June 6, 2025: Australian travellers have been warned to exercise a high degree of caution in the Maldives Terrorism , following increased civil unrest and ongoing security threats in the island nation. The update, issued by the government’s SmartTraveller advisory service, urges visitors to avoid areas affected by demonstrations and to closely monitor local media and official guidance.
The Maldives, a popular tropical destination located southwest of Sri Lanka, welcomed approximately 35,000 Australian tourists last year. While its resort islands are generally considered safe, unrest in urban areas—particularly the greater Malé region and other inhabited islands—has prompted heightened alert.
⚠️ Terror Threat and Past Incidents
The advisory cites several incidents since February 2020, including:
- Stabbings in Hulhumalé involving three foreigners, one of whom was Australian.
- An explosive attack in Malé in May 2021, injuring a politician and multiple bystanders.
- A police speedboat set on fire in Laamu Gan in March 2020.
Authorities also warned of ongoing risks of Maldives Terrorism, noting that tourist hotspots could be targeted.
“Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists,” the SmartTraveller alert reads.
🔒 Safety Recommendations
Travellers are strongly advised to:
- Avoid protests and demonstrations, even if they appear peaceful.
- Follow the directions of local authorities and security personnel.
- Stay away from areas impacted by drug-related or gang-related violence, especially in urban centres like Malé.
Despite the unrest, resort islands remain relatively secure, but officials caution that the situation can change rapidly.