With the start of the new year, the Maldives has begun levying a Departure Tax on outbound passengers, which replaced the Airport Service Charge.
In July 2021, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the first revision to the Maldives Airport Taxes and Fees Act, imposing a departure fee on travelers beginning in 2022.
The Departure Tax was implemented on January 1, 2022, however travelers with diplomatic immunity and children under the age of two would be excluded.
In addition to the Departure Tax, the new amendments mandate an Airport Development Fee for all international passengers travelling through Velana International Airport. Individual airlines would be responsible for collecting the fees for their passengers, according to the amendment.
According to the legislation, locals and foreigners travelling in business class would be taxed USD 60, while those travelling in first class will be taxed USD 90.
Foreigners flying economy must pay USD 30 in taxes, while Maldivians must pay USD 12. Furthermore, the charge for passengers departing on private planes would be set at USD 120.
