Maldives Country Report

The Maldives is a country located in South Asia and is a popular tourist destination due to its resort islands and beaches. It had in recent years had a moderately stable political regime despite significant democratic setbacks, but a constitutional crisis in early 2018 raised serious questions about government stability.

The main threat that foreign travelers face generally stems from petty crime. However, there is also a growing concern over terrorism linked to radicalism and the influence of foreign militant groups, including the Islamic State (IS). Protests are occasionally staged in the capital Male and can degenerate into violence. Similarly, strike actions are observed occasionally and have the potential to disrupt the operations of targeted sector(s). In addition, corruption is rampant and affects all forms of public life. The weak rule of law is also a problem.

Floods are a recurring concern during the monsoon season. Furthermore, the country is known to be prone to tsunamis resulting from powerful offshore tremors in the Indian Ocean. Medical care and access to medicines are limited.

Although proof of COVID-19 tests and/or vaccination are no longer necessary, travelers must submit an online declaration form within 96 hours before arriving and/or departing the Maldives.

Conflict poses no concern in the Maldives. Similarly, overall crime rates are low, with travelers likely to fall victim to petty and opportunistic crime rather than violent crime. Protests occur occasionally, although they usually take place away from popular tourist destinations. There is a low-level threat from terrorism stemming from growing radicalism in the Sunni Muslim-dominated country, with an increasing influence from foreign militant groups.

There are some safety concerns over air and land travel in the Maldives.

The road network is also limited outside Male, major locales and popular tourist destinations.

Malé Commercial Harbour is considered relatively efficient.

Power outages are occasionally reported in Male.

Mobile coverage and Internet connections are fairly reliable, notably in populated locales, whilst cyber-crime is a growing concern.

Although there are no known manmade threats at this juncture, the Maldives is vulnerable to a number of natural hazards that pose a considerable threat to human communities and infrastructure. Rain-triggered floods and associated disruptions are a concern during the monsoon season as well as during cyclone season from April through September. In addition, there is a credible risk of seismically triggered tsunamis.

Maldives have several diseases and health risks like chikungunya and dengue fever. However, hospitals that provide adequate medical care are limited outside major urban centers.

The Maldives' political regime is assessed as moderately stable, especially in light of successful 2018 elections, although political challenges resulting from the opposition and intra-party fighting occasionally occur. High levels of corruption and weak rule of law have also adversely affected governance, the judiciary and law enforcement.