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.

• Ônibus

  Public Bus

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

  Tempo:

  15 to 25 minutes

  Custo médio:

  Roughly MVR 10-15 (approx. USD 1)

• Trem

  Public Ferry

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

  Tempo:

  10 to 15 minutes

  Custo médio:

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

• Táxi

  Taxi

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

  Tempo:

  10 to 20 minutes

  Custo médio:

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

• Trem

  Resort Transfer (Speedboat / Seaplane)

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

  Tempo:

  15 to 60+ minutes depending on island distance

  Custo médio:

  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 emergência 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.

• Verifique a validade do seu passaporte e qualquer visto, ETA ou declaração de entrada necessária.
• Confirme seu terminal de partida no seu cartão de embarque no dia anterior.
• Ative um eSIM de viagem para estar online no momento em que pousar.
• Baixe mapas offline e tire um print do endereço do seu hotel e da referência de reserva.
• Avise seu banco que você vai viajar e leve um cartão de pagamento reserva.
• Salve o número de emergência local e o contato da sua embaixada no seu telefone.
• Fotografe seu passaporte e guarde a cópia em um lugar acessível offline.
• Verifique a franquia de bagagem e quaisquer itens restritos para o seu destino.

As operações do aeroporto mudam. Sempre confirme terminais, tarifas e horários com as fontes oficiais abaixo antes de viajar.

• Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) - Official Airport SiteFonte oficial do aeroporto
• Maldives ImmigrationFonte governamental
• Maldives Customs ServiceFonte governamental
• Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC)Fonte oficial de transporte
• Ministry of Health MaldivesFonte governamental
• Visit Maldives - Official Tourism PortalFonte governamental