More than 32,500 cases of rape were registered with the police in
2017, about 90 per day, according to the most recent government data. Indian
courts disposed of only about 18,300 cases related to rape that year, leaving
more than 127,800 cases pending at the end of 2017. According to statistics
recently released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB),
Uttar Pradesh recorded the most sexual harassment cases with 5,830; Madhya
Pradesh followed with 2,985 cases; and Maharashtra placed third, reporting
2,910 cases. Telangana recorded more cases of sexual harassment in the
workplace than any other state. Bihar was the state to record the most cases of
sexual harassment on public transport.
Western
women continue to report incidents of harassment by men. Women should
observe stringent security precautions, including: avoiding public transport
after dark without known and trustworthy companions; restricting evening
entertainment to well-known venues; and avoiding being in isolated areas alone.
Female travelers should respect local dress and customs and dress
conservatively. While Mumbai is generally safe for all foreign visitors, and
has a large expatriate community, reported rape numbers continue to increase.
While the vast majority of incidents appear confined to the Indian population, expatriates
and foreigners are not exempt, including within the diplomatic community.
Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.
Homosexual
acts were decriminalized in India in September, 2018. Despite
decriminalization, homosexuality and homosexual acts are still widely
stigmatized within traditional Indian society. Review the State
Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.
Those
planning to engage in religious proselytizing must have a
"missionary" visa. Immigration authorities have determined that
certain activities, including speaking at religious meetings to which the
general public is invited, may violate immigration law without a missionary
visa. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are
subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states of Odisha,
Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have
legislation that regulates or places restrictions on conversion from one
religious faith to another. Those intending to engage in missionary activity
should seek legal advice to determine whether the activities they intend to
pursue are permitted under Indian law. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.
While
in India, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and
accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Despite
legislation that all public buildings and transport be accessible for disabled
people, accessibility remains limited. Review the State Department’s
webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.
Drug-related Crimes
Narcotic-related
violence is infrequent, but there is a significant amount of drug trafficking
through the Pakistan-India-Myanmar route. Drugs (e.g. cocaine, amphetamines)
are commonly used and are widely available. These drugs frequently appear at
rave parties among those in higher social strata.
In
2018, India exported over $17 billion
of licit pharmaceutical drugs, and it has been the leading generic
drug manufacturer in the world for several years. Estimates suggest that India
exports twice the volume of pharmaceutical drugs as China. Drug traffickers
exploit this commercial infrastructure – and India’s rare combination of
technical expertise and chemical source supplies – to market dangerous synthetic
drugs in the United States and elsewhere. U.S. and international law
enforcement authorities have voiced concerns that transnational criminal
organizations could target India’s pharmaceutical laboratories and chemists to
produce illicit fentanyl and fentanyl analogues.
U.S.-based
customers obtain illegal pharmaceutical drugs from India through online
pharmacies, non-indexed web sites (“Dark Web”), or call centers. Thousands of
mail shipments of illicit pharmaceutical drugs are sent to the United States
each year, feeding the current opioid epidemic. Neighboring
countries, including Nepal and Bhutan have also identified Indian
pharmaceutical drugs as a major problem.
Trafficking
of the opioid tramadol from India is another serious drug control challenge.
India is the leading global producer of licit tramadol, and approximately 50
companies in the country are licensed to legitimately manufacture the drug.
However, billions of tablets of mostly counterfeit tramadol originating in
India have been seized across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Indian
law enforcement has raided multiple pharmaceutical factories
illegally producing ketamine, hashish, cocaine, and opium. The drug trafficking
organization involved in these raids was responsible for trafficking illegal
drugs to Australia, Canada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya,
Malaysia, Mozambique, Nepal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, the United Kingdom,
and Vietnam, demonstrating India’s role as a central transit point for
international drug trade.
Indian
Law Enforcement in conjunction with DEA successfully arrested three individuals
involved in the operation of a fentanyl laboratory including a Mexican cartel
member and a PhD-level chemist. Indian law enforcement officials have made
arrests for trafficking heroin near the Nepal border, with a believed
terrorism nexus. Seizures of MDMA (ecstasy) and ketamine manufactured in India
have also been observed. Indian NCB and DRI work closely and effectively
with DEA and regional counterdrug partners in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and
the Maldives. Through this regional cooperation, Indian officials are
able to make or facilitate numerous arrests and seizures. Further developing
this relationship through intelligence sharing and cross training could lead to
continued operational improvement.
Authorities
have arrested U.S. citizens at Indian airports for attempting to smuggle
illegal drugs from India. All claimed that they did not realize they were
carrying narcotics. Never transport or mail packages that do not belong to you
and maintain direct control of your luggage at all times.
Each
of India’s states has independent regulations concerning alcohol purchase and
consumption. Legal drinking ages range from 18 to 25 and can vary by beverage
type. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only, while others
require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol. Penalties
for violation can be harsh.
