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Last Updated:
November 13, 2007 14:46
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 22:35 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 1 has been updated (Current Issue added). For information on Tropical Cyclone Sidr see our Current Issues page. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the country. Travellers should maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid public gatherings and street demonstrations. In response to the declaration of emergency rule in Regional Warning
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the following regions: a) The northeastern states of Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland; b) c) The border areas of d) The border areas of A high level of conflict and terrorist violence continues to be prevalent in OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Terrorist violence, such as bombings in public areas and on public transportation, occurs throughout India. Trains and buses are potential targets. Exercise caution when travelling throughout India, particularly when visiting tourist sites, government installations or attending public events such as cultural festivals, and avoid crowds and demonstrations. Political rallies and demonstrations are frequent throughout the country and can turn violent, particularly immediately preceding and following elections. Transportation and services can be disrupted. Curfews are occasionally imposed. Carry identification at all times. Do not travel alone, especially after dark. Travelling alone in remote areas presents particular risks for foreigners. Canadians travelling to India should be particularly vigilant in the lead up to and on days of national significance, as militants have used such occasions to mount attacks in the past. Celebration venues, prominent government buildings, public transport, places of worship and public areas are potential targets for such attacks. Religious tensions in the country have caused extreme instability. Recent clashes have resulted in two violent attacks. On May 18, 2007, during Friday prayers, a bomb was detonated at a mosque in Hyderabad in southern India. This incident resulted in several deaths, and many other individuals were injured. In the Punjab region, clashes between Sikh factions broke out on May 21, 2007, resulting in violent demonstrations that have led to at least one death. Canadian travellers to the region should be aware that the situation in Punjab remains tense, and further sporadic unrest is possible. Tensions between India and Pakistan have eased, but the security situation, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, remains unpredictable and could deteriorate at short notice. On July 11, 2006, at least eight explosions hit commuter trains during the rush hour in Mumbai causing many casualties. One of the blasts occurred at the Matunga station in central Mumbai and another occurred in the Khar station. Two more explosions took place in the Santa Cruz and Mahim suburbs of the city. Canadians travelling to Mumbai should expect delays and disruption to local transportation and other services. Travellers should limit non-essential movements within the city and if possible, arrange for meetings to take place in their hotels. Delays are also expected at the International Airport due to increased security. Security has been heightened around South Mumbai train and bus depots, major marketplaces, and religious sites. Travellers are advised to avoid these sites. On Sunday July 9, 2006, activists from the Hindu nationalist group Shiv Sena rioted in south Mumbai and elsewhere in Maharashtra after a statue of the party founder’s late wife was vandalised. The protests and riots occurred mainly in the Shivaji Park in the central Dadar area, the Gateway of India near the Taj Hotel and the surrounding Colaba area in South Mumbai. A police station was attacked and buses were burned. Riots were also reported in the suburban areas of Mahim, Matunga, Worli, Andheri, Bandra, Mulund, Kandivali, Ghatkopar and Parel. Other parts of Maharashtra, including Thane, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nanded and Chandrapur were also affected. Canadians should exercise caution, avoid areas where demonstrations are being held and avoid confrontations with protestors. In March 2006, three explosions occurred in the holy town of Varanasi in northern India, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 100. The explosions were reported at a Hindu temple, in a railway station and on a passenger train. In October 2005, three bomb blasts hit tourist areas in New Delhi, resulting in deaths and injuries. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, monitor local news reports, and avoid crowds and demonstrations throughout the country. Exercise caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments and tourist areas (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events) frequented by foreigners. Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon but occurs. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common. Passports and valuables have been stolen from luggage on trains and buses. Pay attention to the security of personal belongings and passports. Do not accept food or drink from strangers. There have been cases of drugging. For emergency assistance, call 100 for police, 102 for ambulance, or 101 for fire. Scams involving the export of jewels and/or carpets have occurred. Taxi drivers may approach you offering money to export such items. You should not accept any offer, no matter how convincing. More information on scams may be found at http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/problems/scams-en.asp. Foreign citizens have been attacked or have disappeared while visiting the Kulu/Manali district in Himachal Pradesh, particularly on some of the more remote trekking routes. Canadians intending to trek in India are strongly advised to: a) never trek alone; b) always hire an experienced guide and ensure the trekking company is reputable; c) buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation services; d) be in top physical condition; e) ensure a family member or friend knows your itinerary; f) be familiar with the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (which can be fatal); g) register with the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi (see below); and h) obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out. There are persistent allegations and media reports of sexual misconduct made against certain prominent cults and their leaders in India. Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Indian authorities and was valid on July 7, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for the Republic of India and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit India. