At the airport: Step-by-step
The Velana International Airport (MLE) is small but efficiently organized. Here is the complete process from landing to transfer:
After Landing
- Immigration (10–30 min.): Present passport, Traveler Declaration (digital) is checked, visa is stamped in the passport. Fingerprints are taken.
- Baggage Claim (10–20 min.): Collect baggage. The belts are small — waiting times possible.
- Customs: Baggage is scanned. Alcohol is confiscated and stored in a warehouse (returned upon departure, keep the receipt!). Pork products and religious figures are retained.
- Buy SIM Card (5 min.): Dhiraagu and Ooredoo counters directly in the arrivals hall. Show passport, insert SIM, done.
- Transfer: Depending on destination:
- Resort Guests: Resort representatives wait with name signs at the exit and take you to the speedboat, seaplane, or domestic flight check-in
- Hulhumalé: Taxi directly in front of the terminal (30–50 MVR, 5 min.)
- Malé: Taxi over the Sinamalé Bridge (100–150 MVR, 15 min.) or ferry (10 MVR, 10 min.)
- Local Islands: Speedboat terminal at the airport or first to Malé/Hulhumalé and continue the next day
Airport Services
| Service | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SIM Card | Arrivals Hall | $15–42 |
| ATM (Bank of Maldives) | Arrivals and Departures Hall | — |
| Luggage Storage | Terminal Ground Floor | $5/day |
| Showers | TMA Lounge (Seaplane Passengers) | Free |
| Wi-Fi | Everywhere in the Terminal | Free (30 min.) |
| Restaurants/Cafés | Departures Hall (after Security) | From $5 snack |
💡 Tipp
If you arrive late at night and have a seaplane transfer the next morning: Book a hotel in Hulhumalé (5 min. from the airport by taxi, $40–80/night). Return to the airport at 6:00 AM — the TMA counters open at 5:30 AM.