Kidnapping Threat
Kidnappings
of foreigners rarely occur, but the possibility does exist. Kidnappings of
children and women in the local community are common and have seen an uptick in
reported incidents according to the National Crime Records
Bureau. A nationwide total of 95,893 cases of kidnapping & abduction
were registered during 2017. A total of 100,555 (23,814 male and 76,741 female)
victims were reported kidnapped or abducted, out of which 56,622 (14,296 male
and 42,326 female) victims were children. Right to Information (RTI) activists
released statistics for Mumbai that showed reported child kidnappings in Mumbai
have increased for Indian children from 653 (2015) to 1,040 (2018). Few cases
involving U.S. Citizens have been reported to the U.S. Consulate
General, and were primarily family members reportedly holding children in India
for arranged marriages against the wishes of one parent. Review OSAC’s
report, Kidnapping: The Basics.
Police Response
Use
one of the following telephone numbers if in distress: Maharashtra – 102; Gujarat – 181; Madhya Pradesh – 1090; Goa – 1091;
and Chhattisgarh – 1081.
Police
response in the city of Mumbai is fair. The Mumbai police do an effective
job managing large-scale protests and are responsive to security
requests. Individuals needing immediate police assistance should call the
Police Helpline by dialing 100 from
any phone. Access emergency number 112 from
mobile phones. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure. Find further
information on the Mumbai Police online.
Medical Emergencies
Emergency
medical services in Mumbai are extremely limited. Ambulances are poorly
equipped and traffic congestion could prevent speedy transport to a hospital.
Emergency medicine/trauma care is still below western standards, but
capabilities are improving. Find contact information for available medical
services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Consulate website.
Despite
reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in general travelers
should not delay or avoid treatment for urgent or emergent medical situations.
However, health tourists and other travelers who may be contemplating elective
procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital
infection-control practices.
Dogs
and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Vaccinate
against rabies for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and
travelers in rural areas. Vaccinate for shorter stays that involve occupational
exposure, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human rabies
immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure
travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys also can transmit
rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding
monkeys. If bitten, immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes
and seek urgent medical attention.
Influenza
is transmitted from November to April in areas north of the Tropic of Cancer
(north India), and from June through November (the rainy season) in areas south
of the Tropic of Cancer (south India), with a smaller peak from February
through April; off-season transmission can also occur. All travelers are at
risk, and should receive the influenza vaccine during the flu season.
Outbreaks
of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India,
including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam.
For further information on pandemic influenza, refer to the Department of
State's 2009-H1N1, Pandemic Influenza, and H5N1 Fact Sheet.
Malaria
prophylaxis depends on time of year and area the traveler is visiting. Dengue
fever presents significant risk in urban and rural areas. The highest number of
new cases occurs from July to December, with cases peaking from September to
October. Use daytime insect precautions such as wearing long-sleeved
shirts and mosquito repellent. Zika is also present in India.
Air
pollution is becoming a critical concern due to wood and biomass burning, fuel
adulteration, vehicle emission, and traffic congestion. In autumn and winter
months, large-scale crop burning in agriculture fields -- a low-cost
alternative to mechanical tilling -- is a major source of smoke, smog, and
particulate pollution.
Food
and drinking water safety are a concern in India. Several government
initiatives are in place to improve drinking water and sanitation, but
travelers should still avoid drinking the tap water, as the quality is
questionable. Food cleanliness standards are also debatable, especially at
street vendors. Use extreme caution when dining at these
facilities Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?,
Local
press reports indicate an extraordinarily high HIV rate among local sex
workers.
The
U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health
insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage
on insurance overseas.
The
CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for India. Review OSAC’s
reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication,Shaken: The
Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel,
and Fire Safety Abroad.
OSAC Country Council
The Mumbai
OSAC Country Council meets regularly. For more information, contact
the Regional Security Office at +91(22)2672-4000 ext. 4911, visit the
chapter's website, contact the chapter by email,
or contact OSAC’s South & Central Asia Team.
U.S. Consulate Contact Information
The
Consulate is located in the industrial park section of Mumbai known as Bandra
Kurla Complex. The address is C-49, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra
East, Mumbai 400 051. Taxi drivers may also know the area for the Trident
Hotel or American School of Bombay. The 24-hour telephone number is
+91(22)2672-4000. For any additional information, visit
the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai website.
Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts in India
- Embassy
New Delhi, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi
110021. +91-11-2419-8000.
- Consulate Chennai, 220
Anna Salai Rd, Chennai 600 006. +91-44-2857-4000.
- Consulate Hyderabad, Paigah Palace 1-8-323, Chiran Fort
Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003. +91-(0)40-40338300.
- Consulate Kolkata, 38A, J.L.Nehru Road, Kolkata
700071. +91-33-3984-6300.
- Virtual
Presence Post Bangalore
Helpful Information
Before
you travel, consider the following resources:
