Health Alert – U.S. Embassy New Delhi

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy New Delhi

Location:  India

Event:  The Government of India has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect in India with little or no advance notice.  Visit the website of Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for additional information on the latest measures.

U.S. citizens should reconsider travel to India in light of recent Government of India and Indian State advisories regarding screening and quarantines, and potential changes in international advisories.  On March 16, the State of Maharashtra’s Chief Minister announced home mandatory quarantine for travelers from the United States, among others.  The State of Maharashtra includes Mumbai, a major entry point into India.  The State government of Andhra Pradesh is asking all recent international travelers to put themselves into a 28-day quarantine upon entry to the State.  Anyone not complying will be subject to daily medical monitoring.  We expect that other States may put restrictions in place with little or no advance notice.  Other nations, including transit hubs, may similarly issue health-related travel requirements at short notice.

Effective March 13, the Government of India suspended visas for all incoming foreigners, except diplomatic, United Nations or International Organization, employment, and project visas.  Fourteen-day mandatory quarantine is in effect for passengers traveling from or transiting through China, Iran, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and UAE.  As of March 17, 2020, the Government of India prohibits the entry of passengers from all EU countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK, Afghanistan, Philippines, and Malaysia.

As of March 16, 2020, U.S. Mission India moved to a social distancing policy as a protective measure for our staff and customers.  U.S. Embassy New Delhi and all consulates are providing only essential services to U.S. citizens and limited, emergency visa services.  All scheduled visa appointments have been cancelled.

As of March 16, 2020, Mission India’s American Centers in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai have closed until further notice.

Actions to Take:

Assistance:

  • U.S. Consulate General Mumbai (Bombay)
    C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051
    telephone: +91-22-2672-4000
  • U.S. Consulate General Chennai (Madras)
    220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006
    telephone: +91-44-2857-4000
  • U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad
    Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500003
    Telephone: +91-40-4033-8300.
  • State Department – Consular Affairs
    888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444