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:
- U.S. citizens requiring essential services should continue to follow the instructions for appointment scheduling on our website.
- Consult the CDC websitefor the most up-to-date information on the disease.
- For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.govfor the latest information regarding foreign countries’ quarantine requirements and other global impacts.
- Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19for information on conditions in India.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s websitefor the latest travel restrictions affecting travel to the United States.
- Review the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website, as well as the Bureau of Immigration.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri 110021
Telephone: +91-11-2419-8000
https://in.usembassy.gov
- 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)
5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071
Telephone: +91-33-3984-2400.
- 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
- India Travel Advisory and Country Page
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
