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US updates travel warnings for two countries--'Keep a low profile'

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 11:58 GMT by Newsweek
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Travel Warnings Spotlight Maldives and Equatorial Guinea: A Comprehensive Review

A new U.S. State Department travel advisory update has put a spotlight on two very different destinations – the tropical paradise of the Maldives and the politically tense nation of Equatorial Guinea. The update, published by Newsweek, revisits the reasons behind each country’s travel warning and distills practical advice for American travelers. Below is a thorough summary of the key points, including the nuanced factors driving the advisories and the resources travelers can use to stay informed.

1. Maldives: “Reconsider” Travel (Level 3)

Political and Security Landscape

The U.S. State Department has placed the Maldives on its Level 3 “Reconsider” list, citing “increasing concerns about violent crime, terrorism, and political unrest.” While the Maldives remains one of the world’s most popular luxury tourism destinations, a spate of violent incidents—especially in tourist-heavy areas—has raised red flags. According to the Maldives Daily News, a series of robberies and a fatal shooting in the capital, Malé, in 2023 have spurred heightened security vigilance by both local authorities and international agencies.

Health Considerations

Health risks are a central part of the advisory. The Maldives faces an ongoing dengue fever threat, particularly during the monsoon season (June–September). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants. Malaria is not endemic, but the CDC advises travelers to consult a travel health clinic before departure. Additionally, the COVID‑19 situation remains unpredictable, with occasional outbreaks of the Omicron variant reported in resort areas.

Practical Safety Tips

• Register with the U.S. Embassy via the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program” (STEP) to receive real‑time alerts.
• Avoid walking alone at night in Malé’s Old Town and resort areas.
• Use only reputable transportation—licensed taxis or hotel shuttles—rather than accepting rides from strangers.
• Keep a close eye on personal belongings; pickpocketing has been reported in busy markets and beaches.
• Ensure that you have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and trip cancellation.

Resources

The article links to the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory page for the Maldives, which provides up‑to‑date details on security alerts, health warnings, and emergency contacts. It also cites the CDC’s “Travelers’ Health Notice” for the Maldives, which offers vaccine recommendations and disease prevention measures.

2. Equatorial Guinea: “Do Not Travel” (Level 4)

Political Instability and Civil Unrest

Equatorial Guinea is listed on Level 4, the highest advisory level. The U.S. government advises Americans to avoid the country entirely because of “severe risk of arbitrary arrest, violent protests, civil disorder, and terrorism.” The 2023 election period saw large-scale demonstrations and sporadic clashes between protesters and security forces. Human Rights Watch reports that opposition figures have faced harassment and detention without due process.

Health and Infrastructure Gaps

Health infrastructure in Equatorial Guinea is limited, with few hospitals offering comprehensive care, especially outside the capital, Malabo. The country’s health system struggles to provide routine immunizations, and there are sporadic outbreaks of malaria, yellow fever, and meningitis. The WHO indicates that vaccination coverage is below recommended levels, and there are occasional cholera outbreaks in rural areas.

Criminality and Safety Concerns

Crime rates are relatively high, with armed robbery, assault, and theft common. The U.S. State Department warns that local police may not reliably enforce laws against travelers. In addition, the country has a documented history of kidnapping for ransom, and foreign nationals have occasionally fallen victim to such crimes. Travelers are urged to avoid night travel and remain in well‑guarded areas.

Practical Advice for Those Who Must Travel

While the advisory strongly discourages travel, some diplomats, aid workers, and journalists might still need to enter the country. For those with no alternative, the following precautions are recommended:
Register with the U.S. Embassy’s STEP program to receive emergency updates.
Secure a reliable local escort or security firm.
Keep a tight itinerary and avoid public gatherings.
Carry minimal cash, and use reputable banking channels for transactions.
* Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes kidnapping and political evacuation coverage.

Resources

The article references the U.S. State Department’s Equatorial Guinea travel advisory page and links to the WHO’s country health profile. It also points to the U.S. Embassy’s emergency contact list and the “Travelers’ Health Notice” for the country.

Why the Differing Levels Matter

The contrasting advisories underscore how each country’s unique set of challenges determines the U.S. State Department’s stance. The Maldives’ Level 3 “Reconsider” status reflects a mix of manageable risks that can be mitigated through standard safety practices. In contrast, Equatorial Guinea’s Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning signals a severe environment where even prudent travelers face an unacceptable risk of arrest, injury, or death.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the immediate warnings, Newsweek contextualizes the advisories within broader global trends: rising political polarization, heightened terrorism threats, and the unpredictable nature of disease outbreaks. The article highlights how climate change—especially in island nations like the Maldives—also plays a role, with rising sea levels and extreme weather events threatening infrastructure and the tourism industry that many travelers depend on for a safe experience.

The article concludes with a reminder that travel warnings are not static. Travelers should continually monitor their destination’s status via official government channels—U.S. State Department, CDC, WHO, and local embassies. The links provided at the end of the article offer direct access to real‑time updates, ensuring that travelers can make informed decisions before, during, and after their trips.

In Summary

The Newsweek article gives readers a detailed, actionable overview of why the Maldives and Equatorial Guinea are on different sides of the U.S. travel advisory spectrum. Travelers to the Maldives should remain vigilant but can proceed with reasonable precautions. Conversely, those planning to visit Equatorial Guinea should heed the “Do Not Travel” warning and consider alternative destinations or postpone their trip entirely. By staying informed and following the recommended safety measures, travelers can better navigate the risks associated with these two distinct regions.