A warning has been issued to Australian travellers following recent civil unrest in the Maldives, a popular island destination located about 750km southwest of Sri Lanka.
SmartTraveller, the official travel advisory service, has updated its guidance urging holidaymakers to exercise a high degree of caution and avoid areas impacted by public demonstrations, which could escalate into violence.
The advisory comes in light of several past terrorist incidents in the Maldives, including a 2020 stabbing attack in Hulhumalé that injured three foreigners—one of whom was Australian—as well as the arson of a police speedboat in Laamu Gan and a 2021 bomb explosion in Malé that injured a politician and several bystanders.
While resort islands are generally considered safe, the advisory warns that demonstrations and unrest may occur in Malé and other inhabited, non-resort islands.
Travellers are advised to monitor local media, avoid protest areas even if they appear peaceful, and follow instructions from local authorities at all times.
