Velana International Airport (VIA) has inaugurated modern, state-of-the-art E-gates, delivering on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to enhance passenger facilitation through technology and improve the overall travel experience to and from the Maldives. The E-gates were officially opened during a special ceremony at the airport by the chief guest, Controller General of Immigration Ahmed Faseeh, in the presence of Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, reflecting strong institutional coordination to support the country’s continued growth as a premium tourism destination and regional air hub.
President Muizzu announced on November 19 that VIA would be equipped with modern E-gates, noting that the system is designed to reduce time spent waiting in queues at border control counters, streamline processing, and introduce more advanced technological features to the Maldives’ primary gateway. The newly launched E-gates incorporate a passenger-friendly process where travellers can scan their passports once, while facial recognition technology is used to facilitate border processing on the second instance, reinforcing both efficiency and security while improving passenger flow during peak travel periods.
A total of 20 E-gates are planned for installation for both arrivals and departures in the new terminal at VIA, supporting the airport’s broader capacity and service upgrades as the Maldives continues to welcome global travellers across all market segments. At present, five E-gates have been opened for departures and five for arrivals, offering an immediate operational boost that is expected to enhance convenience for passengers and contribute to smoother terminal operations.
The government has stated that the service will enable local passengers to travel with greater ease, while preparations are underway to extend E-gate access to foreign travellers entering and departing the Maldives in the first quarter of 2026. The expansion is expected to further elevate the arrival and departure experience for international visitors, supporting the tourism industry’s focus on seamless connectivity and strengthening the Maldives’ position as a world-class destination where modern infrastructure complements its renowned hospitality and resort offerings.
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