The government of the Maldives has recently made changes to multiple tourist taxes, increasing the cost of flying to the Maldives as well as staying at hotels and purchasing tourism goods and services.
The country’s President, Mohamed Muizzu, ratified the second amendment to the Airport Taxes and Fees Act, which specifies the taxes levied on passengers departing from the Maldives. From December 1, this tax has increased.
Foreigners departing the Maldives in economy class are now charged US$50 (R905), up from the previous US$30 (R540). Business-class passengers pay US$120 (R2 170), up from US$90 (R1 630) and first-class passengers pay US$240 (R4 340), up from US$90 (R1 630).
The President also amended the Maldives Tourism Act, which outlines the amount paid per person per night spent in the Maldives as a ‘green tax’. The tax has doubled, from US$6 (R110) per person per night for resorts and hotels, to US$12 (R220).
Those staying in guesthouses will now be charged US$6 (R110), up from US$3 (R55) previously. The updated tax will take effect in January 2025.
The government has also amended the Goods and Services Tax Act to revise the Tourism Goods and Services Tax. The tax will increase on July 1, 2025 from 16% to 17%.
