The U.S. State Department is warning Americans to exercise extreme caution in the Maldives, raising its travel advisory to Level 2 due to terrorism concerns.
Officials said terrorist groups “may attack with little or no warning” in areas including tourist destinations, shopping malls, transportation hubs, and government facilities. Remote islands are especially at risk, as delayed emergency response could leave travelers vulnerable.
The advisory comes amid long-standing concerns about the Maldives’ strict Islamic governance.
The country’s constitution designates Islam as the state religion, mandates that all citizens be Muslim, and requires public officials, including the president, to follow Sunni Islam.
Religious freedom is limited, and propagation of any religion other than Islam is illegal.
The law criminalizes speech “likely to cause religious segregation,” and Sharia punishments, including flogging, stoning, and hand amputations, are permitted.
While tourists can wear bikinis and swimwear at resorts, local customs demand modest clothing elsewhere.
In January, the YouTube channel Island Hopper TV reported that Sharia law remains “largely intact” in the Maldives, emphasizing the strict enforcement of religious and social codes.
The State Department’s warning also highlights past incidents raising concerns over the safety of journalists and visitors.
In 2017, one journalist disappeared and another was murdered, prompting fears that radical Islam was gaining influence in the once-moderate island chain.
Breitbart News reported that these incidents “put tourists at risk” and signaled a growing threat of extremist activity on the islands.
Authorities are urging travelers to remain vigilant at all times, particularly in crowded tourist areas. The advisory stresses that attacks could target remote islands where police or security forces may take longer to respond, leaving victims exposed.
Visitors are encouraged to monitor local news, follow safety guidance, and avoid any areas flagged by authorities as high-risk.
Experts warn that the Maldives’ combination of strict Islamic law, potential terrorist activity, and geographic isolation makes it one of the more unpredictable and dangerous destinations for American travelers. Officials said travelers should prepare for the possibility of sudden threats and plan accordingly to reduce risk.
The U.S. travel warning reflects the government’s ongoing concern about terrorism in regions popular with Western tourists. While the Maldives is known for its luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and clear waters, the threat of violence has transformed what was once a bucket-list destination into a location requiring serious caution.
The advisory is the latest in a series of U.S. government warnings about areas where Islamic extremist influence intersects with tourism. Travelers are reminded that even destinations appearing safe and resort-focused can be targets for attacks by radical groups.
Americans planning trips to the Maldives are advised to reconsider their travel plans, exercise heightened situational awareness, and strictly follow all guidance from local authorities. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that the risk of terrorism on the islands remains real, immediate, and unpredictable.
