Threefold Rise in Departure Tax Proposed

The significant rise in departure tax stipulated in the budget bill for the coming fiscal (March 2018-19) has sparked a social media frenzy in Iran. As per the budget bill submitted by President Hassan Rouhani to the parliament on Sunday, departure tax will see an almost threefold rise compared to the current year’s fee to reach 2.2 million rials ($52).

The new fee is to rise 50% for the second trip and 100% for the third and subsequent visits. Tourists heading toward religious destinations will be granted a departure tax exemption of 50%. Revenues from the rise in departure tax will be spent on developing tourism infrastructures and improving cultural heritage and handicraft sectors.