Velana International Airport (MLE)

Tourists travelling to the Maldives are currently granted a tourist visa on arrival, subject to meeting the Maldives Immigration entry requirements.

Tourists do not normally need to obtain pre-approval for a tourist visa before travelling.

Current entry requirements include appropriate travel documents and evidence of travel arrangements such as:

Entry remains subject to approval by Maldives Immigration at the port of entry.

Travellers should always check the latest requirements directly with Maldives Immigration before departure.

All travellers arriving in the Maldives are currently required to complete the Traveller Declaration through the official IMUGA portal.

The Traveller Declaration can be submitted within 96 hours before the flight time for arrival in the Maldives.

Submission through the official IMUGA portal is free of charge.

The form may request information including:

Travellers should use only the official IMUGA service because third-party websites may charge unnecessary fees.

The Traveller Declaration is an immigration declaration and does not replace any visa or other immigration permission that may be required.

Under current Maldives Immigration rules, outbound travellers are no longer required to complete a Traveller Declaration when departing the Maldives.

The new Terminal 1 is the airport's principal international passenger terminal.

It opened in July 2025 as part of Velana International Airport's major expansion programme.

Terminal 1 provides modern facilities for international arriving and departing passengers, including immigration, baggage handling, retail, dining and passenger services.

Travellers should continue to check their airline and airport information before departure because operational arrangements can change.

The Domestic Terminal handles flights connecting Malé with domestic airports across the Maldives.

Domestic air services can be especially useful for passengers travelling to resorts and local islands located farther from the Greater Malé area.

Passengers transferring from an international flight to a domestic service should follow their airline or resort representative's instructions.

The Noovilu Seaplane Terminal is Velana International Airport's dedicated seaplane facility.

Seaplanes provide onward connections to many island resorts that cannot be conveniently reached by road or short speedboat transfer.

Travellers who have booked a seaplane transfer are normally guided to the appropriate transfer and check-in arrangements by their resort or seaplane operator.

Seaplane schedules can depend on:

Passengers should confirm their transfer directly with their resort or travel provider before travelling.

Passengers should allow sufficient connection time between their international arrival and domestic departure.

Many Maldives resorts are reached by seaplane after arrival at Velana International Airport.

Seaplane transfers are usually arranged together with the resort rather than independently after arrival.

Passengers should confirm:

before travelling.

Resorts and local islands located relatively close to Malé may be accessible directly by speedboat.

Speedboat transfers may be:

Passengers should confirm their exact pickup point and schedule before travelling.

Transfer arrangements vary significantly between islands.

The Raajje Transport Link (RTL) operates regular public bus services connecting Velana International Airport with Malé and Hulhumalé.

Passengers can use the RTL transport network for lower-cost travel in the Greater Malé area.

Current routes, schedules and ticket information are available through RTL.

Taxis and private-hire vehicles are available for travel between the airport, Malé and Hulhumalé.

Road transportation is possible because Hulhulé Island is connected with Malé and Hulhumalé through the Sinamalé Bridge road network.

Local taxi and ride-booking services operate in the Greater Malé region.

Passengers should follow current airport guidance when arranging pickup.

Boat transportation is also available between the airport area and Malé.

Ferry schedules can change, so passengers should check current information before travelling.

The ferry can provide a convenient alternative for travellers heading directly to Malé.

Speedboats are one of the most common ways of travelling from Velana International Airport to nearby island resorts and local islands.

The exact transfer depends on:

Many resorts arrange their own speedboat transfers.

Travellers should confirm transportation arrangements with their accommodation before arriving in the Maldives.

Island location

Resort

Speedboat operator

Weather

Arrival time

Seaplanes provide connections from Velana International Airport to many island resorts.

Passengers normally transfer through the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal after arriving internationally.

Seaplane services are especially useful for resorts located farther from Malé but without convenient nearby domestic airport access.

Schedules and baggage policies depend on the operator and resort arrangement.

Domestic airlines operate from Velana International Airport to regional airports throughout the Maldives.

Domestic flights can be combined with a short speedboat transfer to reach resorts and local islands.

This type of transfer is often used for destinations located farther from Malé.

Passengers should confirm their full onward itinerary with their airline, resort or travel provider.