The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka alerts U.S. citizens traveling in Maldives to the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for November 9. The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens exercise caution, avoid large crowds and monitor media coverage of local events. There are currently no reports of demonstrations or unrest at the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport or at the tourist resorts. If you encounter demonstrations or large crowds, you should remain calm and depart the area quickly and avoid confrontation. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Travelers should check the U.S. Embassy Colombo website for possible updates and remain aware of their surroundings at all times.
U.S. citizens living or traveling in Sri Lanka and 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 or Google Play 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 a U.S. 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/.
