DiveJourneyDiveJourney

Logistics · Destination Guide

Addu Atoll Maldives

Equator-side mantas, a legendary wreck, and Maldives island-hopping by road

Updated Mar 3, 2026 • 11 sources

View On Map

Logistics

Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.

Quick Facts

  • Primary airport: Gan International Airport (GAN)
  • Typical transfer: 10 km drive
  • Entry requirement: Maldives Immigration states tourist visa is granted on arrival and visitors must satisfy basic entry requirements for clearance.
  • Getting around: Addu City is roadconnected across several islands by causeways.

Getting There

Most visitors route through Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male, then connect to Gan International Airport (GAN) in Addu City. Gan is the practical air gateway for Addu Atoll stays. Build buffer time for domestic connections, especially if you arrive late in Male.

Airports

1

Gan International Airport

GAN • VRMG

10 km • 10 km drive

International airport on Gan Island serving Addu City and Addu Atoll resort and local-island stays.

Transport: Resort pickup, Taxi, Pre-booked transfer

2

Velana International Airport

MLE • VRMM

545 km • 545 km flight to Gan

Main international gateway airport in Male for most Maldives itineraries.

Transport: Domestic flight connection to GAN

Getting Around

Addu City is road-connected across several islands by causeways. Taxis, scooters, bicycles, and local buses are practical. Ride conservatively in rain during the southwest monsoon.

Entry Requirements

Maldives Immigration states tourist visa is granted on arrival and visitors must satisfy basic entry requirements for clearance. Submit the Traveller Declaration via IMUGA within 96 hours before flight time for arrival. Note: Maldives Immigration notes that effective 15 April 2025, entry is not granted on Israeli passports.

Gear Logistics Checklist

  • Domestic flights may have stricter baggage rules than your international leg. Pre-book extra baggage if you travel with heavy dive or camera gear.
  • Keep regulators, computers, and critical camera parts in carry-on.
  • Bring spares (o-rings, clips) because Addu is far from Male for quick replacements.

Practicalities

Currency

Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)

MVR is the official currency. USD is widely accepted in the tourism industry and resorts often bill in USD, while local-island purchases and transport may prefer MVR cash.

ATMs are common in Male and are also available in Addu City. Plan one larger withdrawal early for taxis and small shops.

Electricity

230V • 50Hz • G

Type G adapters (UK-style) cover most sockets. Many resorts also provide universal outlets.

Communications

Tourist SIMs are available and most resorts have Wi-Fi. Coverage is generally good in Addu City, but speeds vary. Bring offline maps for biking the causeways.

Language

Dhivehi is the official language. English is widely used in tourism and many local services.

Insurance

Carry travel insurance that covers scuba or freediving if you plan to dive. Choose a policy that covers evacuation from remote atolls.

Packing list

  • 3mm suit or thermal top for repeated sessions
  • SMB for boat and drift dives
  • Torch for wreck day
  • Mosquito repellent for wetlands
  • Type G plug adapter