US Reissues Level 2 Travel Advisory for Maldives Over Terrorism Risk

The U.S. State Department on Oct. 7 reissued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Republic of the Maldives, warning that terrorist groups may strike with little or no warning and urging travelers to exercise increased caution while visiting the island nation. The advisory lists tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls and local government facilities as potential targets and cautions that attacks on remote islands could lengthen authorities’ response times.

The Level 2 designation advises travelers to "exercise increased caution in the Maldives due to terrorism," the department said, adding that "terrorist groups may attack with little or no warning." The advisory recommends that travelers monitor local and breaking news, stay aware of their surroundings, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, prepare contingency plans, and consider purchasing travel insurance. U.S. citizens with travel plans are also encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive updates from the embassy or consulate.

The Maldives, a chain of roughly 1,190 coral islands stretching more than 500 miles across the northern Indian Ocean, draws millions...