Australian travellers heading to Maldives warned of terror threat, 'civil unrest'

Australia has issued a fresh advisory for all its nationals who are planning to travel to Maldives asking them to remain on high alert. The Smartraveller website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade raised its advisory for the popular tourism spot to Level 2 asking them to exercise a high degree of caution.

The advice cited the risk of 'civil unrest and the ongoing threat of terrorism'. The Smartraveller website has placed Maldives in the list of 76 countries including India, UK, France, Mexico, Cyprus, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya as these destinations have witnessed a rise in security risks.

According to the advice, Australians have been asked to remain highly cautious while visiting the paradise near the Indian Ocean, warning of the possibility of violent public demonstrations, according to Sky News.

Stay clear of areas where demonstrations are happening: Smartraveller website

The government website has urged Australian tourists to remain clear of areas where demonstrations are taking place and to to follow the advice from Maldives authorities. “Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may occur in greater Malé and inhabited islands, and can turn violent,” the advice stated.

Although resorts on islands are still deemed “generally safe and secure”, Smartraveller has warned that terrorism events can occur anywhere in the country. “Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism,” the updated advice said.

According to the website, government institutions and areas where tourists frequently visit can be possible targets of terrorism.