Sri Lanka, July 22 -- The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has warned visa applicants that criminal convictions and false information provided during the application process could lead to permanent restrictions on entering the United States.

In a public notice, the Embassy said even minor criminal offences could result in visa refusals, while consular officers have access to applicants' criminal background information and may identify previous violations or arrests.

The Embassy urged applicants to provide truthful information in their visa applications and during interviews, warning that misrepresentations or lies could result in a ban on future travel to the United States.

"Criminal convictions can permanently bar you from entering the United...