Embassy of the United States

Security Message for U.S. Citizens in Sri Lanka
March 21, 2013

The Embassy has received reports of a planned substantial protest in the immediate vicinity of the Embassy beginning today, March 21, at approximately 10:30 a.m.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid traveling to the Embassy when there is an ongoing demonstration and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of demonstrations.  

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Sri Lanka are encouraged to enroll with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).   U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll at the Embassy.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor theU.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad,” which includes valuable security information for those living and traveling abroad.  Follow us onTwitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.  You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App, available through iTunes and the Android market to have travel information at your fingertips.

In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain the latest information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on 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).

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo is located at 210 Galle Road.  The telephone number is +94 11 249-8500.  If you are an American citizen with an afterhours emergency, please call our hotline at: 077-725-6307.  If you are unable to reach the duty officer on this number please dial 011-249-8888.  The fax number is +94 11 249-8501.  The Consulate's e-mail address is colomboacs@state.gov and its internet web page is http://srilanka.usembassy.gov/.

Security Message for U.S. Citizens in Maldives
March 7, 2013

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka continues to advise of recent large street protests in the Maldivian capital of Malé.  The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens refrain from unnecessary travel to Malé, and exercise caution, particularly at night, due to increasing incidents of political violence.  The U.S. Embassy has received no recent reports of demonstrations or unrest at the airport or at any of the tourist resorts. However, U.S. citizens should avoid large crowds and monitor media coverage of local events.  If you encounter demonstrations, or large crowds, you should remain calm and depart the area quickly and avoid confrontation.  Check the U.S. Embassy Colombo website for possible updates, closely monitor local media for reports of protests, and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in the Republic of Maldives are encouraged to enroll with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).   U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll at the Embassy.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad,” which includes valuable security information for those living and traveling abroad.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.  You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App, available through iTunes and the Android market to have travel information at your fingertips.

In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain the latest information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on 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).

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo is located at 210 Galle Road.  The telephone number is +94 11 249-8500.  If you are an American citizen with an afterhours emergency, please call our hotline at: 077-725-6307.  If you are unable to reach the duty officer on this number please dial 011-249-8888.  The fax number is +94 11 249-8501.  The Consulate's e-mail address is colomboacs@state.gov and its internet web page is http://srilanka.usembassy.gov/.

February 19, 2013

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka advises of recent large street protests in the Maldivian capital of Malé.  On February 18, the Maldives Police Service asked the public to stay clear of the roads which lead into the portion of northern Malé where most Maldivian government buildings are located, and advised people staying in that vicinity to stay indoors after 21:00.  The U.S. Embassy has received no recent reports of demonstrations or unrest at the airport or at any of the tourist resorts. However, U.S. citizens should avoid large crowds and monitor media coverage of local events.  If you encounter demonstrations, or large crowds, you should remain calm and depart the area quickly and avoid confrontation.  Check the U.S. Embassy Colombo website for possible updates, closely monitor local media for reports of protests, and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in the Republic of Maldives are encouraged to enroll with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).   U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll at the Embassy.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.  U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad,” which includes valuable security information for those living and traveling abroad.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.  You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App, available through iTunes and the Android market to have travel information at your fingertips.

In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain the latest information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on 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).

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo is located at 210 Galle Road.  The telephone number is +94 11 249-8500.  If you are an American citizen with an afterhours emergency, please call our hotline at: 077-725-6307.  If you are unable to reach the duty officer on this number please dial 011-249-8888.  The fax number is +94 11 249-8501.  The Consulate's e-mail address is colomboacs@state.gov and its internet web page is http://srilanka.usembassy.gov/.