To ensure a smooth experience traveling to the Maldives, we have outlined the key steps you should take before you go, as well as what you can expect upon arrival.

Let’s take you step by step:

Let’s take you step by step:

Health Declaration Form: click here Must be completed 96-72 hours prior to your arrival.
On the link, it will ask you to ‘select/island where you’ll be staying’. Please indicate the resort name. (If you have booked multiple resorts, please indicate the first resort you are staying in). The same link will also provide a departure form which is mandatory to be completed prior to checking in for your flight out of Maldives.

Travel Insurance (OPTIONAL): Consider Allied Inbound Insurance which covers expenses related to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis during your stay. Click here for various insurance options.

WHAT TO EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL TO MALDIVES:
The airport is relatively small, making everything conveniently compact and easy to spot.

Upon landing in Maldives, you’ll disembark directly onto the tarmac (airport runaway). Depending on your aircraft’s location, you will be able to walk into the arrival building or board a short bus ride to the building. Proceed to the immigration line (please note: there is a separate line for business and first-class passengers).

Security Screening: After immigration, your hand luggage goes through security screening. Remember to remove electronic items and place them in the provided trays.

Baggage Claim: Check the display screen to find the right baggage carousel. Your luggage undergoes security screening before you claim it and sometimes a second screening for restricted or prohibited items, such as alcohol or pork products. Avoid buying these items during layovers before landing in Maldives as they are not allowed.

Prohibited Items: Importing items like alcohol, pork products, and narcotics is strictly forbidden, and exporting marine products is also not allowed. Customs will confiscate these items if found.

Lost Luggage: If you cannot locate your baggage, the Baggage Service desk is there to help. Report your lost or damaged bag, and they’ll assist you by providing a reference number for follow-up.

Once you retrieve your luggage, proceed to the arrival hall.

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL HALL:
Meet & Greet Service: After clearing customs, you’ll enter the international arrival hall. Here, you’ll spot representatives holding up signs with their respective resort names and/or logos. Look for the sign corresponding to the resort you’re staying in.

Finding Your Representative: In the rare instance that you are not able to locate the representative holding up your resort name, you’ll find small booths along the arrival hall. You may look for the resort booth or ask any airport representative for directions. All staff are there to assist and guide you.

Airport Assistance: Once you’ve met with your airport representative, they will assist you with your onward transfer, whether it’s via a speedboat, seaplane, or domestic flight followed by speedboat.

If your transfer is via…

SPEEDBOAT/YACHT TRANSFER
The airport representative will escort you directly to the boat/yacht. Some resorts will have a private lounge at the arrival hall, where you will be able to wait to board the boat/yacht. Drinking water and cold towels will be provided.

SEAPLANE TRANSFER
Seaplane transfers only operate during daylight hours (6am – 4pm depending on the time of year). To ensure a guaranteed seaplane transfer (weather permitting), the latest you should arrive at Velana International Airport should be 3:30pm.

The earliest guaranteed international departure is at 9am. Booking your departing flight earlier than this will not guarantee your check-in to your international flight.

The airport representative will escort you to the seaplane check-in counter. Here, you’ll check in your luggage and have your hand luggage weighed for the seaplane transfer. After receiving your boarding pass and luggage receipts, you will be escorted by shuttle or private car to the seaplane terminal. You can relax and freshen up in the lounge which includes refreshments, light snacks, and free Wi-Fi. When the seaplane is ready to depart, your airport representative will come to you, and you will then be escorted to the seaplane terminal where you’ll check in and board the seaplane accordingly. It is important to note that there may be other guests on the seaplane transfer and there could be stopovers along the way to your resort, unless a private seaplane transfer has been arranged.

General luggage allowance: 44lbs / 20kg for check-in luggage and 11lbs / 5kg for hand luggage per person. Additional weight may be chargeable.

DOMESTIC FLIGHT FOLLOWED BY BOAT TRANSFER
The airport representative will escort you to the domestic terminal, which is a short 2-5 minute walk from the Arrival hall. Once at the domestic terminal you will check-in your luggage and have your hand luggage weighed for the flight. Upon receiving your boarding pass and luggage receipts, you will be escorted to the departure area in readiness for your flight. However, if there is more time until your departure flight you will be escorted to the upstairs lounge at the domestic terminal.

Please note that check-in time for domestic flights opens two hours before departure, and closes 60 minutes prior to the flight departs.

Screens located in the departure area will display live flight information. Once the flight is ready for check-in, the airport representative will come to you and then escort you to the gate to board the flight.

Upon arrival, you will be met with another representative and be assisted with your luggage and take you to the boat. You will then board the boat and be on your way to the resort island, where you will be warmly greeted by the resort staff.

With these insights into your arrival in paradise, you're well-prepared to kickstart your Maldivian adventure.