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Information for Travelers

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For U.S. VISA SERVICES, please click here.

General Information about American Citizen Services

The United States Government has no higher responsibility than to serve and protect its citizens, including those who reside or are temporarily abroad.  The American Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka is committed to providing superior service to American citizens visiting or residing in Sri Lanka or the Maldives.  This website and the corresponding links on the left provide information about the services we provide.  For hours of operation and to contact the U.S. Embassy, please scroll down to the bottom of this webpage.

We strongly encourage you to read the U.S. State Department's   Country Specific Information sheets for Sri Lanka and the Maldives  to learn about entry requirements, safety concerns, and country characteristics.  These pages may also be accessed via the link on the right-hand side of the page. 

The Embassy in Colombo is open to provide Americans with routine services on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-4 pm*.  An appointment is not necessary.  Routine services are conducted outside of these hours by appointment only.

Routine Services Include:

  • Consular Reports of Birth Abroad,
  • U.S. Passport services,
  • Federal Benefit payments,
  • absentee voting registration,
  • notarial services,
  • United States income tax forms,

Emergency Services Include:

  • Arrests
  • Hospitalization
  • Victims of Crime
  • Welfare and Whereabouts
  • Please consult the American Embassy Holiday Schedule for a listing of days when the Embassy will be closed.

Unfortunately there are limitations to what the Embassy can do.  For example, we cannot help Americans find employment, obtain visas, settle disputes with tour operators, or find missing luggage.  

Contact Information

For Routine Services, please call the U.S. Embassy during business hours at +94 (11) 249-8500.  For American Citizen Emergency Services 24 Hours a Day Please Call +94 (11) 249-8888.

To contact the U.S. Embassy via email with regards to American Citizen services, please write to ColomboACS@state.gov. 

Comprehensive Tax Information