2020 Crime & Safety Report:

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 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 , Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and .

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 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. India 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Mumbai

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 .

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. India 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Mumbai

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. , while statistically safer than buses, also suffer accidents with alarming regularity; 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.

India 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Mumbai

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. India 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Mumbai

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 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, , 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. India 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Mumbai

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. India 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Mumbai

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. 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 India 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Mumbai

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 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 India 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Mumbai

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.

India 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Mumbai

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. India 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Mumbai

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 Complex. The address is C-49, G Block, , 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 , 220 Anna Salai Rd, Chennai 600 006. +91-44-2857-4000.  Consulate , Paigah Palace 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003. +91-(0)40-40338300.  Consulate , 38A, J.L.Nehru Road, Kolkata 700071. +91-33-3984-6300.  Virtual Presence Post

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

 OSAC Risk Matrix  OSAC Travelers Toolkit  State Department Traveler’s Checklist  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  India Country Information Sheet