New Delhi to Gan (DEL–GAN) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Indian passport holders receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives. No advance application needed. Passport must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the date of entry (6 months is safer since some airlines enforce stricter rules at check-in). You need a confirmed hotel or resort booking, a return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds ($100 plus $50 per day is the stated requirement, though it is rarely checked).

Fill out the online Traveller Declaration at imuga.immigration.gov.mv within 96 hours before departure. This replaced the old paper arrival card. Immigration at Velana International Airport (MLE) is quick if you have the declaration QR code ready. Extensions beyond 30 days up to 90 days can be requested at the Maldives Immigration office in Male, though this is uncommon for tourists.

Direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kochi, and Trivandrum to Male run 2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes depending on origin. Air India, IndiGo, and Maldivian operate direct routes. The Maldives uses the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), trading at 15.42 MVR per $1, but USD is accepted everywhere at resorts and most guesthouses. No mandatory vaccinations. Alcohol is only available at resorts, not on inhabited local islands. Seaplane transfers from Male to remote atolls cost $300 to $600 round-trip and only operate during daylight hours.

Delhi Metro Airport Express runs from New Delhi Railway Station to T3 in 18–20 minutes (₹60 one-way). From Shivaji Stadium (central Delhi) it takes 24 minutes. The line has four stations: New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium, Dhaula Kuan, and IGI Airport (T3). T1 (domestic) is not directly served; take the metro to T3 and the free airport bus shuttle to T1.Prepaid taxis from the terminal use a metered system with fixed rates; central Delhi costs ₹400–600. Ola and Uber operate widely and are often cheaper. Auto-rickshaws are not permitted on the expressway.