New Delhi
Korma
Spring 2021 | Issue 1 | U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Inside This Issue
PG. 2
CDC’s New Requirements for Entering the
United States
PG. 3
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
PG. 4
Meet Our New Chargé d'Affaires!
PG. 5
Visa Update from U.S. Embassy New
Delhi
2
Spring 2021 | Issue 1 | U.S. Embassy New Delhi
COVID-19 Update: New Requirements for
Entering United States
Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United
States ages two years and older must provide a negative
COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of
travel. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide
documentation from a licensed health care provider of
having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days
preceding travel.
You can find more information from the Centers for
Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC) here
.
You may be able to take a COVID-19 test at the New
Delhi International Airport. For more information, go
here.
For the latest COVID-19 update from U.S. Embassy New
Delhi, go here.
For a list of local doctors in the New Delhi area who may
be able to help you arrange a COVID-19 test, go here.
Update on Services for American
Citizens
The United States Embassy and Consulates in India are
providing limited in-person services to U.S. citizens at
this time. Adult U.S. citizens using form DS-82 to
renew a previous passport must send those
applications by mail to the Embassy or Consulate
responsible for the state where the applicant resides.
Limited appointment slots are now available online.
Additional appointment times will be made available
each week. Please note that appointment availability is
reduced to ensure the safety of our customer through
proper social distancing. If you have an immediate
need to travel, or another urgent circumstance, please
email us at
ACSND@state.gov. For more information,
click here.
Stay Safe from COVID-19
While the United States and India have both approved
vaccines to prevent serious COVID-19 infections, you
should still take steps to preserve your health and avoid
contracting COVID-19.
• Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and
stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from
others who don’t live with you.
• Avoid crowds. The more people you are in
contact with, the more likely you are to be
exposed to COVID-19.
For more tips on staying safe through the ongoing
pandemic, check out this site
from CDC.
3
Spring 2021 | Issue 1 | U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Commercial Flight Status
For those U.S. citizens in India on tourist visas, the
Embassy strongly encourages you to continue
monitoring the status of international flights.
Indian immigration officials have stated that U.S.
citizens currently in India on tourist visas that
have been extended due to COVID will be given no
more than 30 days after the resumption of flights
to depart India. A decision to resume flights could
come this spring and U.S. citizens with tourist
visas should begin preparing for their departure
from India in accordance with Indian immigration
law. For questions regarding your legal status in
India, please contact the Foreigner Regional
Registration Office.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-
19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please
follow host country developments and guidelines for
COVID-19 vaccination.
The Government of India
began administering two locally produced vaccinations
to healthcare and frontline workers, as well as people
over 50 years of age and people with comorbidities, on
January 16, 2021. Vaccinations for the general public
are not yet available.
Once open to the public,
individuals will have to register on the Co-Win app and
submit identification. Speak to your local healthcare
provider for more information about when the vaccines
will available and how to register
Embassy Holidays
U.S. Embassy New Delhi will be closed the
following days:
• February 15 – President’s Day
• March 29 – Holi
• April 2 – Good Friday
• May 14 – Id ul Fitr
• May 31 – Memorial Day
4
Spring 2021 | Issue 1 | U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Heflin is proud of the work the U.S. Mission to India
has done to provide essential services to Americans
through the pandemic. He hopes to be able to expand
all consular services in the near future.
When asked about his expectations for the new year,
Heflin said, "As vaccines become more widespread, I
expect to see our services normalize through the
summer. When Indians are ready to travel again, we
will be here to provide visa services. Above all, serving
Americans in India remains our top priority, and we
will continue to be here for Americans when they need
us."
Please join us in welcoming Chargé Heflin and wishing
him the best of luck in his new role!
Meet the Chargé d'Affaires
As of January 21, 2021, Donald L. Heflin is now the U.S.
Chargé d'Affaires to India. Heflin brings 30 years of
experience in the U.S. Department of State. He has spent
much of his career working on Consular issues, including
American Citizen Services.
Heflin earned a J.D. from the University of Alabama in
1983. After practicing law for several years, his strong
interest in foreign policy drew him to join the U.S. Foreign
Service in 1987. His extensive career has included
important leadership positions, including U.S. Ambassador
to Cabo Verde, Minister Counselor of Consular Affairs for
Mexico, and most recently Minister Counselor of Consular
Affairs for India.
This is not the first time Heflin has served in India. He
previously served as a Vice Consul in Chennai in 1990.
When asked how India has changed in the last 30 years, he
said, "The buildings are taller, but it still feels the same.
The people of India are still as kind, generous, and
welcoming as ever. This was a wonderful place to bring my
children, and my wife and I are happy to be back."
File Your Taxes for Free!
Starting February 12, the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) will begin accepting income tax filings for income
earned in the year 2020. Tax returns must be submitted
by April 15, 2021.
The IRS offers options to file your tax return free of
charge on their website. For more information, click
here
.
Economic Impact Payments
Still waiting for your Economic Impact (Stimulus)
Payment for COVID-19 relief? Check with the IRS to
verify your bank account details and your eligibility.
For more information, go here
.
For all IRS services, it is your responsibility to ensure
your mailing address and direct deposit information is
up to date. Visit the IRS website for more information.
5
Spring 2021 | Issue 1 | U.S. Embassy New Delhi
President Biden's Inaugural Address
On January 20, 2021, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. was sworn in
as the 46th President of the United States of America. If
you missed the inauguration, you can find President
Biden's remarks to the nation here
.
Do you have family and friends hoping to visit the
United States in the near future? Beginning
February 1, 2021, U.S. Embassy New Delhi
resumed limited processing of all visa categories,
including student visas, H1-B, H4, L-1, L-2, C1/D,
and B1/B2 visas. Our capacity is limited, however,
to maintain the safety of our customers and staff.
For more information, go here
.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(STEP)
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is
a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals
traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with
the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By
enrolling in STEP, you will:
• Receive important information from the
Embassy about safety conditions in your
destination country.
• Help us contact you in an emergency,
whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or
family emergency.
• Help family and friends get in touch with
you in an emergency.
Visit the STEP website
to register or for more
information.
U.S. Government Links
• U.S. Embassy New Delhi
• American Citizen Services New Delhi
• U.S. Department of State
• Travel information
• Ordering vital records
• Voting information
Indian Government Links
• Foreigner Regional Registration Office
(FRRO)
• Bureau of Immigration
