It's about to get (way) more expensive to go to the Maldives
Editor's Note
If you're traveling to the Maldives soon, prepare for some added costs. Beginning Dec. 1, foreign travelers will have to pay anywhere from $40 up to $720 more in airport taxes and fees — depending on the class they fly — to leave the South Asian archipelago by air. The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) announced the increases in early November.
Related: Where is the Maldives, and is the long journey worth it?
Increased departure tax
The Maldives initially introduced a departure tax in 2022 after the country approved an amendment to its Airport Taxes and Fees Act. This amendment replaced a $25 airport service charge for airline customers departing the Maldives.
Everyone (including locals) departing from any of the country's airports must pay the departure tax. While local residents flying in economy class will still pay the same $12 tax introduced in 2022, foreigners and anyone traveling in premium classes will have to pay anywhere from $20 to $360 more soon. People booked in economy seats will continue to pay less than those in business and first classes, as well as those booked on private charter flights.
According to MIRA, here's what each person can expect to pay in departure taxes from Dec.1 onward:
| Travel class | Maldivians | Foreigners |
|---|---|---|
Economy | $12 | $50 (up from $30) |
Business | $120 (up from $60) | $120 (up from $60) |
First | $240 (up from $90) | $240 (up from $90) |
Private charters | $480 (up from $120) | $480 (up from $120) |
The departure tax is waived for diplomats, passengers transiting through the Maldives but not leaving the airport and children younger than 2.
An additional airport development fee
That's not all. Both foreign and local passengers flying internationally from Velana International Airport (MLE), the Maldives' main airport, will also be subject to a separate airport development fee at the same rates detailed in the table above. (This is different from the airport service charge mentioned.)
According to MIRA, unlike the departure tax, only diplomats and passengers on direct transit flights (ones that transit at an airport in the Maldives and depart with the same flight number) are exempt from the airport development fee. This means that transit passengers other than those on direct transit flights and children younger than 2 will also be subject to these fees.
In total, foreign passengers departing from MLE will be expected to pay these cumulative departure tax and airport development fees starting Dec. 1:
- Economy: $100 (up from $60)
- Business: $240 (up from $120)
- First: $480 (up from $180)
- Private charters: $960 (up from $240)
Book before Dec. 1 to save
These taxes and fees, which apply to both cash and award bookings, are included in the cost of airline tickets and will be applicable to all bookings made on or after Dec. 1.
Both Etihad Airlines and Beond — the startup carrier with all lie-flat seats to the Maldives — posted notes on their websites encouraging passengers and agents to book tickets on or before Nov. 30 to avoid paying the increased taxes and fees.
So if you're planning to go to the Maldives next year, book your flights now. You might even find some Black Friday flight deals.
Other increased tourism taxes coming in 2025
Unfortunately, it's not just leaving the Maldives that's getting more expensive. Staying there is also about to get pricier — and booking ahead won't help. On Jan. 1, 2025, the Maldives Green Tax rates will increase to $12 per person, per night at most hotels and resorts. (Those staying at hotels and guesthouses with fewer than 50 rooms will only be charged $6 per person, per night.) These nightly hotel tax rates are doubling from $6 and $3, respectively. Maldivians, resident permit holders and children under the age of 2 are exempt from the Green Tax.
Then on July 1, 2025, the Goods and Services Tax rate will increase to 17% from 16% and affect goods sold and services supplied by spas, shops, diving schools, water sports facilities and other such facilities in the Maldives.
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