Guide to Embassies in Sri Lanka

If you’re visiting Sri Lanka in the foreseeable future, it may benefit you to know which foreign embassies are present on the island and what services they offer.

Most embassies in Sri Lanka are located in Colombo, the capital. To clarify, a country may not be represented by an embassy but may have a High Commission or a Consulate. These can help foreign nationals whilst on the island, either people on holiday, permanent overseas residents, or those working. There are currently 50 embassies and High Commissions listed, and 105 Consulates, 3 of which are ‘representations’.

To find out the visa requirements to visit, check our Sri Lanka ETA visa page. We offer a wealth of information such as what types of visas are available, who’s eligible and how to apply online. Meanwhile, read on to learn more about the embassies in Sri Lanka!

Why Is It Important to Know the Details of My Embassy?

There are many important reasons when travelling or living on the island:

• Most embassy officials will speak your language fluently, which is extremely useful to explain your situation.
• If you need replacement documentation, such as a lost or stolen passport, they will be able to issue temporary documents to get you home.
• If you are sick and require doctors’ or hospital intervention, they can help you with this.
• If you are the victim of a crime, they are available to assist with local police or other bodies.
• Embassies in Sri Lanka can provide you with a list of your own national lawyers but cannot become involved in any legal transactions.
• You can improve communications with home and family with embassy assistance.
• Registering births, deaths and marriages are also part of the service that embassies provide in Sri Lanka.
• If there is no separate consulate, the embassy can help you with any advice on travel, visas etc should you wish to leave the country.
• Embassies are a ‘small touch of home’, which can be comforting when visiting perhaps far-away countries, particularly if you do not speak the language. It is wise to ensure that you have details of your own embassy with you, to facilitate communication.

Main Foreign Embassies in Sri Lanka

The following are some details for how the main embassies and other governing bodies located on the island can assist you. Please note that this information is current, but subject to change (such as opening hours). Most embassies will follow their home location’s statutory holidays, saint days etc. All opening times are based on local hours.

Australian Embassy in Sri Lanka

This is actually a High Commission, but still provides full support to nationals travelling or living in Sri Lanka. Open from 8.45 to 17.00 apart from on local national holidays.

21, Gregory’s Road, Colombo 07
Phone No: 0094 11 2463200
Fax: 0061262396166
Email: admin@slhcaust.org

British Embassy in Sri Lanka

This is the main site for the British High Commission in Sri Lanka. It is intended to help British nationals with any problems you may have, and to forge British/local relations.

Address: 389, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Phone No: + 94 11 5390639
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 8.00 – 16.40, Friday: 8.00 – 13.00

Canadian Embassy in Sri Lanka

High Commission services and consular services are available here. Visa and passport services are by appointment only on E-mail: CLMBOCS@international.gc.ca

Address: 33A, 5th Lane, Colpetty, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Phone No: 00 94 11 522 62 32
Fax: 00 94 11 522 62 96

Hours of operation:
Monday to Thursday: 8.30 -12.00, 13.00 – 16.00
Friday: 8.30 – 12.00

Closed on Sri Lankan national and Canadian holidays (such as Thanksgiving and Labour Day).

French Embassy in Sri Lanka

Please note that French holidays and usual holidays such as Christmas do apply. Do not forget VE day and Bastille Day!

Phone No: +94 112 639 400
Monday to Thursday: 8.30 – 13.00, 14.30 – 18.00
Friday: 8.30 – 13.00

German Embassy in Sri Lanka

The embassy has quite restrictive hours, particularly the consular section for passport and visa enquiries. Best to call the main number and follow instructions for appointment times/days open and an emergency hotline.

Address: 40 Alfred House Ave, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Phone No: +94 112 580 431
Fax: +94 11 258 04 40

Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka

This building is a High Commission that will assist in providing helpful information on passport and/or visa requirements. However, depending on your nationality, you may be referred to the consulate in India itself.

Opening hours are somewhat sporadic, it is best to call the High Commission on the number below.

Address: 36-38, Galle Road, Colombo 03
Phone No: +94 112 327 587
Fax No: +94-11-2446403, 2448166

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka

Address: 98 Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Phone No: +94-11-2699036-8
Opening hours: 8.30 – 12.00, 13:30 – 16:30 (Monday to Friday)

Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka

Address: 404 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Phone No: +94 112 697 036
Email: rusemb.srilanka@gmail.com

Opening Hours:
Monday 9.00 –13.00, 14.00 –18.00
Tuesday 9.00 – 13.00, 14.00 – 17.00
Wednesday 9.00 – 13.00, 14.00 – 17.00
Thursday 9.00 –13.00, 14.00 –18.00
Friday 9.00 –15.00
Saturday/Sunday Closed

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka

This government body has differing opening hours, so a phone call is rather important to save a wasted journey. However, this beautiful building is well worth a visit!

