The Maldives, with its white sand beaches and sparkling coral reefs, is one of the world’s most expensive holiday destinations. The paradise on earth has just announced it will raise the “price to leave” – starting December 1, the departure fee for tourists flying out of the country will increase by up to four times.
The departure tax is applied at different rates to each passenger, based on the class of service they book to fly out of the Maldives. The Indian Ocean island nation will charge $50 for economy class passengers (up from $30), $120 for business class (up from $60), $240 for first class (up from $90) and $480 for private jet passengers (up from $120).
The Maldives, with its long white sand beaches and sparkling coral reefs, is one of the world's most expensive holiday destinations.
The departure tax applies to all non-Maldivian visitors – regardless of age or passport, and regardless of the length of the flight or the duration of the flight. For example, visitors will pay the same tax for a four-hour flight to Delhi as they would for an 11-hour flight to London.
The Maldives Internal Revenue Authority (MIRA) announced the tax increase in November. MIRA said the revenue will go toward the upkeep and maintenance of Velana International Airport, the country's main hub. Some travelers may not notice the new fee, which is typically added to the price of an air ticket, so travelers don't have to pay cash when going through passport control.
Departure taxes are applied at different rates to each passenger, based on the class of air service they book to fly out of the Maldives.
According to CNN, tourism is the Maldives' most profitable industry, but the country has struggled to balance the money coming from international luxury tourists with the needs of its people. According to Travel Tomorrow, Maldives has implemented a departure tax from January 2022, which applies to all air passengers, except those with diplomatic immunity, transit passengers and children under 2 years old.
Airlines are responsible for charging fees for scheduled flights, while airport operators charge fees for charter flights and private jets.
