US Issues Travel Advisory for Maldives Due to Terrorism Threat

Tourists pose for pictures at the Velana International Airport in the Maldives on July 14, 2022. AFP via Getty Images

The State Department has advised Americans considering travel to the Maldives to exercise greater caution than normal because of the threat of terrorism.

The travel advisory, issued on July 11, is a Level 2 “exercise increased caution” warning. While that’s one notch higher than the Level 1 “exercise normal precautions,” it’s lower than a Level 3 alert that urges U.S. citizens to reconsider travel.

Traveling to the South Asian tropical destination, which is filled with numerous private islands and prestigious resorts, can be a memorable experience. However, the State Department stated that the geographical layout of the Maldives means law enforcement response could be delayed in case of attacks.

“Terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities,” the advisory reads. “Attacks may occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities.”

Staying vigilant and avoiding large crowds or demonstrations is crucial to avoid potential risks, the advisory notes. Also, keeping an eye on local media outlets for breaking news and being prepared to adjust travel plans as threats evolve can help travelers respond more quickly and effectively to emergencies.

The State Department noted that it’s especially important to be aware of one’s surroundings, especially in areas popular with tourists, to help mitigate the risk associated with terror attacks or other dangers.

The agency recommends that travelers review the Country Security Report for the Maldives for the latest security updates.

Malé, the capital city of the Maldives, is assessed as a medium-threat location for terrorism, with a history of threats from groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS, per the security report. It notes that there have been credible reports of Maldivian fighters joining militant groups in Syria, and violent attacks have targeted local media, political figures, and secular activists.

The country security report urges travelers to remain vigilant, especially in areas frequented by Westerners, as the transnational capabilities of terrorist groups can lead to attacks in remote locations.

While the terror threat is elevated, the Maldives is generally considered a low-threat location for crime, per the country security report. While police reports indicate a decrease in thefts and sexual offenses over recent years, the report states that incidents such as burglaries involving mobile phones and personal belongings, petty theft on beaches in hotel rooms, and street-level scams targeting foreigners do occur.

Health Advisory

Tracking the latest travel health information for the Maldives from the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) is also advised, per the travel advisory. The CDC has raised its health-related travel advisory for the Maldives to Level 2 “practice enhanced precautions” because of an outbreak of chikungunya, a disease spread through mosquito bites, in the Malé and Hulhumalé regions of the Maldives.

Chikungunya is mild for most people, with the most common symptoms, such as fever and joint pain, passing within a week. However, people at risk for more serious disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, adults older than 65, and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.

“If you are pregnant, reconsider travel to Maldives, particularly if you are close to delivering your baby,” the CDC advisory reads. “Mothers infected around the time of delivery can pass the virus to their baby before or during delivery. Newborns infected in this way or by a mosquito bite are at risk for severe illness, including poor long-term outcomes.”

The State Department also recommends that travelers review the U.S. Embassy webpage for the most up-to-date information and guidance.

Also, to enhance safety, Americans visiting the Maldives should consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive real-time alerts and make it easier for authorities to locate them in case of an emergency, the advisory states.

The State Department issued its travel advisory a day after senior Maldivian officials met with a delegation from the Joint Counter-Terrorism Advisory and Training Team and the U.K. Army Special Operations Brigade, according to a post on X by the Maldivian National Counter Terrorism Centre.

The meeting focused on potential collaboration on counter-terrorism and preventing and countering violent extremism.