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16.07.2024 - 20:26 / travelpulse.com / Laurie Baratti
The U.S. State Department has just issued a fresh travel advisory for those eyeing a trip to the popular archipelagic nations of The Maldives. The advisory level was today elevated from “Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions” to “Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution”.
With its tropical environment, pristine white sands, and luminescent blue and green waters, the Maldives is a destination filled with private islands and prestigious resorts, attracting the attention of would-be travelers and social media users from around the globe.
Given its population of under 600,000, crime is not the primary concern for tourists in this South Asian country, comprised of about 1,200 coral islands and sandbanks situated in the Indian Ocean. Instead, terrorism is being cited as the primary cause for the State Department’s elevated advisory level.
“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, adding, “Attacks may occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities.
The fact that the state religion of The Maldives is Islam, the extremist group al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is credited as the militant organization responsible for much of the terrorist activity seen in the country to date.
According to the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OASC), in the past, “Violent attacks and threats have occurred against members of the local media, political parties and civil society.” However, “The transnational capabilities of select terrorist groups and ease of international travel require travelers to be vigilant in their personal security practices, especially at locations Westerners frequent.”
The State Department recommends that visitors to The Maldives remain aware of their surroundings and stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, while avoiding crowds and any demonstrations. It also advises reading the U.S. Embassy’s web page, monitoring local media for breaking events and preparing a contingency plan for emergency situations.
It also encourages enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows U.S. travelers to receive safety alerts and makes them more easy to locate in an emergency. Other recommended measures are outlined in the official travel advisory, which can be found here.
While the State Department’s elevated warning level is a signal that it’s more important than even to remain vigilant while visiting the Maldives, it’s also worth noting that, as OASC reports, “Most visits to Maldives surrounding the tourist resorts on remote islands remain relatively trouble-free.”
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