A terrorism warning has been issued to Aussie travellers visiting the Maldives
A warning has been issued to Australian travellers following civil unrest in the Maldives.
The island paradise is a popular destination that attracted about 35,000 Australians last year and is located about 750km southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean.
SmartTraveller updated its advice telling holidaymakers visiting the Maldives to avoid areas impacted by demonstrations and to exercise a high degree of caution.
'Public demonstrations could occur and may become violent,' the warning read.
SmartTraveller advised there have been several terrorist attacks in the Maldives since February 2020, including three foreigners who were stabbed in Hulhumalé and an Australian who was injured.
A police speedboat was set alight in Laamu Gan in March 2020 and an explosive device was detonated in Malé in May 2021, injuring a politician and bystanders.
While resort islands were considered generally peaceful and secure, travellers were warned protests and demonstrations could occur in the greater Malé area and inhabited islands or non-resort islands.
'Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists. Follow the advice of local authorities,' travellers were warned.
'Avoid protests and demonstrations, even if they appear calm and peaceful and follow the advice of local authorities. Monitor local media to avoid affected areas.
'Drug-related crime and gang-related violence occurs in urban areas, including greater Malé and inhabited islands.'
Travellers were warned to avoid affected areas and to follow instructions from security personnel and authorities.
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Sky News AU
13 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Major travel warning issued for Australians heading to the Maldives as official advice warns of 'civil unrest' and 'terrorism'
Travel advice for Australians planning a trip to the Maldives has changed, with an official government website urging visitors to be aware of potential 'terrorism'. The Department of Foreign Affairs updated its Smartraveller website on Thursday after reviewing advice for those bound for the popular holiday destination. Smartraveller now recommends Australians to 'exercise a high degree of caution' while visiting the Indian Ocean archipelago, warning of the possibility of violent public demonstrations. 'Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may occur in greater Malé and inhabited islands, and can turn violent,' the advice said. The website urges tourists to steer clear of areas where demonstrations are happening and to listen to advice from Maldives authorities. And though resorts on islands are still deemed 'generally safe and secure', Smartraveller warns 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 reads. The website said possible targets of terrorism can include government institutions and areas where tourists frequent. An Australian man and two Chinese national were stabbed in the Maldives in February 2020, and an arson attack happened in March that year on the island of Laamu Gan. An explosion that wounded the country's former president then rocked the Maldivian capital in May 2021 after an improvised explosive device was detonated. Petty thefts around beaches and even inside hotel rooms is also a safety concern, and valuable items being secured is recommended, according to Smartraveller. Official travel advice also changed for Australians bound for Bali following a Smartraveller update last month that warned tourists of spiked drinks and rough seas. Like the Maldives, a high degree of caution has been issued while visiting Indonesia, and the advice warns to be alert to methanol poisoning when being served alcoholic beverages. Many beaches in Indonesia are 'unpatrolled', and holidaymakers are urged to be cautious when entering the water. 'Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali,' the advice said.
News.com.au
15 hours ago
- News.com.au
A terrorism warning has been issued to Aussie travellers visiting the Maldives
A warning has been issued to Australian travellers following civil unrest in the Maldives. The island paradise is a popular destination that attracted about 35,000 Australians last year and is located about 750km southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. SmartTraveller updated its advice telling holidaymakers visiting the Maldives to avoid areas impacted by demonstrations and to exercise a high degree of caution. 'Public demonstrations could occur and may become violent,' the warning read. SmartTraveller advised there have been several terrorist attacks in the Maldives since February 2020, including three foreigners who were stabbed in Hulhumalé and an Australian who was injured. A police speedboat was set alight in Laamu Gan in March 2020 and an explosive device was detonated in Malé in May 2021, injuring a politician and bystanders. While resort islands were considered generally peaceful and secure, travellers were warned protests and demonstrations could occur in the greater Malé area and inhabited islands or non-resort islands. 'Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists. Follow the advice of local authorities,' travellers were warned. 'Avoid protests and demonstrations, even if they appear calm and peaceful and follow the advice of local authorities. Monitor local media to avoid affected areas. 'Drug-related crime and gang-related violence occurs in urban areas, including greater Malé and inhabited islands.'
Perth Now
15 hours ago
- Perth Now
Chilling warning for Aussie travellers
A warning has been issued to Australian travellers following civil unrest in the Maldives. The island paradise is a popular destination that attracted about 35,000 Australians last year and is located about 750km southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. SmartTraveller updated its advice telling holidaymakers visiting the Maldives to avoid areas impacted by demonstrations and to exercise a high degree of caution. 'Public demonstrations could occur and may become violent,' the warning read. SmartTraveller advised there have been several terrorist attacks in the Maldives since February 2020, including three foreigners who were stabbed in Hulhumalé and an Australian who was injured. A police speedboat was set alight in Laamu Gan in March 2020 and an explosive device was detonated in Malé in May 2021, injuring a politician and bystanders. While resort islands were considered generally peaceful and secure, travellers were warned protests and demonstrations could occur in the greater Malé area and inhabited islands or non-resort islands. Holidaymakers visiting the Maldives have been told to avoid areas impacted by demonstrations and to exercise a high degree of caution. Credit: Supplied 'Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists. Follow the advice of local authorities,' travellers were warned. 'Avoid protests and demonstrations, even if they appear calm and peaceful and follow the advice of local authorities. Monitor local media to avoid affected areas. 'Drug-related crime and gang-related violence occurs in urban areas, including greater Malé and inhabited islands.' Travellers were warned to avoid affected areas and to follow instructions from security personnel and authorities.
