NEWSFLASH : Expect Consular Delays in Visa Issuance in India
Posted May 31, 2002

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has authorized departure on a voluntary basis for "non-emergency" staff at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India. The reason for this decision is the "risk of intensified military hostilities between India and Pakistan…"

The DOS has also issued a travel warning for all U.S. citizens, advising them to defer travel to India. Those that are in the country are advised to leave. For those that remain, they are directed to avoid travel to the border areas between India and Pakistan. The details are available at on the DOS website at http://www.travel.state.gov/india_warning.html. A mandatory order of departure for non-emergency personnel was issued for Pakistan in March 2002.

We expect delays in processing of visa applications, for both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, at the consulates due to reduced staffing levels.

More information at :

BBC : Foreigners advised to leave India

CNN : UK and U.S. advise nationals to leave