Featured

Flight passengers visiting this vacation spot will have to pay a fee just to leave the islands

A $50 tax will be applied to certain passengers flying economy

Airline travelers reveal what happens when you see 'SSSS' on your boarding pass

Two travelers from Arizona speak to Fox News Digital about the four letters "SSSS" that may be printed on your airline boarding pass.

The exclusive island of the Maldives in South Asia, known for its clear waters and luxury resorts, has raised a flight tax aimed at tourists. 

The departure tax began in 2022 and is "based on the class of travel, levied on passengers departing from the Maldives from an airport in the Maldives," according to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority.

The tax varies for class flown and applies to Maldivian and foreign passengers.

HISTORIC ROME LANDMARK'S TEMPORARY CLOSURE CAUSES UPROAR: 'SADDEST THING I’VE SEEN IN ITALY'

For foreign passengers flying economy, the tax is $50 whereas it is $12 for citizens. The tax for business is $120, first class is $240 and $480 for private jets are the same for both citizens and tourists, according to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority's website. 

maldives plane window

The Maldives had a total of 1.7 million visitors, according to the Ministry of Tourism. (iStock)

"Passengers with diplomatic immunity, transit passengers and children below the age of 2 years are exempt from Departure tax," the site continues.

The Maldives had a total of 1.7 million visitors, according to the Ministry of Tourism’s November report. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle

maldives

The Maldives has implemented a departure tax charging tourists on their flights out of airports on the island. (Matt Hunt/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In addition to the departure tax, the country also implements other visitor taxes applying to hotels, resorts and tourist vessels which will double from $6 to $12 beginning in January. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Other vacation destinations have implemented taxes in an effort to curb tourism.

The Nautilus Maldives

Hotels and resort guests visiting the Maldives are subjected to a $12 tourist tax starting in January. (The Nautilus Maldives)

Greece plans to implement a 20 euro ($22) tax for visitors cruising to Santorini or Mykonos and Bali started charging all foreign tourists a $10 fee to promote more sustainable tourism, Fox News Digital reported.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority for comment.

Authored by Ashley Dimella via FoxNews November 29th 2024