Is it safe to travel to the Maldives? Travel update, flight information and news
MALDIVES: Recent protests in the capital have sparked FCO warnings to travellers - is it safe to travel to the country? Latest travel advice and update here.
The Maldives is a country made up of more than 1,000 islands, synonymous with coral reefs, white-powdered beaches and turquoise clear waters.
However it appears there may be trouble in paradise, with recent protests in the capital of Malé causing the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to issue travel advice to holidaymakers.
It was reported today that hundreds of tourists have cancelled holidays to the Maldives since the state of emergency has been declared.
UK Government have advised travellers to exercise caution when visiting one of the world’s most idyllic countries.
The FCO released the following statement: "On 5 February 2018, the Maldives government declared a state of emergency. Security forces have been deployed in the capital Malé in response to political developments.
"If you’re in Malé, you should exercise caution and avoid any protests or rallies. There are no reports that outlying islands, resorts or Malé International Airport are affected.
"Political protests and demonstrations often take place in Malé.
"Some have led to violence and arrests. You should take appropriate security precautions, comply with local security requirements and avoid protests and rallies."
The protests are in response to the President Abdulla Yameen’s refusal to release political prisoners and opposition lawmakers, including the exiled former president Mohammed Rasheed.
He has also tried to bring back the death penalty, which many Maldivians are against because it violates human rights.
Whilst at the time of writing the FCO does not advise against all travel to the region, it does urge British tourists to take appropriate security precautions and comply with local security requirements.
This is contrary to Chinese officials advice who urge their holidaymakers to stay away for the time being, until the situation stabilises.
However for UK holidaymakers at least, it’s still business as usual on the outlying islands and resorts usually frequented by tourists.
It’s also worth noting that Malé International Airport has not been affected and it does not appear that any flights have been cancelled so far in relation to the unrest.
Maldives - A trip to Paradise
If you have booked an upcoming holiday to the Maldives and are concerned about your travel arrangements, speak to your holiday operator and travel insurance provider.
Some travel insurance policies do not cover holidays which are affected by political unrest, so be sure to check your policy wording.
It is also advised to keep checking the FCO website for another update.
Over 104,000 Britons visited the sun-kissed island last year, the third largest number after China and Germany.
Most visits to the Maldives are usually trouble free.