Maldives which is one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world is going to increase the 'departure tax' on the international tourists who will visit Maldives starting from 1 December. The Indian Ocean archipelago nation has increased its exit fees. The tax is levied on tourists who are flying out of Maldives and is a kind of exit fee for international tourists.
Departure Tax: What is it
Departure Tax (DPT) is levied on passengers departing from Maldives from an airport in the Maldives.
Departure Tax New Rates From December
Maldives increased the departure tax from $12 to $50 for passengers travelling in economy class. Passengers travelling in business class will have to pay $120 instead of $60 and passengers travelling in first class will have to shell out $240 instead of an earlier $90. Passengers travelling in private jets will have to pay now $480 instead of $120 earlier.
Who collects the Departure Tax
Airlines that operate scheduled flights to Maldives and airport operators are required to register with MIRA for ADF and DPT.
It is the responsibility of airlines that operate scheduled flights to the Maldives to collect ADF and DPT from passengers departing from an airport in the Maldives via that airline.
It is the responsibility of airport operators to collect ADF and DPT from passengers departing from the Maldives from that airport on flights operated by persons other than airlines that operate scheduled flights to the Maldives. For example, charter flights and private jets.
Who are exempted from Departure tax
Passengers with diplomatic immunity, transit passengers and children below the age of 2 years are exempt from Departure tax.
Departure Tax must be paid to MIRA in USD irrespective of the currency in which they were collected from the passengers.
Indian Tourists in Maldives
According to the latest statistics published by the Maldivian Tourism Ministry, as of October 22, there were a total of 16,08,953 international visitors in 2024 and India – with 97,049 tourists – ranked sixth.
According to the Maldives Tourism Ministry statistics, over 17 lakh tourists visited the island nation in 2023, out of which more than 2,09,198 visitors were Indians followed by Russians (2,09,146) and China (1,87,118).
*With Agency Inputs
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