The Maldives is set to implement higher departure taxes for travelers flying out of the country, effective December 1, 2024. This change, introduced under the second amendment to the Airport Taxes and Fees (ATF) Act, revises the Departure Tax (DPT) across different travel classes, with some categories experiencing significant increases.
Economy-class passengers will see varied changes; the departure tax for Maldivians remains at $12, while foreign travelers will face a hike from $30 to $50. Business-class travelers, regardless of nationality, will now pay $120, double the previous rate of $60. For first-class passengers, the tax rises steeply from $90 to $240. Private jet passengers face the highest increase, with their departure tax jumping from $120 to $480.
Diplomatic passengers, including foreign diplomats residing in the Maldives under the Vienna Convention or traveling on flights with diplomatic clearance, are exempt. Transit passengers staying in the Maldives for less than 24 hours between connecting flights and children under two years of age (unless they have turned two at the start of their journey) are also excluded from the tax.
The classification of travel class will depend on various factors. For commercial flights, the class will align with the details submitted by airlines to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Charter flight classifications will rely on documentation from the charter operator. Passengers on private jets will automatically fall under the “private jet” category, regardless of the aircraft type or cabin configuration.
The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has announced that the additional revenue generated from these taxes will be directed toward maintaining and upgrading Velana International Airport (MLE), the country’s primary transit hub.
