US Embassy rescinds Arugam Bay travel restrictions

The US Embassy in Colombo has lifted the travel restrictions issued to American citizens on Oct. 23, 2024, for the Arugam Bay area in Sri Lanka.

In its latest travel security update, the US Embassy in Colombo encourages all US citizens to review the Travel Advisory for Sri Lanka, maintain vigilance, be aware of their surroundings, and report suspicious activity and emergencies to local authorities (119).

It was widely reported yesterday that the government had requested the US Embassy in Colombo to lift its adverse travel advisory warning its citizens to stay away from traveling to the east coast surfing resort of Arugam Bay.

On Oct. 23, the embassy warned tourists to stay away from Arugam Bay following credible information received about a possible attack. Later, as the UK and other countries followed suit with travel warnings, it transpired that Israeli tourists were the targets.

According to reports, the Sri Lankan government had subsequently requested the US authorities to do away with the adverse advisory.

Sri Lanka Police arrested six locals following the information received by the government, and a special security network was established to prevent possible attacks against all tourist sites favoured by foreigners.

The US Ambassador in Colombo Julie Chung had defended the Embassy action, claiming it was not a travel ban but a precaution against any incidents from taking place.