The Maldives is the latest country to be hit with a lengthy list of travel warnings issued by The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). British nationals visiting the picturesque destination have been advised to “stay aware of your surroundings at all times” as the risk of terror attacks soars.

The stunning, golden-sand holiday hotspot is popular among Brits, with many jetting to the country in the winter months. However, the latest advisory has outlined ongoing terrorism threats, the high risk of piracy during sea travel and cultural considerations. “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets,” the guidance states.

The FCDO points to a number of terrorist attacks and plans since 2017, as well as the spread of extremist ideology. Examples include a 2022 knife attack on a politician, an improvised explosive device injuring a high-profile politician and bystanders in 2021 and a series of knife attacks in 2020 which injured three foreigners.

The guidance also says there is a "high risk of piracy and armed robbery" in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Officials explain that there have been a string of attacks on local fishing sailing vessels, advising travellers to “pay attention to safety briefings” when taking a boat trip.

The South Asian country, the smallest on the continent, is an Islamic country. The FCDO states that it is “illegal to publicly observe a religion other than Islam”, ensuring your actions “do not offend, especially during Ramadan”.

In 2025, Ramadan began on March 1 and finished on March 29. In 2026, it may start on 18 or 19 February and last for 29 or 30 days. During this time official advice says to not eat, drink or smoke in public in the daytime, outside of holiday resorts. Breaking these local laws may end in a prison sentence.

Other cultural considerations outlined on the guidance include to not possess and drink alcohol out of resorts, to not take tortoiseshell jewellery or ornaments, or pieces of coral out of the country and to be sensitive to local dress standards.