Messages to U.S. Citizens

U.S. Consulate General Chennai

December 21, 2011

Consulate personnel have seen wall notices posted around town that the group “May Pathinezhu Iyakkam” (Translation: “Seventeenth of May Group”) has scheduled a demonstration on the issue of the Mullai Periyar Dam for Sunday, December 25, 2011, to be held at 3:00 pm on Marina Beach in Chennai.  Even demonstrations or events that are intended to be peaceful can sometimes turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens should avoid areas where crowds are assembling and exercise caution when in the vicinity of large public gatherings. Take appropriate steps to bolster your personal security by maintaining a high level of vigilance, reporting unattended or suspicious items, remaining aware of their surroundings, and monitoring local news reports. 

U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Consulate General also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad,” which includes valuable security information for those living and traveling abroad.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.  You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain the latest information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:

• The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8587.
• The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350.
• The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027.
• The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335.
• The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300.

Follow us: http://twitter.com/USAndChennai
Like us: http://www.facebook.com/chennai.usconsulate
See us: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usconsulatechennai/