Dear U.S. Citizen:

Greetings to all Americans in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha! As the Fourth of July draws near, I hope you take a moment to commemorate the ideals of our founding fathers. Even hundreds of years later, their fight for independence remains an inspiration for people across the world. In the days following independence, the founding fathers worked together to lay down the groundwork for a nation that holds freedom dear. One of the best ways to honor their memory is to exercise your right to vote. As you know, this year holds an important election. Whatever your political affiliation, if you are going to be outside of the U.S. in November, I encourage you to visit www.FVAP.gov now to request your absentee ballot. The U.S. Consulate Hyderabad is here for you, and we are happy to provide assistance mailing off your ballots once you have completed them. In addition to voting assistance, the consulate exists to provide many other services for American Citizens abroad.

To learn more about these services, we encourage you to visit our web site at http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov/ and stay tuned in the coming months for more information about our American Citizen Services town hall this Fall.

So whether you spend the day waving your American flag, having a cookout, or shooting fireworks, have a safe and happy Independence Day!

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to enroll with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest 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 additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad”.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website where the Worldwide Caution and current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found.  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 Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  U.S. citizens are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India.

U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:

• The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi 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) is located at C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East 400051; telephone +91-22- 2672-4000; fax +91-22-2672-4786.
• The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) 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) 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 is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300.