The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for British nationals visiting the Maldives, which is widely considered a bucket list holiday destination.
Its latest advisory focuses on the high risk of piracy during sea travel in the region, ongoing terrorism threats, and cultural considerations.
Sea travel
The FCDO warned that there is a "high risk of piracy and armed robbery" in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
Officials noted that attacks have occurred on local fishing sailing vessels (dhows) in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa.
Travellers accessing island resorts by boat were advised to "pay attention to safety briefings" during any boat trip.
The FCDO specifically recommended ensuring life jackets are provided, particularly on smaller excursion boats.
Visitors were advised to consult their tour guides about the boats' safety records and registration.
Terrorism
The FCDO emphasised that "there is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals".
Its advisory specifically noted that "terrorist attacks in Maldives cannot be ruled out" and could be "indiscriminate".
Recent incidents include a knife attack on a politician in Hulhumalé in 2022, an IED explosion in central Malé in 2021, and attacks on foreigners in 2020.
Officials warned that the current Israel-Palestine conflict has "led to heightened tensions around the world", with terrorist groups like Al-Qaida and Daesh calling for attacks.
Ramadan
This year's Ramadan ran from March 1 to March 29, 2025. In 2026, it may start on February 18 or 19 and last for 29 or 30 days.
Visitors should not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours of Ramadan outside holiday resorts.
The FCDO recommended seeking additional advice from tour guides, hotels or business contacts upon arrival.
British travellers were reminded that the Maldives is an Islamic country, where publicly observing other religions is illegal.
The FCDO stated: "Make sure that your actions do not offend, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas around mosques."
Holidaymakers were warned that breaking local laws could result in a prison sentence.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The Maldives, the smallest country in Asia, is widely considered a paradisical luxury destination.
A visitor took to TripAdvisor with the ultimate praise for one of the 1,192 coral islands.
Describing Alimatha Island as the "perfect tropical paradise", the happy holidaymaker stated: "With beautiful beaches, clear waters for snorkelling and diving, cosy accommodations, great food and plenty of activities, it's an unforgettable getaway for relaxation and adventure."
But before visiting the idyllic tourist destination, it's important to be aware of the latest travel guidance.
The FCDO provides up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, health and getting help.
Recently, holidaymakers were told to be wary of "elevated tensions" in a popular Asian destination.
Find Out More...
Its latest advisory focuses on the high risk of piracy during sea travel in the region, ongoing terrorism threats, and cultural considerations.
Sea travel
The FCDO warned that there is a "high risk of piracy and armed robbery" in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
Officials noted that attacks have occurred on local fishing sailing vessels (dhows) in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa.
Travellers accessing island resorts by boat were advised to "pay attention to safety briefings" during any boat trip.
The FCDO specifically recommended ensuring life jackets are provided, particularly on smaller excursion boats.
Visitors were advised to consult their tour guides about the boats' safety records and registration.
Terrorism
The FCDO emphasised that "there is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals".
Its advisory specifically noted that "terrorist attacks in Maldives cannot be ruled out" and could be "indiscriminate".
Recent incidents include a knife attack on a politician in Hulhumalé in 2022, an IED explosion in central Malé in 2021, and attacks on foreigners in 2020.
Officials warned that the current Israel-Palestine conflict has "led to heightened tensions around the world", with terrorist groups like Al-Qaida and Daesh calling for attacks.
Ramadan
This year's Ramadan ran from March 1 to March 29, 2025. In 2026, it may start on February 18 or 19 and last for 29 or 30 days.
Visitors should not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours of Ramadan outside holiday resorts.
The FCDO recommended seeking additional advice from tour guides, hotels or business contacts upon arrival.
British travellers were reminded that the Maldives is an Islamic country, where publicly observing other religions is illegal.
The FCDO stated: "Make sure that your actions do not offend, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas around mosques."
Holidaymakers were warned that breaking local laws could result in a prison sentence.
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The Maldives, the smallest country in Asia, is widely considered a paradisical luxury destination.
A visitor took to TripAdvisor with the ultimate praise for one of the 1,192 coral islands.
Describing Alimatha Island as the "perfect tropical paradise", the happy holidaymaker stated: "With beautiful beaches, clear waters for snorkelling and diving, cosy accommodations, great food and plenty of activities, it's an unforgettable getaway for relaxation and adventure."
But before visiting the idyllic tourist destination, it's important to be aware of the latest travel guidance.
The FCDO provides up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, health and getting help.
Recently, holidaymakers were told to be wary of "elevated tensions" in a popular Asian destination.
Find Out More...