Information for Travelers

Newsletters

American Citizens Services Newsletter

Volume 1: Spring 2004

This is the first of a quarterly newsletter specifically for American citizen visitors and residents in India. We hope that this is useful to you, and we encourage your feedback and thoughts using the contact information below.

Contact information:

Consulate website: http://calcutta.usconsulate.gov
U.S. Dept of State: http://travel.state.gov
Contact email:   consular_calcutta@state.gov
Contact phone:   +91-33-2282-3611
Contact fax:     +91-33-2282-2335

Web registration

India is one of several countries participating in a pilot project for an Internet Based Registration System. American citizens can now register on-line with the Embassy and the State Department. We are encouraging all U.S. citizens currently in India or planning to come here in the near future to register and test the system. You can do so by checking the information on the Consulate web site at http://calcutta.usconsulate.gov or at the State Department website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs. You should have already received a separate e-mail message explaining the registration process. Please help us make this new program a success by spreading the word to other U.S. citizens who have not previously registered with the Consulate.

Wardens

Wardens and warden alternates are a crucial link between the Embassy and the American community overseas. They distribute routine information that would be useful to the American community at large, and provide feedback to the embassy on the reliability of the communications systems. In the event of an emergency, they become our first point of contact for information gathering and dissemination.
The Consulate is always seeking new wardens. If you are interested in becoming a warden, please contact the Consulate via e-mail consular_calcutta@state.gov


Emergency Situations

The Embassy and consulates are always preparing for unexpected emergencies, be they natural disasters, localized civil unrest, or other unforeseen occurrences.

To be prepared for any emergencies, we urge all American citizens to register with the Embassy. In the event of an emergency:

· Maintain a method of contact with the warden in your area;

· Monitor and heed guidance contained in any e-mail messages from the Embassy, i.e. travel warnings or public announcements;

· Monitor news broadcasts to keep apprised of the situation as it develops;

· Make an informed decision and follow recommendations for departing the country and what means you will use to be able to leave should it be necessary.

The Embassy will provide information for American citizens by region as needed. To learn more, and to help prepare yourself and your family for an emergency, please refer to the Consulate’s website at http://calcutta.usconsulate.govand check the American Citizens Services section. Information for U.S. citizens traveling abroad is also available at the Department of State’s website: http://travel.state.gov.

Voting

It is an election year in the U.S., and though Election Day is in November, we would encourage all American citizens to register to vote as soon as possible. There are also primaries and other special elections to take part in if you are interested. It is a straightforward process to register and vote overseas, and the Embassy can assist with the forms and procedures; but each state does have its own rules which must be followed, so check with us early to help ensure your vote gets counted.

In order to register to vote and/or to request an Absentee Ballot, an eligible US citizen voter must accurately complete a Federal Post Card Application form (FPCA) and submit that to the proper US election official. The FPCA is used to:

· Register to Vote in Federal, State and Local Elections
· Request an Absentee Ballot
· Report Changes of Address

The extent and manner of FPCA usage is controlled by state and territory law, and sometimes by local procedure. For information on your state's requirements, please visit the Federal Election Commission Web Page website (http://www.fec.gov/), or contact the American Citizens Services office at the U.S. Consulate.

The deadline for submitting the FPCA may vary from state to state. In general, in order to ensure timely delivery of the election ballot to you, every non-registered voter is urged to submit the FPCA into the hands of the appropriate election official at least 60 days prior to the election; registered voters are urged to submit the FPCA into the hands of the appropriate election official at least 45 days before the election.

If your state instructs you to notarize the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) form and/or your Voting Ballot form, the American Citizens Services branch can perform this notary service at no charge upon your personal appearance before a U.S. consul.

Renewing Your Child’s U.S. Passport

Many people are confused by parental consent when applying for first-time or renewal passports for minor children. According to recent changes in U.S. law, both parents are required to give consent before a minor child (under the age of 14) can receive a new or renewal passport. Both parents and the child should be at the Embassy at the time the application is submitted and should bring the child’s U.S. or foreign birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (if the child was born abroad). If both parents are not able to be present, then the absent parent(s) may sign a Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 14, Form DS-3053.
The absent parent(s) must also send a clear copy of his or her valid photo identification that contains their signature. If neither parent is present, both parents must also execute a notarized power of attorney, along with a properly completed original consent form DS-3053. The person submitting the power of attorney must present his/her own photo identification, such as a valid passport or driver’s license. All children are required to appear in person when applying for the first-time or renewal passport. If the child’s appearance has changed substantially from the earlier passport, then the consular officer accepting the application will require photographs showing progressive growth of the child.

Credit card acceptance

Beginning this fall, the Consulate will accept credit card payments for all fees associated with American Citizens Services. Please check the Consulate website for the exact date that this service will begin.