Travel warning: Tourist 'paradise' poses safety risk to Britons as holidaymakers issued travel updates ()
<iframe frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://www.gbnews.com/res/scraper/embed/?video_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmm-v2.simplestream.com%2Fiframe%2Fplayer.php%3Fkey%3D3Li3Nt2Qs8Ct3Xq9Fi5Uy0Mb2Bj0Qs%26player%3DGB003%26uvid%3D52356815%26type%3Dvod%26viously_id%3D1PDtd0V3Rwh" width="100%"></iframe><br/><p class="">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.</p><p>Its latest advisory focuses on the high risk of piracy during sea travel in the region, ongoing terrorism threats, and cultural considerations.</p><h3></h3><br/><p><strong>Sea travel</strong></p><p><strong></strong>The FCDO warned that there is a "high risk of piracy and armed robbery" in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.</p><p>Officials noted that attacks have occurred on local fishing sailing vessels (dhows) in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa.</p><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Aerial view of the Maldives" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3acd21640a216ff411021b57f208d3b5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="b52f9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/aerial-view-of-the-maldives.jpg?id=53832034&width=980"/><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-latest"></div><p>Travellers accessing island resorts by boat were advised to "pay attention to safety briefings" during any boat trip.</p><p>The FCDO specifically recommended ensuring life jackets are provided, particularly on smaller excursion boats.</p><p>Visitors were advised to consult their tour guides about the boats' safety records and registration.</p><p><strong>Terrorism</strong></p><p><strong></strong>The FCDO emphasised that "there is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals".</p><p>Its advisory specifically noted that "terrorist attacks in Maldives cannot be ruled out" and could be "indiscriminate".</p><h3></h3><br/><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>Ramadan </strong></p><p>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.</p><p>Visitors should not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours of Ramadan outside holiday resorts.</p><p>The FCDO recommended seeking additional advice from tour guides, hotels or business contacts upon arrival.</p><p><strong></strong>British travellers were reminded that the Maldives is an Islamic country, where publicly observing other religions is illegal.</p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-dontmiss"></div><p><br/><span></span></p><p>The FCDO stated: "Make sure that your actions do not offend, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas around mosques."</p><p>Holidaymakers were warned that breaking local laws could result in a prison sentence. </p><p><strong>LATEST DEVELOPMENTS</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/travel-warning-greece-extreme-weather" target="_self">Britons planning on holidaying in Greece issued new advice as extreme weather likely this summer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/travel-chaos-italy-easyjet-strike-warning" target="_self">Travel 'nightmare' for Britons as strikes threaten 2025 holidays - is your next flight affected?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/expats-best-places-to-live-australia-real-life" target="_self">'Incredible' country for expats boasts 'relaxed' lifestyle - 'a refreshing change from the UK'</a></li></ul><h3></h3><br><img alt="Aerial view of the Maldives" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f41da8485e48f8745fca09b49adfd455" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="54590" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/aerial-view-of-the-maldives.jpg?id=54540776&width=980"/><p>The Maldives, the smallest country in Asia, is widely considered a paradisical luxury destination.</p><p>A visitor took to TripAdvisor with the ultimate praise for one of the 1,192 coral islands.</p><p>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."</p><p>But before visiting the idyllic tourist destination, it's important to be aware of the latest travel guidance.</p><p>The FCDO provides up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, health and getting help.</p><p>Recently, holidaymakers were told to be wary of "elevated tensions" in a <a href="https://www.gbnews.com/travel/travel-warning-south-korea-seoul-political-unrest" target="_blank">popular Asian destination</a>.</p></br>
