Warden Message

October 29, 2009

Travel to India

This Warden Message provides U.S.  citizens with new travel policy information promulgated by the Government of India concerning H1N1 Influenza, sometimes referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1.  The Government of India requires that anyone arriving at the airport with a fever will be quarantined until the results of H1N1 testing can be completed.  This will normally take about 24 hours.  Accordingly, passengers with a fever will be required to stay at the Airport Health Organization Hospital until the results are available.  If the testing is negative, the individual will be released.  If the test is positive, the individual will remain quarantined for 4 or more days depending on symptoms.  The U.S. Embassy advises individuals not to fly if they are ill, and to be aware of this regulation if they arrive at the airport with a temperature.  There are no exceptions to this policy.

U.S.  citizens should be aware that the Embassy cannot demand their immediate release if they have been detained or quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal authorities.  The Embassy encourages U.S.  citizens or their families to inform the Embassy if they have been detained or quarantined by local authorities.

Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/medical_assistance.html

For more information on U.S. Government policy during a pandemic, and for travel safety information, please see the State Department’s fact sheet on Pandemic Influenza at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1181.html, and the fact sheet on Preparing to Remain in Country at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_3096.html.  Further information about 2009 H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, can be found at  the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza website at http://www.pandemicflu.gov, and the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html.

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information.  The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Bangladesh are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, U.S.  citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, 1212. The direct phone number for American Citizen Services (ACS) is (880-2) 882-3805, and our fax number is (880-2) 882-4449 In the case of an emergency, you may contact us after-hours, on weekends and on holidays at (880-2) 885-5500; press “0” and ask for the Duty Officer.

U.S. Embassy
Dhaka, Bangladesh