Departure Tax

[jamaicanredstrip]

I beleive I read on one of these forums, something about a departure tax that should be paid on leaving Colombia. Does anyone know something about it?

[questner]

As of October 1, 2005, the airport tax for international departures is US$51 and US$30 for tourists. For domestic flights, the airport tax is US$6 and is normally included in the air ticket fare. These charges are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.

[davidb3069]

I beleive I read on one of these forums, something about a departure tax that should be paid on leaving Colombia. Does anyone know something about it?

It was 100,000 CO pesos last time I paid it a few months back. That was about $45 USD but it's more now as the dollar is losing ground to the peso. Figure $50.

If you fly avianca, it's included in all their international CO fares now.

David B.

[George90]

As of October 1, 2005, the airport tax for international departures is US$51 and US$30 for tourists. For domestic flights, the airport tax is US$6 and is normally included in the air ticket fare. These charges are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.

It is still possible to be exempted from the departure tax. When entering Colombia immediately after passing through immigration, there should be a desk/kiosk where you get your passport stamped for the exemption. With that stamp you don't have to pay the departure tax when returning to the US (or Canada, or Europe, etc.).

[davidb3069]

It is still possible to be exempted from the departure tax. When entering Colombia immediately after passing through immigration, there should be a desk/kiosk where you get your passport stamped for the exemption. With that stamp you don't have to pay the departure tax when returning to the US (or Canada, or Europe, etc.).

I've never seen that desk/kiosk (since December of last year) at Cartagena. The only thing there is a money exchange window and the place where you pick up your luggage. If you arrive on Avianca, It's a non-issue because they have already charged you the exit tax in advance. It's tacked onto your ticket. They started doing that a few months ago. I'm guessing they had too many problems with people leaving and not having the $$.

David B.

[George90]

I've never seen that desk/kiosk (since December of last year) at Cartagena. The only thing there is a money exchange window and the place where you pick up your luggage. If you arrive on Avianca, It's a non-issue because they have already charged you the exit tax in advance. It's tacked onto your ticket. They started doing that a few months ago. I'm guessing they had too many problems with people leaving and not having the $$.

David B.

Ask the immigration clerk or a security guard where it is and how to get to it.

For me it's not a non-issue because I don't have money like that. AA, being a non-Colombian carrier, doesn't add the tax to the ticket. I suspect that you can petition for a refund of the tax from Avianca if you show them proof of the exemption.