New Departure Tax from Travellers Now in Effect

A new Departure Tax is now in effect for anyone travelling from an airport in the Maldives.

As of 1st January 2022, visitors and residents alike are subject to the new Departure Tax and Airport Development Fee when leaving the country.

The new fees will contribute to the cost of an on-going US $800 Million infrastructure development programme at Velana International Airport.

Passengers travelling on scheduled flights will absorb the fees as part of the cost of their airfare, with airlines responsible for collecting.

For non-scheduled flights such as chartered flights and private jets, it is the responsibility of the airport operator to collect the taxes.

The new tax replaces the US $25 Airport Service Fee.

All passengers are subject to the new Departure Tax, plus an Airport Development Fee if flying out of Velana International Airport, the country’s main airport.

Economy class travellers are now subject to a Departure Tax of $30 plus a $30 Airport Development Fee, totalling US $60.

Business Class passengers will pay a departure tax of US $60 plus an airport development fee of US $60. This rises to US $90 plus US $90 for First Class passengers. Those travelling by private jet will be charged US $120 plus an Airport Development Fee of US $120 if departing Velana International Airport.

Local passport holders are subject to a Departure Tax of US $12 plus an Airport Development Fee of US $12 if travelling Economy Class. All other charges are the same as foreign passport holders.

Passengers with diplomatic immunity, transit passengers and children below the age of two will be exempt from the new charges.

Airport redevelopment

The extensive re-development, due for completion in 2022, includes a brand new runway and passenger terminal, a new seaplane terminal, a new luxury traveller (VIP and CIP) service complex, a 45-million litre fuel farm and a 120,000 tonne cargo facility.

This major redevelopment will help ensure the airport is able to cater for increased passenger numbers, projected to reach 7.3 million by 2030 – far exceeding its current capacity.

The new international passenger terminal building will be able to accommodate up to 7.5 million passengers annually. Further developments include aero-boarding bridges, and state-of-the-art baggage handling systems.

The new terminal building will host a wide range of food and beverage outlets, retail spaces, lounges and other services. The new runway will be able to accommodate A380 aircrafts, which are the largest used in commercial operations today.

Velana’s new seaplane facility will accommodate more than 80 seaplanes - a 50% increase on the existing capacity.

The new seaplane terminal will be able to accommodate spacious lounges, extra boarding gates and office spaces.