The former President of Maldives and its current Opposition Leader, Mohamed Nasheed, was arrested February 22, 2015 in Malé by the Maldives Police. At the time of his arrest, a large group of protestors in Malé clashed with the police, who responded with tear gas and pepper spray. Nasheed’s supporters have scheduled a major demonstration in Malé for Friday, February 27, and travelers are urged to avoid the area of the protests during this period. In the past, mass protests over similar issues have turned violent. Current reports indicate that tourist resorts and the airport island have not been affected by these events.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. The U.S. Embassy Colombo recommends that U.S. citizens avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Travelers should check the U.S. Embassy Colombo website for possible updates, monitor media coverage of local events and remain aware of their surroundings at all times. We also suggest that travelers review their personal security plans and follow the instructions of local authorities.
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 regularly should monitor the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. U.S. citizens should also review "Traveler's Checklist,” which includes valuable security information for those both 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 up-to-date 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. The Consular Section’s e-mail address is colomboacs@state.gov.
