The amendment made to collect Departure Tax from departing travellers instead of Airport Tax will go into effect on January 1.
The bill to collect Departure Tax was ratified by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in July.
As per the Act, collecting Airport Tax will be discontinued as of December 31 this year.
This change will result in a higher tax collected from foreigners travelling in economy class. This tax will not be applicable to travellers that have diplomatic immunity, transit travellers, and children under the age of two.
The bill to collect tax from departing foreign travellers was presented to the parliament by member of the ruling party and representative of the Fuvahmulah North constituency Mohamed Rasheed in 2019. This bill was passed with the full support of MDP members.
Amounts to be collected as Departure Tax
- Economy class: USD 12 from Maldivians, USD 30 from foreign travellers.
- Business class: USD 60 from Maldivian and foreign travellers
- First Class: USD 90 from Maldivian and foreign travellers
- Private jet: USD 120 from Maldivian and foreign travellers
According to the Act paying Airport Service Charge and Departure Tax will fall within the purview of the airline. This tax will have to be paid in US Dollars.
