The Maldives is well connected from India with direct and one-stop flights operating year-round. Major Indian cities with direct or connecting services include Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, and Hyderabad.

The main entry point is Velana International Airport (MLE), located on Hulhulé Island, just a short ferry ride from Malé. A second international airport, Gan Airport (GAN), serves the southern Addu Atoll and is used for select resort transfers in that region.

Airlines operating from India include IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and international carriers such as Emirates, Sri Lankan Airlines, and Maldivian. Flight time from Mumbai is approximately 3.5 hours; from Delhi around 4.5 hours.

Once you land at Velana International Airport, your onward journey to the resort depends on its location. The Maldives has three main modes of resort transfer — each an experience in itself.

For resorts within North and South Malé Atolls, speedboat transfers are the most common option. Journey times range from 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on the resort's location. Speedboats operate day and night, making them flexible for late arrivals.

For resorts in more remote atolls, seaplanes are the primary transfer mode — and one of the most memorable parts of any Maldives trip. Operated primarily by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), seaplanes offer breathtaking aerial views of the atolls.

Seaplanes operate between approximately 06:00 and 16:00 only — they do not fly after dark. If your international flight arrives after 16:00, you will need to overnight in Malé or at the Hulhulé Island Hotel before continuing to your resort the next morning. This is an important consideration when booking flights.

Baggage allowance on seaplanes is 20 kg per person. Excess baggage is charged per kilogram. We recommend travelling light — your resort will provide everything you need for a beach holiday.

For resorts in the far southern or northern atolls, a domestic flight to a regional airport followed by a short speedboat ride is the most practical option. Maldivian Airlines and Island Aviation operate domestic routes across the country.

The Maldives is a Muslim nation and has specific customs regulations all visitors must respect.

Prohibited items: Firearms, narcotics, alcohol, pork products, and pornographic material are strictly prohibited on entry. Items found in your possession will be confiscated and legal action may follow.

Alcohol: Malé, the capital city, is a dry city — alcohol is not available there. However, all private resort islands are fully licensed and serve a wide selection of beverages. You cannot bring your own alcohol into the country.

Visa: No advance visa is required. All nationalities receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Velana International Airport.

Pets: Bringing pets into the Maldives requires a special government licence and is generally not permitted for tourists.

Currency: The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US Dollars are widely accepted at all resorts. Most resorts operate on a cashless basis — charges are settled at checkout. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are accepted everywhere.

Language: Dhivehi is the national language, but English is spoken fluently across all resorts, hotels, and tourist facilities.

Time Zone: Maldives Standard Time is GMT+5 — 5 hours ahead of GMT and 30 minutes behind India (IST).

Climate: The Maldives enjoys warm tropical weather year-round, with temperatures between 25–30°C. The dry season (November to April) is peak season with calm seas and clear skies. The wet season (May to October) brings occasional rain and slightly rougher seas, but also excellent value and fewer crowds.

Health: No vaccinations are required for entry. The Maldives is malaria-free. All resorts have medical facilities on-site or on call. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Duty-Free Shopping: Velana International Airport's departure terminal offers a good selection of duty-free goods including imported spirits, chocolates, perfumes, and electronics.