In light of upcoming planned protests by Trinamool Congress Party, the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata cautions U.S. citizens that you may want to avoid private transport and market areas; be prepared for heightened security in the vicinity; carry valid identification papers and remain non-confrontational if questioned by unknown people / strike supporters. Allow additional time for travel via road or mass transit throughout Central Avenue, Salt Lake, Gariahat, Hazra Road, Sealdah, Howrah and Esplanade areas in Kolkata.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
For further information about security in India:
· See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and India Country Specific Information.
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler-Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
· Contact the The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335.
The Internet home page address is http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov/.
· Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard
Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
