With the conclusion that the imminent threats of terrorism are still present in the Maldives, the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States have updated the travel advisory level to the island nation.
The government of UK’s foreign travel advice to the Maldives was updated on June 22, to level three.
As such, the country has dubbed Maldives to be a “mostly” trouble-free destination, with the most common issues facing British nationals being lost or stolen passports and accidents related to swimming and diving.
However, noting that terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in the Maldives, the UK government shed light on some of the incidents linked to terrorism carried out in the country, in the past. These include the assassination attempt on former president and current Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, after an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated in central Malé City on 6 May 2021 as Nasheed was heading out to attend an event. Nasheed sustained critical injuries in connection with the attack, underwent 16 hours of life-saving surgery in Malé and was later taken aboard for treatment.
The arson attack on a police speedboat in Gan island of Laamu atoll as well as knife attacks against three foreigners in Hulhumalé were also highlighted by the UK government, which has urged travelers to follow the instructions of local authorities whilst investigations are underway.
Further, the UK government has urged caution against the opposition protests in the capital, which are frequent. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and avoid rallies and protests in the capital. Outlying islands, resorts and the Velana International Airport (VIA) are usually free from these protests.
As terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers including tourists, the UK government has urged travelers to remain vigilant at all times.
Further, the U.S. government publicized their updated travel advisory June 23, stating that Maldives is at level 2, with which tourists are to exercise increased caution due to terrorism.
As such, the American government warned that terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping centers as well as local government facilities.
These attacks are also predicted to occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities, according to the U.S. government.
Both countries have urged travelers to reach out to the relevant embassies in case they get caught up in such a situation.
The travel advisory levels include level one which requires tourists to exercise normal precautions, level two, which requires tourists to exercise increased caution, level three requiring tourist to reconsider traveling to the destination at all and level four, which prohibits tourists traveling to the destination at all.
