The Maldives, famous for its pristine white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs, is renowned as one of the world’s most luxurious and expensive travel destinations. Starting December 1, departing the Maldives will come with a steeper price tag as exit fees for travellers increase significantly.
The updated departure tax, applicable to all non-Maldivian travelers, varies depending on the flight class. Economy passengers will pay $50 (up from $30), business class $120 (up from $60), first class $240 (up from $90), and private jet passengers $480 (up from $120). These fees apply regardless of the traveler’s age, nationality, or flight duration, meaning passengers on short regional flights pay the same rate as those on long-haul routes.
The Maldivian Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) announced the changes in November, stating that the tax revenue supports the upkeep of Velana International Airport (MLE), the nation’s primary air travel hub.
While the increased fees might seem daunting, many travelers are unlikely to notice the change. Departure taxes are typically included in airline ticket prices, so there’s no additional payment required at the airport. Some airlines, such as Beond—a business-class-only carrier servicing the Maldives—have advised customers to book tickets before November 30 to avoid the higher fees.
The Maldives, an archipelago off the coast of India with a population of around 525,000, depends heavily on tourism as its main source of revenue. Despite its thriving luxury travel industry, the country faces challenges balancing the demands of high-end international tourism with the needs of its local population.
With more than 1,000 islands and atolls, the Maldives is a hotspot for luxury hospitality brands. High-end properties like The Ritz-Carlton, Six Senses, and St. Regis dominate the market, with some accommodations costing thousands of dollars per night. However, this contrasts sharply with the average Maldivian’s annual income of approximately $12,000, highlighting the economic disparity within the country.
While the Maldives remains a dream destination for many, the updated departure fees add another layer of expense to an already premium travel experience.
Any existing bookings made through Kevin or Blue Bay Travel will not be affected by this change—the new tax will be discounted and fully covered by us.
