On July 28, Maldivian police evacuated a group of foreign tourists, includingseveral Israeli citizens, from Kaafu Thulusdhoo Island following a confrontation with local protesters. On July 15, approximately 13,000 Maldivians marched inthe capital, Malé, against the Israeli offensive in Gaza. There have been noreported incidents at the major tourist resorts nor at the Malé InternationalAirport.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo advises U.S. citizens living or traveling in theMaldives to exercise caution when traveling outside the resorts, particularlyduring protests and disturbances. Travelers should avoid demonstrations andspontaneous gatherings and should not engage in political activity in theMaldives. Those who encounter demonstrations or large crowds should steer clearof confrontation, remain calm, and depart the area quickly. While in theMaldives, travelers should refer to news sources, check the U.S. Embassy Colombo website forpossible security updates, and remain aware of their surroundings at alltimes.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens living or traveling in Sri Lanka andthe Republic of Maldives enroll with the U.S. Embassy through the StateDepartment's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollmentgives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassyto contact you in an emergency. U.S. citizens without internet access mayenroll at the Embassy. U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitorthe U.S. Department of StateBureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. Follow us on Twitter and theBureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain the latestinformation on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in theUnited States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on a regulartoll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00p.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 GalleRoad. The telephone number is +94 11 249-8500. If you are an American citizenwith an afterhours emergency, please call our hotline at: 077-725-6307. If youare unable to reach the duty officer on this number, please dial 011-249-8500. The fax number is +94 11249-8501. The Consular Section’s e-mail address is colomboacs@state.gov andits internet web page is http://srilanka.usembassy.gov/.
