The Maldives. Just saying it makes you think of turquoise lagoons, soft white sand, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. That postcard-perfect image? It’s exactly what you’ll step into at Club Med Finolhu Villas.
Before you fully switch to island mode, there are a few practical things worth knowing. From what happens after you land at Velana International Airport in Malé, to how the transfers work, and what to expect when you arrive at the resort, a little preparation goes a long way to keeping the start of your holiday smooth and stress-free.
Checked 29 October 2026 (Malaysia time). This Club Med Finolhu Villas arrival guide covers entry documents, the airport meeting point and speedboat arrangements. Keep your latest booking confirmation and transfer instructions with you: flight terminals, meeting arrangements and resort timetables can change.
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Before You Travel
Travel Documents
- Departing Malaysia: Malaysia Immigration’s international-departure guidance requires a valid passport or travel document with at least six months’ validity. Separately, Maldives Immigration’s tourist-entry rules specify a machine-readable passport with at least one month’s validity and do not accept extended-validity passports. Meet the rules for your entire journey, including your airline and any transit country; do not use the Maldives minimum alone to decide whether you can depart.
- Keep your confirmed return/onward flight details accessible, and meet the entry requirements of your next destination.
- Have your prepaid confirmed Club Med booking and evidence of sufficient funds ready if requested. Each child needs their own passport.
- Tourist visas are granted on arrival without advance visa approval, subject to the current entry requirements and passport restrictions. Admission and the permitted stay are determined by Maldives Immigration; a resort booking does not guarantee entry.
Things to Do
- Within the 96-hour window before your arrival flight, complete the free official IMUGA Traveller Declaration Form online for each traveller, including children. Follow the current form prompts; the overview below is not a substitute for them.
- Step 1: Upload your passport details as requested
- Step 2: Purpose of Visit: Holiday
- Step 3: Check your personal details and supply any requested photograph
- Step 4: Add your travel details, including flight and accommodation
- Port of entry for an arrival at Malé: Velana International Airport (MLE)
- Step 5: Answer the health questions shown in the current form
- Step 6: Follow the customs questions or instructions shown
- Save your QR code and keep it ready to show at immigration.
- Check in online when your airline opens check-in, and follow its baggage-drop and boarding deadlines.
- Review baggage allowance, flight details and terminal information. Send your confirmed arrival and departure flights to Travelution or Club Med so the boat transfer can be coordinated; report schedule changes promptly.
- Download the Club Med app from the App Store or Google Play to get the latest activity schedules during your stay
Health and Safety
- Travel insurance that covers both medical needs and trip cancellations. Malaysian travellers can reach out to Travelution Holidays for help choosing a suitable plan.
- If you are prone to seasickness, ask a pharmacist or clinician about suitable precautions before the boat journey.
- Keep essential medication and prescriptions in your carry-on bag, and check import rules. Yellow-fever certification can be required depending on recent travel through a risk country; check the official entry guidance for your route.
Money
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
- Check accepted cards, currencies and any deposit requirements with the resort before travelling. Carry a backup payment method rather than assuming every outlet accepts the same card or currency.
- Be prepared to demonstrate sufficient funds if immigration asks. Do not treat an old cash-per-day figure as a universal entry rule.
- While Club Med operates on a cashless system, it’s still handy to keep a few small bills with you for tips or personal expenses outside the resort.
Connectivity
- You can either subscribe to an international roaming plan before you travel or pick up a local SIM card when you arrive at Velana International Airport.
- The resort advertises Wi-Fi; confirm any device or service limits and save essential travel documents offline in case your connection is unavailable.
What to Pack
Clothing
- Light, breathable clothes for tropical weather
- Swimwear (bring at least two sets)
- Light cover-up or sarong for the beach and pool
- Evening theme wear (optional). Check the My Club Med app or ask the resort for the programme applicable to your stay.
Foot Wear
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Sports shoes for activities
- Water shoes for snorkelling
Extras
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof bag for boat trips or snorkeling
- Adapter plug (Maldives uses the UK three-pin type G plugs, 230V)
Airport Check-in
Use the terminal, check-in opening time and baggage-drop deadline shown by your airline for the exact flight. Check airport screens on the day rather than relying on a fixed check-in-row number from an older guide. Allow extra time during busy travel periods and keep your passport, boarding pass, booking confirmation and IMUGA declaration accessible.
Arrival at Velana International Airport
Immigration and Customs Clearance
- Follow the signs to Immigration
- Show your passport, QR code and return flight information at the immigration counter
- Collect your bags at the baggage carousel
- Pass through customs and declare items as required. Read the official Maldives passenger customs circular before packing: vapes/e-cigarettes and related products are prohibited, while alcohol, pork products, weapons and other restricted goods require the applicable permits. This is not a complete prohibited-items list.
