New tax on online bookings in the Maldives: how tour prices will change

What changed in the tax system

The Maldivian government is preparing a bill that, for the first time, will require foreign tour operators, online platforms and offshore intermediaries to register with the local tax authority (MIRA) and pay the tourist tax TGST. The tax rate will sit in the range of about sixteen‑seventeen percent of the value of services provided on the islands – whether that's accommodation, meals, transfers or excursions.

Destination‑principle

The core idea of the reform is to treat the tax as mandatory whenever the service is rendered on Maldivian territory, regardless of where the seller and buyer are located. In other words, if your hotel is in the Maldives, the tax has to go into the country's budget even if you book the room from Moscow or Tokyo.

Why the government is introducing the tax

Official figures show that only a part of the total tourist inflow into the national banking system actually gets converted into foreign currency. Roughly half of the revenue leaks out through offshore schemes, where the money never reaches the local budget. A shortage of foreign‑exchange reserves was one of the triggers for the new measure. Estimates put the extra revenue at around one hundred million dollars a year.

Timing and preparation

The bill was filed in mid‑August, and the planned entry into force is early October 2026. That gives operators roughly a month and a half to adjust their systems and recalculate prices. By comparison, similar reforms in other countries have taken several years to roll out; here the pace feels accelerated.

How this could affect Russian travelers

The Maldives remain one of the few premium destinations where winter‑season demand stays strong. Moscow is already listed among the markets where existing contracts may be revisited. If the tax comes in on schedule, the additional 16‑17 % could be passed on to the end buyer – either as a higher tour price or as an amendment to already signed agreements.

What to do to avoid a surprise

• Watch the bill’s status. While it goes through parliamentary debate, details may change, including the collection mechanism.
• Ask the tour operator whether the price is fixed. If you’ve already paid a locked‑in rate, find out how a possible tax will be accounted for.
• Compare offers from different agencies. Some may bundle the tax into the price right away, others might add it later.
• Build a buffer into your budget. Even if the tax ends up included, a small cushion helps dodge unpleasant surprises.

Bottom line

The introduction of a tourist tax in the Maldives is the state’s attempt to pull back a share of foreign‑currency flows that now disappear through overseas intermediaries. The rollout schedule looks tight, and contracts already signed may need to be renegotiated. For Russian tourists that means island prices could rise in the coming months. The safest way to stay ahead is to keep an eye on legislative developments and keep an open dialogue with whoever is selling your tour.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.