How to Get to the Maldives

Velana International Airport (MLE)

Virtually all international visitors arrive at Velana International Airport, located on Hulhule island, just across the water from the capital Male. The airport code is MLE, and it serves as the country's main gateway. A newer terminal and expanded runway have improved capacity significantly in recent years, and the airport handles millions of passengers annually.

From the airport, Male city is just a short boat ride across the harbour — ferries run regularly and take around 10 minutes. Most resort guests, however, will be met by their resort's transfer team and taken directly to a speedboat, seaplane, or domestic flight connection.

Airlines and Routes

Dozens of international airlines serve the Maldives, with both direct flights and convenient connections through major hubs. Some of the main carriers and routes include:

• Middle East hubs: Emirates (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha), Etihad (Abu Dhabi), and flydubai offer frequent connections that work well for travellers from Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
• South and Southeast Asia: SriLankan Airlines (Colombo) is one of the most frequent carriers. IndiGo and Air India fly from several Indian cities. Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, and Bangkok Airways serve connections via Singapore and Bangkok.
• East Asia: Direct flights operate from Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and several Chinese cities, along with connections through Kuala Lumpur and Seoul.
• Europe: During peak season, several charter and scheduled airlines offer direct flights from London, Istanbul, Moscow, Milan, and other European cities. Turkish Airlines provides year-round service through Istanbul.
• National carrier: Maldivian (the national airline) operates some regional routes, and its domestic services are useful for reaching southern atolls.

Flight times to Male typically range from 4 hours (from India or Sri Lanka) to about 10 to 12 hours (from Europe via a Gulf hub).

Common Connection Cities

If there is no direct flight from your home city, the most popular connection points are:

• Dubai (DXB) — The busiest hub for Maldives connections, with multiple daily flights on Emirates and flydubai.
• Colombo (CMB) — The closest major hub, with SriLankan Airlines offering several flights per day and a short 1.5-hour hop to Male.
• Doha (DOH) — Qatar Airways provides excellent worldwide connections with a single stop in Doha.
• Singapore (SIN) — A good option for travellers from Australia, New Zealand, and East Asia.
• Istanbul (IST) — Turkish Airlines connects Europe, Central Asia, and Africa with daily flights to Male.

Visa on Arrival

One of the great conveniences of visiting the Maldives is the visa policy. Citizens of all countries receive a free 30-day visa on arrival, provided they have:

• A valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiry
• A confirmed onward or return ticket
• Proof of accommodation (a hotel or resort booking, or a guesthouse reservation)
• Sufficient funds for the duration of their stay

The 30-day visa can be extended for up to 90 days at the Maldives Immigration office in Male, though most tourists will not need to do this. There is no visa fee — the stamp is free upon arrival.

Immigration queues can be long when several flights arrive simultaneously, particularly in the evening. The process itself is straightforward and typically takes only a few minutes per person. A completed arrival card (often distributed on the plane or available at immigration) is also required.

Customs and Prohibited Items

The Maldives has strict customs regulations. The following items are prohibited and will be confiscated at customs:

• Alcohol: You cannot bring alcohol into the Maldives under any circumstances. Resorts import their own supplies under licence.
• Pork products: Including processed foods containing pork.
• Religious materials: Items deemed contrary to Islam may be held.
• Drones: Require a permit from the Ministry of Defence. Without a permit, your drone will be held at customs and returned on departure.
• Drugs: Extremely strict penalties apply.

Your luggage will pass through an X-ray scanner. If prohibited items are found, they are typically tagged and stored securely for collection when you depart. See our packing guide for full details on what to bring and what to leave behind.

Airport Layout and Facilities

Velana International Airport is compact compared to major international hubs. After clearing immigration and collecting baggage, you exit into the arrivals hall. Key facilities include:

• Currency exchange: Bank of Maldives and other counters are located in the arrivals hall. While you can exchange currency here, US dollars are widely accepted throughout the Maldives. Read more about currency and cash.
• SIM cards: Dhiraagu and Ooredoo have counters in the arrivals hall. A tourist SIM with data typically costs $15 to $30 and gives you reliable connectivity. See our internet and mobile guide for details.
• ATMs: Available in the arrivals area for cash withdrawals.
• Cafes and shops: Limited options in arrivals, more choices in the departure terminal.

The airport also has a seaplane terminal operated by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) and a separate domestic terminal for flights to regional airports.

Resort and Hotel Transfers

How you get from the airport to your accommodation depends on where you are staying. Your resort or guesthouse will arrange your transfer, but understanding the options helps with planning:

• Speedboat: For resorts and islands within about 90 minutes of the airport. Your resort representative will meet you in the arrivals hall and escort you to the speedboat jetty. See ferries and speedboats.
• Seaplane: For resorts further afield, particularly in Baa Atoll and Ari Atoll. Seaplanes only fly during daylight hours (roughly 6:00 am to 3:30 pm for the last departure), so late arrivals may need to overnight near the airport. See our seaplane guide.
• Domestic flight + speedboat: For very distant atolls like Addu Atoll or Fuvahmulah, you take a domestic flight followed by a short speedboat ride.

Transfer costs are typically separate from the room rate and can be substantial ($100 to $600+ per person return). Factor this into your overall budget. If you arrive late at night and have a seaplane transfer the next morning, your resort will typically arrange a complimentary or paid overnight stay at a hotel in Hulhumale or near the airport.

Getting to Male and Hulhumale

If you are heading to Male, the capital city is just a 10-minute ferry ride from the airport. Public ferries run frequently throughout the day and cost about $1. Taxis are available on the Male side.

Hulhumale is connected to the airport island by a bridge. Taxis and buses make the short journey in about 10 to 15 minutes. Many travellers heading to local islands in North Male Atoll use Hulhumale as a base for their first or last night.

If you are catching a public ferry to a local island the next morning, staying overnight in Hulhumale is often the most convenient option. Guesthouses there start from around $40 to $60 per night.

Practical Tips for Arrival

• Fill out your Traveller Declaration online before arrival. The Maldives Immigration requires an electronic declaration form, which you can complete up to 96 hours before your flight.
• Confirm your transfer in advance: Contact your resort or guesthouse at least 48 hours before arrival to confirm transfer arrangements and share your flight details.
• Carry USD: Having small US dollar bills ($1, $5, $10) is useful for tips and small purchases right from the start. See currency and cash.
• Keep essentials in your carry-on: Swimwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes in case of luggage delays. Review our packing guide.
• Stay hydrated: The tropical heat hits immediately. Buy water at the airport if you need it.
• Check weather: If you arrive during monsoon season, transfers may be affected. See best time to visit.

Other Entry Points

While Velana is the primary airport, the Maldives has a handful of other international airports that receive limited flights:

• Gan International Airport (GAN) in Addu City, in the far south, receives some flights from Colombo.
• Maafaru International Airport (NMF) in Noonu Atoll serves a few international charter routes.
• Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) in Haa Dhaalu Atoll occasionally handles international flights.

For the vast majority of visitors, Velana International Airport remains the gateway. For information about moving between islands once you have arrived, see our getting around guide.