While a change in travel ranking is usually preceded by a major breakout of violence or change in geopolitical relations, the State Department issues periodic warnings about the current situation in countries where Americans frequently travel.

In September, the U.S. Embassy in Peru released an advisory about ongoing protests around the popular UNESCO site Machu Picchu and the fact that “rail and road traffic on routes leading to [the area] may be disrupted without prior notice.” 

A few days later, a new advisory targeted the border area between Armenia and Azerbaijan. While both ranked as very safe to visit independently, the area between them is designated by many governments as a no-go zone, due to the longstanding conflict between the two countries.

“Past military action has occurred near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and there is potential for armed conflict in the area,” the State Department advisory updated on Sept. 17 now reads.

What the Maldives travel advisory means for your trip

The most recent travel advisory update has targeted the Asian island nation of Maldives. Often associated with extreme luxury due to its isolated nature and high concentration of five-star resorts, the Maldives is ranked as level two’s “exercise increased caution” over isolated incidents of terrorism that have occurred over the last decade. 

The same advisory level is given to countries such as France and Germany over the risk of attacks in their capital cities. 

In the case of the Maldives, the advisory draws attention to the fact that “attacks may occur on remote islands” that can make it more difficult to access help.

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“Terrorist groups may attack with little or no warning,” the updated advisory reads. “They may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets and shopping malls, [and] local government facilities. Attacks may occur on remote islands. This can lengthen the response time of authorities.”

The State Department specifies that the official rating remains unchanged, while the summary was simply tweaked to update the language around specific risks. 

Those headed to the Maldives are advised to keep up with local media for news and be prepared to change the trip if any kind of violence breaks out.

The Maldives is often associated with its pristine beaches and picture-worthy sunsets.

Image source: Shutterstock

State Department to Maldives travelers: “Stay aware of your surroundings”

“There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the Maldives,” the advisory reads further. “Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. […] Stay aware of your surroundings.”

Even so, the Maldives remains a very safe country for visitors. The wider archipelago is made up of 1,200 islands, although only 200 of these are inhabited and have the facilities for overnight visits.

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The islands that house the exclusive five-star resorts are generally extremely safe and see primarily only petty crime, while the port capital of Malé sees more frequent anti-government protests and the attacks mentioned in the advisory.

In 2024, the country’s Ministry of Tourism recorded a total of 2,046,615 international visitors, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. 

Amid greater airline connectivity, the country has also been seeing a growing number of non-luxury travelers coming into the capital rather than exclusive private islands over the last five years post-pandemic.

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