With its beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts, the Maldives has long been a dream destination for travelers worldwide.
But lately, some new tax policies have been introduced that might affect your Maldives travel budget. We have summarized the changes for you.
Increased Airport Departure Fees
Effective December 1, 2024, the Maldivian government has revised the airport departure fees for passengers leaving from Velana International Airport. The new fee structure is as follows:
- Economy Class: Foreign passengers will now pay USD50, up from the previous USD30. Maldivian nationals continue to pay USD12.
- Business Class: The fee has doubled from USD60 to USD120 per passenger.
- First Class: Passengers face an increase to USD240, a significant rise from the former USD90.
- Private Jet: The fee has quadrupled from USD120 to USD480.
These fees are usually included in your flight ticket price, so you won’t have to pay them at the airport. However, we recommend to confirm with your airline or travel agent to avoid unexpected charges.
Enhanced Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST)
The Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) has to be paid for various goods and services within the tourism sector, including accommodations, dining, and recreational activities.
Starting July 1, 2025, the TGST rate will increase from 16% to 17%. This change means that the cost of services such as hotel stays and tours will reflect this higher tax rate.
Doubling of the Green Tax
The Green Tax is an environmental levy to fund conservation efforts and promote sustainable tourism. Effective January 1, 2025, the Green Tax rates will double:
- Resorts, Hotels, and Vessels with over 50 rooms: The tax increases from $6 to $12 per person per night.
- Guesthouses and Hotels with 50 rooms or fewer: The tax rises from $3 to $6 per person per night.
This adjustment will directly impact your daily expenses, especially for more extended stays. It’s important to factor this into your accommodation budget to avoid surprises.
Impact on Travelers
These tax changes will increase the cost of a trip to the Maldives. For instance, a week-long stay at a resort with over 50 rooms will incur an additional USD84 per person due to the Green Tax alone.
On top of this, travelers must pay a higher tourism goods and services tax and a higher departure tax.
Conclusion
The Maldives remains an unrivaled paradise for travelers, but the recent tax changes mean visitors must budget more carefully for their dream vacation.
From increased airport departure fees to higher Green Tax rates and TGST adjustments, these policies reflect the government’s efforts to boost revenue and sustain environmental initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new airport departure fees in the Maldives?
The Maldives airport departure fees have increased depending on your travel class. Economy class passengers now pay USD50, business class USD120, first-class USD240, and private jet passengers USD480.
How will the Tourism Goods and Services Tax increase affect my travel expenses?
Starting July 2025, the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) will rise from 16% to 17%, increasing the cost of accommodations, dining, and other tourism services.
What is the purpose of the Green Tax, and how much is it now?
The Green Tax funds environmental conservation. The new rates are USD12 per person per night for resorts and USD6 per person per night for guesthouses.
Are there any exemptions to these new taxes?
No, the taxes apply to all travelers staying in taxable accommodations and using taxable services.
- About the Author
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Tim Kroeger, founder of Universal Traveller, leverages extensive experience in luxury travel and tourism to offer firsthand insights into emerging hospitality trends.
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