The Government of the Maldives has begun levying a Departure Tax from all passengers departing from airports in the Maldives.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the First Amendment to the Airport Taxes and Fees Act in July 2020, which introduced the Departure Tax. The tax was implemented on January 1 and the previously enacted airport service charge of USD 12 for Maldivians and USD 25 for foreign passengers is no longer in effect. The tax will be levied on passengers based on the airline fare classes and would be waived for passengers with diplomatic immunity and children under the age of two years.
The Departure Tax are USD 12 for Maldivians travelling in Economy Class, USD 30 for foreigners travelling in Economy Class, USD 60 for all passengers travelling in Business Class, USD 90 for all passengers travelling in First Class, and USD 120 for all passengers travelling on private jets
The First Amendment to the Airport Taxes and Fees Act further stipulate an airport development fee to be imposed on all passengers flying internationally via Velana International Airport (VIA). The government said the changes were brought to generate more revenue for the state through wealthy classes.