TaxSavvyAE

Tourist VAT refund at the airport

A tourist bought goods in my shop but forgot to validate the tax-free tag. Can they still get the refund?

The situation

Tourists must validate tax-free tags within 90 days of issue and leave the UAE within 6 hours of validation. Without validation before departure, the refund is normally not available.

The law

  • Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme: Validation within 90 days and departure within 6 hours

What it means for you

Validation is linked to the tag and the Planet system, and refunds go to cards in AED. Example: a tourist who left without validating cannot claim from abroad in most cases. Retailers should remind customers to validate at departure and explain the steps at the till.

What to do

  1. Issue tax-free tags correctly at the till.
  2. Tell the tourist to validate before departure.
  3. Share Planet contact details for questions.
  4. Keep tag records for your VAT return.

We can do this for youVAT refunds: excess input VAT refund, 5-year limit, new residence refund for nationals and tourist refund context: AED 2,500

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