When traveling abroad, it’s important to know the location of your country’s embassy or consulate. In case of accidents, natural disasters, and other emergencies, they may be able to provide you with assistance and guidance.

Sometimes a traveler to Sri Lanka  may need help or face a sudden emergency that impacts their return home. Embassies and consulates in Sri Lanka, which represent their home country, can often be a good resource.

Purposes of Embassies and Consulates

Embassies and consulates represent the interests of one country in a different country, serving as the official diplomatic representation of a foreign government in a host country. Essentially, it’s a small sanctuary in a foreign country where you have access to the laws and rights of your home country.

Not only do embassies and consulates promote friendly relationships between countries in everything from diplomatic matters to trade and business, but they also serve to provide assistance and support to their citizens living or traveling abroad. You can ask for help with legal issues, visas, and more.

Distinguishing Between Embassies and Consulates

Even though they both represent foreign countries, embassies and consulates offer different services and have different duties. Embassies are headed by a foreign country’s ambassador, who serves as the highest-ranking diplomat and helps facilitate international relations. Embassies are also typically located in the host country’s capital city.

Consulates, on the other hand, are more citizen-oriented. They can assist with things like getting visas, replacing lost or stolen passports, and offering advice and guidance in case of emergency. A foreign country may have consulates located throughout the host country to be more accessible to traveling citizens.

International Embassies and Consulates in Sri Lanka

Below is a list of some of the 41 countries with embassies and consulates in Sri Lanka, including addresses, contact information, and hours of operation. If you need assistance during your time in Sri Lanka, contact your corresponding embassy or consulate.

Hours are subject to change, so please call ahead to confirm availability.

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United States

Embassy

US Embassy Colombo
210 Galle Road
Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94-011-202-8500
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

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United Kingdom

Embassy

British High Commission Colombo
389 Bauddhaloka Mawatha
Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94-115-390-639
Hours of Operation: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

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Australia

Embassy

Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka
21 Srimath RG Senanayake Mawatha
Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94-112-463-200
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

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Canada

Embassy

High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives
33-A 5th Lane, Colpetty
Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94-11-522-6232
Email: clmbocs@international.gc.ca
Hours of Operation: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (closed noon to 1:00 pm); Friday, 8:30 am to noon. Consular service: By appointment Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 11:30 am

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The Netherlands

Embassy

Netherlands Embassy in Sri Lanka
25 Torrington Avenue
Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94-112-510-200
Email: col@minbuza.nl
Hours of Operation: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; Friday, 8:30 am to 2:00 pm

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Germany

Embassy

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Colombo
40 Alfred House Avenue
Colombo 3, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94-112-580-431
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; appointments required for passport and visa services

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Singapore 

Embassy

Honorary Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Colombo
No 73 Sir James Peiris Mawatha
Colombo 02, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94-11-5577300
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Prepare for Your Sri Lanka Trip

Obtaining the proper visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a Sri Lanka visa. Start your visa application process.

Doing your research before traveling helps you avoid issues and be prepared in case of an emergency. For more information on other aspects of travel to Sri Lanka, including health and safety, money and currency, and the possibility of extending your stay, visit our Sri Lanka content hub.