This Travel Bulletin has been revised. It contains new information in relation to a seasonal outbreak of dengue fever in New Delhi, further information on security arrangements for the Games and includes additional information on indicative costs of medical evacuation that supports our strong recommendation that Australians obtain comprehensive travel insurance before departure.

Travel Bulletin: 2010 XIX Commonwealth Games New Delhi India

This travel bulletin provides information for Australians planning to travel to India for the Commonwealth Games to be held from 3 – 14 October 2010. It will be updated as further information on becomes available.

Read and subscribe to the travel advice for India:

Australians planning to attend the Games should carefully read the travel advice for India for up to date information on safety and security issues. The travel advisory contains a section on Terrorism that details the threat of terrorism in India and is updated promptly in response to new information that may affect the safety and security of Australians.

There is a high risk of terrorist attack in New Delhi. Since 2000, there have been at least 14 major terrorist attacks in New Delhi on locations such as markets, train stations and other public places. These attacks have caused hundreds of deaths and injuries.

Australians in New Delhi should be aware that the Commonwealth Games will be held in a security environment where there is a high risk of terrorism.

You should pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

You should subscribe to the travel advice for India to ensure that you receive an email update each time it is reissued.

When you arrive in New Delhi:

A number of mosquito-borne diseases are endemic in New Delhi. New Delhi is currently experiencing a seasonal outbreak of dengue fever. According to media reports, the current outbreak is more significant than in previous years. The Municipal Council of Delhi expects the number of cases to rise in September and October 2010. There is no vaccination or specific treatment available for dengue.

Malaria is a risk throughout India, including New Delhi. Outbreaks of chikungunya have also been reported in New Delhi. We encourage you to: take prophylaxis against malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases where necessary; ensure your accommodation is mosquito proof; and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using an insect repellent at all times and wearing long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing.

You should be aware that the Indian authorities are responsible for security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games. You should monitor the media for information concerning your safety and security and follow the instructions of local authorities. Police officers in New Delhi wear a khaki uniform and a light brown beret. Police will be on duty at all Games venues.

All events associated with the Games, including the Baton Relay, are likely to cause delays and traffic disruptions as additional security measures will be implemented. You should expect large crowds at the Games and possible delays in accessing Games venues. You should allow plenty of time for travel and to clear security screening at Games venues.

You will not be allowed to bring certain items into Games venues, such as alcohol, bottles and cans, video cameras, laptop computers, umbrellas, backpacks, briefcases and large handbags. There is no facility for storage of these items at entry points to Games venues. A full list of prohibited items is available on the Commonwealth Games website.

Taxis and three wheeled vehicles are widely available across New Delhi. While meters may be fitted to vehicles you may still end up bargaining for a fixed fare. Ticket holders to the Games are entitled to free transport to and from the Games venue on the Delhi Metro and on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses on the day of the event for which their ticket is valid.

Traffic conditions in India, including New Delhi, can be hazardous. Poorly maintained roads and congestion cause a large number of serious traffic accidents, though the authorities have upgraded New Delhi’s road and public transport systems for the Games. You should take care on public transport and when crossing the road.

To drive in India you must have a valid Indian driver’s licence or an international driver’s licence with a valid Australian driver’s licence. Motorcycle riders must wear helmets. If you intend to ride a motorcycle, you should check that your travel insurance policy covers motorcycle riding.

You should be aware that touts are often found at airports, railway stations and bus stations throughout India and may use aggressive tactics to persuade travellers to buy tickets on tours. They may not have any connection to the relevant commercial service providers.

When you are in India, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Things to do before you go:

We strongly encourage all Australians travelling to India for the Games to:

• register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency;
• subscribe to the travel advice for India to receive free email updates each time it's reissued; and
• organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy.

Entry and Exit Requirements: Australian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to India. If you arrive in India without a visa, the Indian authorities will refuse you entry. Holders of tourist visas departing India may not re-enter India for two months, regardless of their length of stay or validity of their visa. You should contact the High Commission of India to determine if any flexibility is possible. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months prior to your arrival in India.

If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days, you must register within 14 days of your arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office. Failure to do so may result in a jail sentence or fine, or cause delays when you try to leave India.

For up-to-date information on Indian visas and entry and exit requirements, you should contact:

High Commission of India
3-5 Moonah Place
Yarralumla ACT 2600
Tel: +61 2 6273 3999
Email: hco@hcindia-au.org
Web: www.hcindia-au.org

You should prepare early if you intend to travel to India for the Commonwealth Games. You should book your tickets and make your accommodation arrangements well in advance as demand is expected to be high. Tickets will not be sold at Games venues. Information on ticketing is available on the Commonwealth Games website.

Accommodation: The Commonwealth Games will be held at 17 venues across Delhi. There will be high demand for accommodation. You should secure your hotel booking and confirm your travel arrangements as early as possible.

Health Issues: Travellers with medical conditions should take special care in their preparation for the trip, get medical advice well before leaving Australia and pack sufficient medicine. You should consult your doctor before leaving Australia so that appropriate preventative measures can be taken. You should bear in mind that there are a number of common diseases that may affect travellers to India such as malaria, dengue and chickengunya. There is also a high incidence of food-borne, water-borne and other infectious diseases in all parts of India.

Comprehensive travel insurance: We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Most hospitals require up-front payment or confirmation of insurance cover prior to commencing treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities may be necessary. Medical evacuation costs could total in excess of $300,000 depending on circumstances. Regardless of how fit and healthy you are, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

You should see our travel advisory for India for more information on Health Issues and ensure that you obtain all relevant vaccinations.

Useful websites:

XIX Commonwealth Games Official Commonwealth Games website.

Smartraveller: Top ten travel tips

Smartraveller: Travel advice for India

Australian Commonwealth Games Association Official Website

Australian Quarantine Requirements

Where to get help:

Travellers should familiarise themselves with the Getting Help Overseas section on the www.smartraveller.gov.au website to find out what the Australian Government can and cannot do to help Australians who find themselves in trouble overseas.

Australian citizens in New Delhi that require consular assistance should, in the first instance, contact the:

Australian High Commission
Australian Compound No. 1/50 G Shantipath
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi INDIA 110021
Telephone (91 11) 4139 9900
Facsimile (91 11) 2687 2228
Website http://www.india.highcommission.gov.au

The 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra can be contacted for assistance from anywhere in the world on +61 2 6261 3305.