There’s no need to cancel your holiday yet, but it’s good to be aware that the Indian Ocean paradise is in a state of emergency.
The Maldives Government has declared a 15-day state of emergency as a result of tensions between the President Abdulla Yameen and the Supreme Court.
It follows a Supreme Court ruling last week that ordered the release of imprisoned opposition leaders.
President Yameen lashed out at the court and has refused to comply with the ruling. He has since closed down parliament and ordered police and troops to resist any move by the court to arrest him.
According to the ABC, protests are now spilling into the streets of Male while soldiers in riot gear are being deployed to the parliament building.
The state of emergency gives the Government powers to make arrests, search and seize property and restrict freedom of assembly.
Smart Traveller’s latest update says it’s still safe for Aussies to travel to the archipelago but that they should avoid protests and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent.
There are no reports that outlying islands, resorts or Male International Airport are affected. Despite this, both India and China have put out travelling warnings suggesting that people avoid any unnecessary travel to the Maldives until the political situation settles down.
READ: 6 Reasons why you should try the Maldives instead of the South Pacific
READ: Tourists should be fine’ in Maldives State of Emergency