Australia issues “terrorism” warning for tourists going to the Maldives

The Australian Government has issued a high alert for terrorism to holidaymakers heading to the Maldives. Australians are among the largest group of visitors to the Indian Ocean nation, with over 30,000 travelling to it in 2023. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website raised its advisory on Thursday, June 5, for the Maldives to Level 2, which means Exercise a High Degree of Caution. The reasons for the change were the risk of “civil unrest” and the “ongoing threat of terrorism” with potential attacks against government institutions and tourist areas. Travellers are advised to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, and follow local media to monitor the situation.
The Maldives has seen several security incidents in recent years. In 2020, three foreign nationals, including an Australian, were stabbed in an attack on the island of Hulhumalé. In 2021, an improvised explosive device also detonated in the capital, Malé, injuring a prominent politician and several bystanders.