The United States has warned travelers to stay on high alert when visiting the Maldives amid fears of unexpected terrorist attacks.

On Tuesday, the US State Department released a new travel warning for the Maldives, a nation of about 1,190 coral islands spread throughout the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

The warning came in at Level 2 (Level 1 being the lowest risk and Level 4 the most severe). 

Authorities warned that all areas of the Maldives, including tourist sites, transit centers, markets, and government facilities, might be potential targets for terrorist groups.

‘Exercise increased caution in the Maldives due to terrorism,’ the travel advisory read.

The department also noted that these terrorist organizations ‘may attack with little or no warning.’ 

They also highlighted that potential attacks on the Maldives’ famous and isolated islands could delay emergency response times due to their distinctive locations.

Those headed to the famed destination are being urged to follow local and breaking news closely and prepare a backup plan in case of any sudden setbacks. 

The United States has warned travelers to stay on high alert when visiting the Maldives (pictured) amid fears of unexpected terrorist attacks

On Tuesday, the US State Department issued a fresh, Level 2 travel advisory for the Republic of the Maldives (pictured), an independent nation of roughly 1,190 coral islands scattered across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean

The department also noted that these terrorist organizations ‘may attack with little or no warning’ (pictured: Capital City of Male, Maldives)

As in many regions, the US State Department advised travelers to remain aware of their surroundings and to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, which could be potential targets. 

Buying travel insurance is also highly recommended, which can offer means of protection for medical emergencies, evacuations and trip cancellations. 

Over two million people visited the Maldives in 2024 alone, drawn by its white-sand beaches and luxury private waterfront resorts, according to their government’s database. 

More than 43,000 Americans had flocked to the popular tourist destination as of August 2025, according to Tourism Analytics.

Despite its allure and its status as a top 10 US tourist destination, Maldivian authorities have thwarted several planned terrorist attacks since 2017.

In 2022, one such plot involved a knife-wielding extremist targeting a politician in Malé’s Hulhumalé neighborhood, according to Newsweek.

But Maldivian officials have long taken terrorism seriously – with President Solih in 2019 signing the Second Amendment to the nation’s Anti-Terrorism Act. 

The law redefined terrorism, classifying political and religious extremism – and even radicalization – as terrorist acts. 

Officials cautioned that possible attacks on the Maldives’ iconic, remote islands could stretch emergency response times, given their unique locations (pictured)

Officials cautioned that every corner of the Maldives – from tourist attractions to transit hubs, markets, and government buildings – could be in the crosshairs of terrorist groups (pictured: Maldives beach bar)

The US State Department advised travelers to remain aware of their surroundings and to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, which could be potential targets (pictured: Maldives)

The Maldives also takes part in the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) review, which is evaluated by the UN General Assembly every two years.

‘The Maldives has a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and violent extremism,’ the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on its counterterrorism information page.

‘The Maldives pledged to take swift measures against anyone committing an act or acts of terrorism, or financing, joining, encouraging or providing any manner of assistance or support to, terrorists and violent extremists.’

This island paradise lies in South Asia, nestled between the eastern Arabian Sea and the northern reaches of the Indian Ocean. 

Made up of more than one thousand islands spread across 26 coral atolls, only 200 of them are inhabited – spanning more than 500 miles of turquoise sea across the equator.

The Maldives boasts one of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems, where coral reefs underpin both the islands’ natural defense systems and the nation’s economy, according to the country’s tourist website.

Home to just over half a million people, the nation blends influences from across the Indian Ocean into a culture shaped by sea and sand. Fish and coconut form the heart of Maldivian cuisine, inspiring dishes unlike any found elsewhere in the region.

The national language, Dhivehi, uses the Thaana script – developed in the 16th century from Arabic numerals. 

More than 43,000 Americans had flocked to the popular tourist destination (pictured) as of August 2025

The Maldives boasts one of the planet’s most fragile ecosystems, where coral reefs underpin both the islands’ natural defense systems and the nation’s economy (pictured: snorkeler in Maldives)

Made up of more than one thousand islands spread across 26 coral atolls, only 200 of them are inhabited – spanning more than 500 miles of turquoise sea across the equator

Maldivians are also renowned for their masterful boat-building; the traditional dhoni, perfected over centuries, remains ideally suited for navigating the island nation’s waters. 

Though much of its early history remains a mystery, scholars believe the Maldives has been home to settlers for over 2,500 years – making it one of the oldest island nations in the world. 

Roughly a third of Maldivians live in the bustling capital of Malé, while others are scattered across 200 serene islands. 

For generations, Maldivians lived and thrived by the sea – fishing was not just their food, but the heart of their culture. Today, the turquoise waters still provide sustenance, but tourism now fuels the islands’ economy.