The U.S. State Department has issued a revised Level 2 travel advisory for the Republic of the Maldives. The department warns American citizens to exercise increased caution due to potential terrorist threats in the popular tourist destination.
Released on October 7, 2025, the advisory explicitly states that “terrorist groups may attack with little or no warning.” It identifies multiple high-risk target areas, including tourist locations. It also names transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities as at risk.
The timing of this advisory comes as the Maldives continues to attract millions of international visitors annually. Officials are particularly concerned about attacks on remote islands, where delayed emergency response could leave tourists vulnerable.
Recommended Precautions For Travelers Visiting The Maldives
In response to these security concerns, the State Department has outlined several recommendations for Americans with planned trips to the Maldives. Travelers should remain vigilant by monitoring local media for updates on the security situation. They must also be prepared to adjust their plans as needed. The advisory encourages visitors to maintain awareness of their surroundings at all times and advises explicitly against attending demonstrations and crowds that could become targets.
Additionally, officials strongly recommend enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which helps the U.S. embassy contact travelers in emergencies, and purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers evacuation assistance, medical care, and trip cancellations.
The United States is not alone in raising concerns about travel to the Maldives. According to The Economic Times, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a similar Level 2 advisory earlier in June 2025 through its Smartraveller website.
The Australian advisory cited both “civil unrest and the ongoing threat of terrorism” as reasons for increased caution. The Maldives now joins 76 other countries, including major destinations like the United Kingdom, France, India, and Kenya, on Australia’s list of locations experiencing elevated security risks.
