Maldives declares state of emergency
The Foreign Office has amended its advice to those travelling to the Maldives after the President declared a state of emergency across the whole country.
The state of emergency will last for at least the next 30 days.
It follows the arrest of the vice president on October 24 on treason charges. He is accused of plotting to kill president Abdulla Yameen by blowing up his official speed boat.
Vice-president Ahmed Adeeb was seized at the country’s airport and taken to the Indian Ocean nation’s main prison minutes after landing back from an official trip to China.
Officials said that Adeeb, 33, was accused of masterminding a plot last month to kill the President by planting a bomb under the seat he usually occupied in his boat. However, Yameen escaped unhurt because he was not sitting in his usual place, although his wife and two others were slightly hurt. Adeeb has denied any involvement.
The Foreign Office said that although the state of emergency places limits on freedom of movement and assembly for locals, there will be no similar restrictions imposed on tourists.
Tourist resorts are ‘unlikely to be significantly affected’, it said.
However, the Foreign Office advised holidaymakers to take care and to follow local advice.
It warned that political protests have been taking place since the arrest of former President Nasheed earlier this year.
Demonstrations have mainly taken place in the capital Malé and some have led to violence and arrests.
"You should take appropriate security precautions, comply with local security requirements and avoid large gatherings, protests and rallies," it said.
The Foreign Office reminded visitors that there is no British Embassy in the Maldives, so tourists who need assistance are advised to contact the British High Commission in Sri Lanka.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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