Address: Republic Building, 1 Sir Baron Jayatilaka Mawatha, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka

Phone No: +94 112 325 372, +94 112 325373, +94 112 325 375
Email: cypher@mfa.gov.lk

US Embassy in Sri Lanka

The United States Embassy in Sri Lanka provides a very comprehensive service in terms of local problems and the supply of visas and support. Please check opening hours as some departments have restricted times.

Address: 210 Colombo – Galle Main Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Phone No: +94 112 498 500
Open until 17.00.

List of Other Embassies

Please find below a list of some of the other main foreign embassies in Sri Lanka, with their contact details.

Denmark Embassy

Address: Unit #5-3C, East Tower, World Trade Center
Echelon Square
Colombo 1
Phone No: (+94) (11) 5556 699
Opening Hours: 09.30 – 16.30

Egyptian Embassy

Address: 39 Dr. Lester James Peries Mawatha (formerly DICKMAN S ROAD), Colombo
Phone No: (+94 11) 508752 – 583621
Email: egyptlanka@sltnet.lk
Opening hours: 9.00 – 16.00

Finnish Embassy

Address: Honorary Consulate General of Finland
Methodist Central Building
Address: 2nd Floor, 409,3 Galle Rd, Colombo 00300
Phone No: +94 77 392 5674
Email: finlandconsulate@brandix.com.
Opening hours: No opening hours currently published

Embassy of Italy

Address: 55, Jawatta Road – Colombo 5
Phone No: +94 112 596344
No local email address is available
Opening hours: 09.30 – 16.30

High Commission of Malaysia

Address: No. 45, Rosmead Place Colombo 07
Phone No: +94 11 755 7711 or +94 11 755 7712 +94 11 755 7713
Email: mwcolombo@kln.gov.my
Opening hours: 8.30 – 16.30 Monday – Friday

Myanmar Embassy

08 Flower Avenue, Colombo 7
Phone No: (+94) (11) 268 1007
Email: myanembcb@gmail.com or myanlanka@gmail.com
Opening hours: 9.30 – 16.30

Netherlands (Dutch) Embassy

Address: 25 Torrington Avenue, Colombo 07
Phone No: +94112510200
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the emergency number provided for out of hours)
Email: nethemb@sri.lanka.net
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 8.30 – 17.00 hours. Friday: 8.30 – 14.00 hours.

Please be aware that national days in Sri Lanka and public holidays in the Netherlands are adhered to.

Norwegian Embassy

Address: 49 Buller’s Lane, Colombo 07
Phone No: +94 11 560 8700/+47 23 95 51 00
Email: Emb.Colombo@mfa.no
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 08.00 – 16.00, Friday 08.00 – 13.30

Saudi Arabian Embassy

Address: 43 Horton Place, Colombo 7
Phone No: (+94) 11 268 2087/ (+94) 11 533 3237
Email: lkemb@mofa.gov.sa
Opening hours: 09.00 – 16.00

The consular section shares all contact information.

South African Embassy

Address: 114 Rosmead Pl, Colombo 00700
Phone No: +94 112 463 000
Email: colombo.dha@dirco.gov.za
Opening hours: 08.30 – 12.00 Monday to Friday

Swedish Embassy

Address: Stubbs Pl, Colombo 00500
Phone No: +94 112 504 432
Opening hours: 10.00 – 12.00 Monday to Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday

Embassy of Thailand

Address: 26, Sir Marcus Fernando road, Colombo 07
Phone No: (+94 11) 752 9500-3
Email: thaicmb@sltnet.lk
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 08.30 – 12.00 hrs. / 13.00 – 16.30 hrs.

Turkish Embassy

Address: 92 Kynsey Rd, Colombo 00700
Phone No: +94 112 146 600
Email: embassy.colombo@mfa.gov.tr
Opening hours: 09.00 – 12.30 / 13.30 – 17.00 Closed Saturday and Sunday
Visa submission hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10.00 -11.00

List of Embassies Based in Sri Lanka:

Please find below the full list of foreign embassies to be found on the island. These embassies are also responsible for the Maldives:

Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt, France, Germany, Holy See, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, Oman Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam.

List of Non-Resident Embassies, Based in New Delhi, India:

India hosts quite a few embassies to facilities relations and some consular activities:

Armenia, Austria, Brunei, Colombia, Guatemala, Israel, North Korea, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Syria, Tanzania.

To conclude, embassy assistance whilst travelling to countries where you are not sure of the language or the local culture can be vital to ensure your trip goes smoothly. We hope that you find this article handy!