Maldives has just increased many taxes and tourism fees
If you are traveling to Maldives early, prepare for some additional costs. Starting December 1, foreign travelers will have to pay between $40 and $720 more in taxes and airport fees – depending on the class they fly – to leave the South Asian archipelago by air. the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) announced the increase in early November.
Related: Where is the Maldives and is the long trip worth it?
Increase departure tax
Maldives initially introduced the departure tax in 2022 after the country approved it amend the Airport Taxes and Charges Act. This amendment replaces the $25 airport service fee for airline customers departing from the Maldives.
Everyone (including locals) departing from any of the country’s airports must pay a departure tax. While local residents flying in economy will still have to pay the same $12 tax introduced in 2022, expats and anyone traveling in premium class will soon have to pay an additional $20 USD to 360 USD. People booking economy class tickets will continue to pay less than those booking business and first class tickets, as well as those booking tickets on private charter flights.
According to MIRAhere is how much each person can expect to pay in departure tax from 1 December onwards:
| Travel class | Maldivians | Foreigner |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | $12 | $50 (up from $30) |
| The business | $120 (up from $60) | $120 (up from $60) |
| Firstly | $240 (up from $90) | $240 (up from $90) |
| Rent a private boat | $480 (up from $120) | $480 (up from $120) |
Exemption from departure tax for diplomats, passengers transiting through the Maldives but not leaving the airport, and children under 2 years old.
Additional airport development fees
That’s not all. Both foreign and local passengers flying internationally from Velana International Airport (MLE), Maldives’ main airport, will also be subject to separate airport development fees at the same rates detailed in the table above. (This is different from the airport service fee mentioned.)
According to MIRAUnlike the departure tax, only diplomats and passengers on direct transit flights (those transiting at an airport in the Maldives and departing with the same flight number) are exempted from the issuance fee. airport development. This means that transit passengers other than those on a direct transit flight and children under 2 years old will also be subject to these fees.
In total, foreign passengers departing from MLE will have to pay cumulative departure taxes and airport development fees starting from December 1:
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- Economy: $100 (up from $60)
- Business: $240 (up from $120)
- Firstly: $480 (up from $180)
- Charter a private boat: $960 (up from $240)
Book before December 1st to save
These taxes and fees apply to both cash and award bookings, are included in the cost of the airfare, and will apply to all bookings made on or after December 1 .
Both Etihad Airlines And behind — startup service provider with all lie-flat seats to the Maldives – posted a note on its website encouraging passengers and agents to book tickets on or before November 30 to avoid paying increased taxes and fees.
So if you’re planning to visit the Maldives next year, book your flights now. You might even find some Black Friday flight deals.
Other increased tourism taxes will be introduced in 2025
Unfortunately, it’s not just getting out of the Maldives that’s getting more expensive. Staying there is also about to get more expensive – and booking in advance won’t help. On January 1, 2025, Maldives Green tax Rates will increase to $12 per person, per night at most hotels and resorts. (Those staying at hotels and motels with fewer than 50 rooms will only pay $6 per person per night.) This nightly hotel tax doubles from $6 and $3, respectively. Maldivian residents, residence permit holders and children under 2 years old are exempt from the Green Tax.
Then on July 1, 2025, Goods and services tax This rate will increase from 16% to 17% and affect goods sold and services provided by spas, shops, diving schools, water sports facilities and other similar establishments. in the Maldives.
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