Self-service Kiosks Launched To Ease UAE Tax Refund Process

Self-service kiosks have been set up across all of the UAE ports included in the Tax Refunds for Tourists Scheme to allow tourists to recover VAT when leaving the country.

The kiosks are operated by Planet, the company enlisted by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to operate the system for the Tax Refunds for Tourists Scheme.

Planet supplied the kiosks to fully automate tax refund procedures but the system operator’s employees will be available near them to offer assistance when needed.

FTA director general, Khalid Ali Al Bustani, said the new service provides greater ease and speed in processing VAT refund requests for tourists on purchases they made during their stay in the UAE.

“The self-service kiosks are a significant addition where tourists can recover VAT without needing to interact with employees,” said Al Bustani. “The kiosks were placed at all exit ports included in the Tax Refund Scheme for Tourists, where tourists can submit the tax invoices on their purchases, along with their passport and credit card, to recover VAT.

"No limit is placed on the maximum amount that can be recovered if said amount is transferred to the tourist’s credit card, however, in the event that the applicant requests a cash refund, then the maximum amount is set at AED10,000 per day.”

He added that the electronic system of the Tax Refund Scheme for Tourists has registered significant success since its November launch.

The number of outlets connected to the system has grown to 12 air, land and sea ports across the UAE.