Tejal Somvanshi
The Australian government has raised its travel warning for the Maldives to “exercise a high degree of caution.” The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade updated its Smartraveller website on Thursday, pointing to terrorism threats and possible civil unrest in the island nation.
The warning states terrorism could happen “anywhere in Maldives at any time.” Government buildings and places where tourists gather are possible targets. This doesn’t mean Australians should cancel their trips, but they should be more careful while visiting.
Around 34,000 Australians traveled to the Maldives last year. Most stay on resort islands, which remain “generally peaceful and secure” according to the advisory. The higher risks are in the capital city of Malé and other non-resort islands where protests sometimes turn violent.
Recent security problems have worried officials. A 2020 stabbing in Hulhumalé hurt three foreigners, including an Australian. An arson attack damaged a police boat that same year. In 2021, a bomb in Malé injured a politician and several bystanders.
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The Maldives government has been fighting terrorism through its National Counter Terrorism Centre and laws like the 2015 “Prevention of Terrorism Act.” They call their approach “zero-tolerance” toward violent extremism.
The UK also warned its citizens about Maldives travel in April. Their advisory noted terrorist attacks “cannot be ruled out” in tourist areas.
Smartraveller suggests tourists stay alert, avoid crowds, watch local news, listen to local authorities, and keep valuables secure. Theft can happen even at luxury resorts.
Tourism drives the Maldives economy, so safety remains crucial for the government. While the warning highlights legitimate concerns, resort islands continue to maintain strong security measures for visitors.
