Maldives in Turmoil — What Should Hong Kong Travellers Do?

What happened in February 2012?

After former president Nasheed resigned in February 2012, the Maldives descended into chaos: supporters clashed with police and the national museum’s Buddha statues were smashed; Hong Kong issued a yellow travel alert. Nasheed said he quit under military “gunpoint” and called the new government illegal; police fired tear gas and pepper spray at protesters.

Were Hong Kong travellers affected?

The Travel Industry Council said no package-tour travellers were in the country; about a dozen independent travellers were due that month but would transfer straight from the airport to resort islands, bypassing the capital Malé. The government urged Hongkongers there or planning trips to stay alert and avoid demonstrations and crowds.

Does travel insurance cover it?

An insurance association chairman said whether policies cover travel under a yellow alert depends on the terms — generally they should. Read the policy before departure.