The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to safety and security issues related to the ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled to be held in those countries between February 19 and April 2, 2011. While the U.S. government has no specific threat information regarding the Cricket World Cup, large, high-profile events of this nature can be targets for terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens should review the Worldwide Caution issued by the Department of State on January 31, 2011, and note the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. This Travel Alert expires on April 9, 2011.

Local authorities in the country where individual matches are held are responsible for security arrangements for the ICC Cricket World Cup. U.S. citizens should monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and recreation and sporting venues.

U.S. citizens planning to travel to India, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka during the ICC Cricket World Cup should read carefully the State Department’s Country Specific Information for these countries, available on the Department’s Travel website. Travelers should pay particular attention at this time to the information on safety and security, crime, scams, traffic safety, and road conditions. U.S. citizens should maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to A Safe Trip Abroad.

U.S. citizens in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Travel website, where they can find the Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1 888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.

U.S. citizens may contact the American Citizens Services section of the Embassies or the Consulates General for further information:

* The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India, is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone 91-11-2419-8000; fax 91-11-2419-8407.

* The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay), India, is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone 91-22-2363-3611; fax 91-22-2363-0350.

* The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras), India, is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone 91-44-2857-4000; fax 91-44-2811-2027.

* The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta), India, is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone 91-33-3984-2400; fax 91-33-2282-2335.

* The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad, India, is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: 91 (40) 4033-8300.

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

* The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is located at 210 Galle Road. The telephone number is 94 11 249-8500. The number for after-hours emergencies is 94 11 249-8888. The fax number is 94 11 249-8501. The Consulate can also be reached by email.