Club Med Transfer Desk at Velana International Airport
- After immigration, baggage collection and customs, look for a Club Med sign in your arrival lobby. Club Med’s airport instructions dated December 2025 say staff meet guests at either arrival terminal and identify the counter as E9 in Terminal 2 (T2). Check your latest transfer voucher for any newer instructions.
- Follow the representative to the counter and boat terminal. The official sheet allows about ten minutes on foot between terminals. If you cannot find staff, ask airport information for the Club Med counter or call the resort on +960 664 0238; do not follow an unverified transfer offer.
- Allow roughly 30–40 minutes on the speedboat, plus any waiting and boarding time. The official airport sheet describes a shared transfer; confirm the arrangement booked for you. Weather and sea conditions can affect timing.
Upon Arrival at Club Med Finolhu Villas
- You’ll be welcomed by the Club Med G.Os with a warm Maldivian greeting as soon as you arrive.
- The check-in process includes:
- Room assignment
- Resort wristband (works as your key and ID in the resort)
- Orientation briefing about activities, dining, and facilities
During Your Stay
Restaurants & Bars
Timetable note: the dining hours below are retained from our earlier guide, not independently confirmed current operating hours. Check the daily programme or your butler before making plans. Discuss dietary requirements and allergies with the resort before travel; do not assume every request can be accommodated.
- Motu Restaurant
- 07:15 – 10:00 – Breakfast
- 12:15 – 14:00 – Lunch
- 19:15 – 21:15 – Dinner
- Room Service
- 07:00 – 11:00 – Breakfast
- 12:30 – 14:25 – Lunch
- 16:00 – 17:00 – Teatime
- 19:30 – 21:15 – Dinner
- Bars
- 08:30 – 00:00 – The Poolside Bar
- 12:15 – 14:15 – Motu Bar
- 19:15 – 21:15 – Motu Bar
Restaurants and Bars at Club Med Kani
Ask your butler to confirm access, boat times, reservations and the return journey. The hours below are earlier reference notes.
- Veli – Main Restaurant
- 07:30 – 10:00 – Breakfast
- 12:15 – 14:00 – Lunch
- 19:15 – 21:10 – Dinner
- Kandu – Specialty Restaurant
- 10:00 – 16:30 – A la carte
- 19:00 – 21:30 – Dinner (Reservations Required)
- Bars
- 09:00 – 21:30 – The Sunset
- 20:30 – 00:30 – The Iru
- 09:00 – 23:00 – The Manta (Exclusive Collection Beach Bar)
Activities
The activity list below is a planning overview, not a promise of daily operation or universal inclusion. Check the current programme, eligibility, reservations and any extra charge. Weather and sea conditions may suspend activities or boat services.
Sports & Wellness
- Tennis, Badminton, Bocce Ball, Table Tennis
- Yoga and meditation sessions
- Aqua gym, snorkelling, sailing, paddle board, kayak, swimming pool activities
Evening Entertainment
- Live DJ, Live Music, Karaoke
- Movies under the stars
- Theme parties at Club Med Kani
Visiting Club Med Kani
- Ask your butler or reception to confirm the boat timetable, return arrangements and which Club Med Kani facilities are included for your booking. Some venues or activities may require reservations or additional payment.
Departure and Check-Out
Check-Out Time
- Confirm your villa check-out deadline with reception; the earlier guide listed 10:00 AM, but your booking and current resort instructions take precedence.
- Ask which meals and facilities remain available after villa check-out for your package and departure time.
- Late check-out is not guaranteed. Request it in advance and obtain confirmation of availability and any charge.
What to Do Before Leaving
- Return room key/wristband
- Settle any extra charges (spa, excursions, boutique purchases)
- Arrange luggage collection with your butler or reception and follow their confirmed collection time. Keep travel documents, medication and valuables with you.
Speedboat Transfer
- Club Med’s airport sheet says your boat departure details are provided by the day before departure. Read the written notice and reconfirm with reception if anything is unclear.
- Be ready at the meeting point and reporting time confirmed by the resort. Do not calculate your own boat departure solely from the published crossing time.
Contact Information
Club Med Finolhu Villas
North Male Atoll Gasfinolhu, 20106, Maldives
Phone: +960 664 0238
Club Med Finolhu Villas Arrival Information
Before leaving home, confirm three things: your documents meet the rules for the entire route, your free arrival declaration is submitted, and your return boat transfers are booked. Save the resort contact and current meeting instructions offline.
Maldives Immigration removed the departure Traveller Declaration requirement from 15 August 2024. The official departure notice does not remove airline, customs or immigration checks. Recheck the current rules before your trip.
How do travellers reach Club Med Finolhu Villas from Malé Airport?
Arrange the speedboat connection through Club Med or your booking agent and provide confirmed flight details. The official Malaysia resort page distinguishes Fly & Stay packages with transfers from stay-only bookings where transfers can cost extra. Check both directions in your own confirmation. For villa choices and quotations, see our Finolhu resort guide; for more preparation ideas, browse the Travelution travel blog.