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. In the case of a lost or stolen passport, Indian authorities must provide clearance for an exit visa, which can take two to three days to obtain. All travellers with visas valid for more than 180 days must register, within 14 days of arrival, with the local office of the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) in Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, or Chennai, and with the Superintendent of Police in all other districts. Tourists must obtain a permit from the Indian government (diplomatic representatives abroad or the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs) to visit the following areas: certain areas of Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands. The minimum period of notice required for processing the applications for permits is four weeks. Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses: India - NEW DELHI, High Commission of Canada Address: 7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India 110021 Postal Address: P.O. Box 5207, New Delhi, India, 110021 Tel.: (91) (11) 4178-2000/2100 Fax: (91) (11) 4178-2020 E-Mail: delhi.consular@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/New-delhi India - CHANDIGARH, Consulate General of Canada Address: S.C.O. 54-56, Sector 17A, Chandigarh 160 017 Tel.: 91 (172) 505-0300 Fax: 91 (172) 505-0320 E-Mail: CHADG-G@international.gc.ca India - CHENNAI (formerly Madras), Consulate of Canada Address: 18 (Old 24), 3rd floor, YAFA Tower, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034 Tel.: 91 (44) 2833-0888 Fax: 91 (44) 5215-9393 E-Mail: cheni@gocindia.org India - KOLKATA (formerly Calcutta), Consulate of Canada Address: c/o RPG Enterprises, Duncan House, 31 Netaji Subhas Road, Kolkata 700 001 Tel.: 91 (33) 2242-6820 Fax: 91 (33) 2242-6828 E-Mail: ccklkta@rpg.in India - MUMBAI (formerly Bombay), Consulate General of Canada Address: 6th floor, Fort House, 221 Dr. D.N. Road, Mumbai, 400 001 Tel.: 91 (22) 6749 4444 Fax: 91 (22) 6749 4454 E-Mail: mmbai@international.gc.ca For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality. There are reports of female Canadian citizens being forced into marriage without their prior knowledge or consent. Parents, relatives and the community may use relentless pressure and emotional blackmail, threatening behaviour, abduction, imprisonment and physical violence to coerce young people to enter into marriage. While both men and women experience forced marriages, it is a form of violence most commonly perpetrated against women. They have been unable to return to Canada, and their passports and money have been retained by family members. Canada opposes the practice of forced marriage and urges all countries to respect their international human rights obligations relating to free and full consent to marriage. Forced marriage constitutes a human rights violation under several legal instruments, including international human rights law, to which Canada is a signatory. If you are in Canada and you believe that you are being forced to travel overseas or to marry, you should contact provincial social welfare authorities and your local police. You may also contact the Emergency Operations Centre (tel.: 1-800-267-6788) or the nearest Canadian government office (see Section 5 above). Growing numbers of Canadian citizens have been caught up in marital fraud and dowry abuse in India. Most cases involve Indo-Canadian males who abandon their wives in India after cheating them out of large sums of money. Other cases involve misuse of India’s Dowry Prohibition Act. This law, which was enacted to protect women and makes demanding a dowry a crime, is sometimes used to blackmail men through false allegations of dowry extortion. Individuals facing charges may be forced to remain in India until their cases have been settled or pay off their spouses in exchange for the dismissal of charges. To avoid such problems, you are advised to register your marriage in India along with a joint declaration of gifts exchanged, as well as consider a prenuptial agreement. Penalties for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect a minimum 10-year jail sentence and fines. Strict regulations may be enforced on the temporary import or export of items such as firearms, antiquities, electronic equipment, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other prohibited materials. The Government of India recently passed a regulation requiring the registration of antique items with the local police, along with a photograph of the item. Canadians should contact the High Commission for the Republic of India for specific information regarding customs requirements. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Traffic drives on the left. Travel by road is dangerous. Most roads, including major highways, are poorly maintained and traffic is congested. Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices. Do not travel by motorcycle or scooter after dark. Helmets are compulsory. Use only officially marked taxis, pre-negotiate the fare and seek information from authorized service counters at airports or railway and bus stations. Although there are now four land links between India and Pakistan, all these journeys are highly restricted. Canadians require a visitor visa to enter Pakistan. The border crossing is open on a limited basis only, and travellers should inquire in advance. Air and rail traffic is sometimes affected by cancellations and rescheduling in northern India in December and January due to fog. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The currency is the rupee, which is a non-convertible currency. Traveller's cheques are widely accepted and can be exchanged at banks. U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are recommended. Credit cards are accepted. Automated banking machines are available in larger cities. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE The monsoon season in western and southwestern India extends from June to September. Visitors should be prepared for disruption to local ground and air transport. Authorities have asked those travelling, living and working in Mumbai to be especially vigilant during high tide days. Flooding can be more severe at these times. If severe flooding is repeated this year, or is of longer duration, there may be power outages, greater risks to personal security, and shortages of essential goods lasting several days. During heavy rains, visitors to western India, particularly coastal areas, should remain in a safe location and not venture out. India is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the nearest Canadian government office in the event of an emergency. In the summer, northeastern India periodically experiences heat waves. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. Dengue fever is prevalent in some areas of India. Residents and travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from contracting dengue fever by using mosquito repellent (DEET), and avoiding swampy or low lying areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent. Using physical barriers such as mosquito nets, long sleeved shirts and other physical protections are also recommended. People experiencing flu-like symptoms (loss of energy, fever, aching joints and muscles) are advised to seek medical attention immediately. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Medical facilities are generally good in major centres, but are usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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