The U.S. State Department has issued a new travel advisory for people planning to visit The Maldives. The advisory level has been raised from “Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions” to “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution.”
The Maldives is a stunning destination known for its tropical environment, pristine white sands, and beautiful blue and green waters. This South Asian country consists of about 1,200 coral islands and sandbanks situated in the Indian Ocean, and it attracts travelers and social media users from all over the world. Despite its small population of under 600,000, the primary concern for tourists is not crime but terrorism, which has led the State Department to issue an elevated advisory level for the country.
Please take note of the following information: Terrorist groups may carry out sudden attacks, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities. There is also a risk of attacks occurring on remote islands, which could delay the response time of authorities. The Maldives is an Islamic country, and the extremist group al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is known for much of the terrorist activity in the country. According to the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), violent attacks and threats have been directed at members of the local media, political parties, and civil society. Travelers, especially those from Western countries, need to be vigilant about their personal security due to the transnational capabilities of some terrorist groups and the ease of international travel.
The State Department advises visitors to The Maldives to stay alert in tourist areas and be cautious of their surroundings. It is recommended to avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Additionally, it is advised to read the U.S. Embassy’s website, stay updated on local news, and have a plan for emergencies. Enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is encouraged, as it provides safety alerts and helps with locating travelers in case of an emergency. More details can be found in the official travel advisory. Although the State Department’s elevated warning level stresses the importance of vigilance when visiting The Maldives, it is worth noting that most visits to the tourist resorts on remote islands remain largely trouble-free, as reported by OASC.
