Velana International Airport (MLE)

Arriving international travellers pass through digital documentation verification, border control, baggage collection, and mandatory customs clearance before reaching resort counters or ground transport.

• Submit the mandatory IMUGA Traveller Declaration online within 96 hours prior to arriving in the Maldives.
• Proceed through immigration desks where eligible foreign visitors are issued a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival.
• Collect checked baggage from the primary reclaim carousels in the international arrivals hall.
• Pass all luggage through customs scanning; note that alcohol, pork products, and narcotics are strictly prohibited.
• Exit into the main concourse where resort representatives and tour desks greet arriving passengers.

• Autobús

  Public Bus

  MTCC air-conditioned public buses run via the Sinamalé Bridge, linking the airport terminal directly to Hulhumalé and central Malé.

  Tiempo:

  15 to 25 minutes

  Costo habitual:

  Roughly MVR 10-15 (approx. USD 1)

• Tren

  Public Ferry

  Traditional wooden airport ferries operate frequently between the airport jetty and the main harbour terminal in Malé.

  Tiempo:

  10 to 15 minutes

  Costo habitual:

  Roughly MVR 15-35 (approx. USD 1-2)

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Metered or fixed-rate taxis are available outside the arrivals exit for road transit across the Sinamalé Bridge.

  Tiempo:

  10 to 20 minutes

  Costo habitual:

  Typically MVR 70-100 (approx. USD 5-7)

• Tren

  Resort Transfer (Speedboat / Seaplane)

  Speedboat transfers board directly at the airport harbour; seaplane transfers depart from the adjacent Noovilu Seaplane Terminal.

  Tiempo:

  15 to 60+ minutes depending on island distance

  Costo habitual:

  Pre-booked through resort accommodation

Connecting to domestic flights or seaplanes involves moving between adjacent terminals on Hulhulé Island.

• Domestic wheel-based flights depart from the Domestic Terminal located adjacent to the main international facility.
• Seaplane connections require transfer to the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal via dedicated operator shuttle buses.
• Passengers should allow typically two to three hours between international arrival and onward domestic or seaplane departure.

Basic Wi-Fi access is available in the main passenger areas of the airport.

• Passengers can access free public Wi-Fi network sessions in the terminal area.
• Connection may require SMS verification using an active international mobile number.
• Local prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from telecom booths (Dhiraagu and Ooredoo) situated in the arrivals hall.

Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) and US Dollars (USD) are both widely used at the airport and across tourist destinations.

• ATMs dispensing local currency (MVR) and US Dollars are located landside in the arrivals area.
• Official currency exchange counters operate inside the main terminal building.
• Major international credit and debit cards are widely accepted by airport businesses, hotels, and resort operators.

A selection of quick-service dining options and cafes is available landside and airside.

• Landside dining options include international fast-food chains and coffee outlets near the main entrance.
• Airside departure areas provide light food, hot beverages, cold drinks, and snacks.
• All food served within the airport terminal outlets is Halal certified.

Dedicated passenger lounges operate within international departure areas and at the seaplane terminal.

• The Plaza Premium Lounge and Leeli Lounge provide comfortable seating, food, beverages, and Wi-Fi for international departures.
• Several luxury resort brands maintain private hospitality lounges for guests waiting for seaplane departures.
• Lounge access can be arranged via airline class, premium credit card programmes, or walk-in payment where space permits.

Transit accommodation is available on Hulhulé Island and in adjacent towns connected by road.

• Hulhulé Island Hotel is located on the airport island, situated a short shuttle ride from the main terminal.
• Numerous transit hotels and guest houses operate in Hulhumalé, roughly 10 minutes away by road via the bridge.
• Island resort bookings include direct transit arrangements from the airport to the destination island.

Baggage reclaim and luggage storage facilities are situated within the main terminal complex.

• Baggage carousels are located in the international arrivals area immediately following immigration control.
• A left-luggage storage service is available landside for travellers taking short visits to Malé during layovers.
• Luggage trolleys are available free of charge in both baggage reclaim and departure areas.

Basic family facilities are present throughout the international terminal.

• Baby changing amenities are located near main restroom blocks in arrivals and departures.
• Strollers are typically surrendered at check-in or gate-checked according to individual airline rules.
• Seating areas in the main arrivals concourse accommodate families waiting for resort collection.

• ATMs and Currency Exchange
• SIM Card Sales Desks
• Left Luggage Service
• First Aid Post
• Prayer Rooms
• Duty Free Shopping
• Resort Information Desks

Número de emergencia local: 119 (Police), 102 (Ambulance), 118 (Fire).

• A First Aid station is located within the terminal for initial medical support.
• For lost passports or consular services, contact your embassy or high commission representative in Malé.
• Dial 119 for police assistance or 102 for emergency medical response across the Maldives.

• Verifica la validez de tu pasaporte y cualquier visado, ETA o declaración de entrada requerida.
• Confirma tu terminal de salida en tu tarjeta de embarque el día anterior.
• Activa una travel eSIM para estar conectado nada más aterrizar.
• Descarga mapas sin conexión y haz una captura de pantalla de la dirección de tu hotel y la referencia de tu reserva.
• Informa a tu banco de que vas a viajar y lleva una tarjeta de pago de respaldo.
• Guarda el número de emergencia local y el contacto de tu embajada en tu teléfono.
• Fotografía tu pasaporte y guarda la copia en un lugar al que puedas acceder sin conexión.
• Comprueba la franquicia de equipaje y los artículos restringidos para tu destino.

Las operaciones aeroportuarias cambian. Confirma siempre las terminales, tarifas y horarios con las fuentes oficiales que se indican a continuación antes de viajar.

• Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) - Official Airport SiteFuente oficial del aeropuerto
• Maldives ImmigrationFuente gubernamental
• Maldives Customs ServiceFuente gubernamental
• Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC)Fuente oficial de transporte
• Ministry of Health MaldivesFuente gubernamental
• Visit Maldives - Official Tourism PortalFuente gubernamental