Knowing roughly what to expect at Velana International Airport removes a surprising amount of first-trip anxiety — the process itself is straightforward, but it helps to know the sequence in advance.
1. Immigration
After disembarking, you'll join the immigration queue, where an officer checks your passport, confirms your IMUGA Traveller Declaration (see our visa & entry requirements guide), and may ask about your onward ticket and accommodation. This is where your free 30-day visa on arrival gets stamped.
2. Baggage claim
Standard baggage claim follows immigration — nothing unusual here, though it's worth having your seaplane luggage allowance in mind if you're re-checking bags for an onward transfer (see our seaplane luggage guide).
3. Finding your resort's welcome desk
Most resorts and transfer operators staff a welcome desk inside the terminal, generally identifiable by resort branding — this is where you'll be directed to your specific transfer (speedboat, seaplane, or domestic flight connection; see our getting around the atolls guide). Look for this promptly after baggage claim rather than assuming someone will find you.
4. Onward transfer
Depending on your transfer type, you may head straight to a speedboat jetty, a seaplane terminal, or a domestic departures gate — timing and process vary enough by resort that it's worth having your specific transfer confirmation details on hand rather than guessing.