Tourists have been issued an urgent travel warning for popular tropical islands that see around two million visitors a year. The US State Department revised its travel advisory for the Republic of the Maldives earlier this week, urging visitors to be cautious of potential terror attacks.
The Level 2 travel warning said people must “exercise increased caution … due to terrorism”, as “terrorist groups may attack with little or no warning”. Those who aren’t put off by the notice should ensure they remain on high alert while in tourist locations, transport hubs, markets, shopping centres, and local government facilities. Always stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid demonstrations and crowds.
If an attack were to happen on one of the more remote islands, it would take longer for emergency services to reach the scene, officials warned.
Visitors who already have their trips planned should monitor local and breaking news, and purchase travel insurance before flying out.
The Foreign Office has also issued advice on travelling to the Maldives and the possibility of a terror attack, which “cannot be ruled out”.
Its website states: “Terrorist attacks in Maldives cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
“Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
“The Maldivian authorities have disrupted a number of terrorist attack plans since 2017 and have made several arrests relating to attack planning, recruitment of terrorist fighters and spreading extremist ideology. However, a risk from terrorism remains.”
In the four five years in the capital, Malé, a politician was attacked with a knife and a high-profile politician and a number of bystanders were injured by the detonation of an improvised explosive device.
In 2020, there an arson attack on a police speedboat in Laamu Gan and knife attacks that injured three foreigners in Hulhumalé.