President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that Velana International Airport will introduce state of the art eGates before 1 January 2026, marking a major shift toward faster and more efficient border control for Maldivians and tourists. In his official social media statement, the President confirmed that installation work is underway in the terminal 1 to bring modern automated immigration technology online.
Under the plan, ten eGates will operate in the arrival zone and another ten in the departure zone. These systems will allow passengers to clear the border through facial recognition after a single passport scan, cutting down wait times and easing congestion at counters.
The President also revealed that similar eGates will be installed at other international airports across the Maldives during 2026. This broader rollout is aimed at strengthening the national travel infrastructure and supporting the rising flow of international visitors.
The initiative aligns with the government’s drive to modernize public services with secure digital solutions that enhance efficiency and improve the overall travel experience. Further updates will follow as installation progresses toward completion.
