The U.S. Embassy continues to receive reports of political protests on the capital island of Malé over the February 22, 2015 arrest and ongoing trial of former President and current Opposition Leader Mohamed Nasheed. Nasheed’s supporters staged a large demonstration in Malé on February 27; there were some confrontations between the protesters and police after the end of the official protests. Smaller protests or rallies have continued on a regular basis and are expected to go on through the conclusion of the trial. A common protest area has been along Majeedhee Magu (the main east-west artery in central Malé) and outside the Justice building. These protests have not affected tourist resorts.
Demonstrations in Malé may occur throughout the week, often on Fridays afternoons and evenings. Travelers are reminded that even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent without notice. U.S. citizens traveling to Maldives, particularly Malé, are advised to exercise caution; those who encounter demonstrations should avoid confrontation, remain calm, depart the area, and return to their hotels.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens living or traveling in Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives enroll with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll at the Embassy. U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairswebsite, 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 "Traveler's Checklist," 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.
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 011-249-8500. The fax number is +94 11 249-8501. For further information, please check our web page or email the Consular Section at colomboacs@state.gov.
