The Eligible Exemptions for Tourists Taxed in Bonaire

Are there any exemptions to the Bonaire tourist tax? Described as a ‘unique crucible of culture and natural wonder’ by many travelers, this Caribbean island has become an increasingly popular destination in recent years. However, it is important to note that visitors are expected to pay certain taxes during their stay. In order to make sure tourists avoid surprises, let us delve into the eligibility criteria for potential exemptions from the Bonaire tourist tax – like a detective unravelling an intricate web of rules and regulations.

Overview of Bonaire tourist tax

Bonaire is a small six-island archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea, just off Venezuela’s northern coast. The local government imposes a tourist tax on travelers visiting the island to raise money for tourism development.

At present, tourists are charged a fixed rate of $5. 35 per person (including children) when arriving on the island.

This fee is separate from accommodation taxes or other fees imposed by individual hotels and resorts. The amount payable may also change depending on the length of stay and other variables.

The tourist tax helps Bonaire finance various initiatives, such as marketing campaigns, promotional materials, tourist infrastructure upgrades and scholarships for students majoring in hospitality management.

I Exemptions for specific categories of travelers

Some types of travelers entering Bonaire are exempt from paying the tourist tax. These exemptions fall into four main groups: residents, children and infants, transit passengers and airline crew members.

Exemptions for Residents

Residents who have lived in Bonaire for at least 6 months prior to their arrival date are eligible for an exemption from the tourist tax if they can provide valid proof of residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill.

Exemptions for children and infants

Travelers under the age of 18 are automatically exempt from paying the tourist tax, regardless of whether they are citizens of Bonaire or not.

Exemptions for transit passengers

• Country Specific Exemptions:

Passengers who meet the following criteria do not have to pay the tourist tax: Citizens traveling between two countries within 12 hours; Mexicans and Colombians traveling between their countries via an international airport outside either country; Belizeans traveling through Mexico or Trinidad & Tobago; Turks traveling between Turkey and EUstatius/Saba.

• Other Exemptions:

Travelers with stopovers that exceed 4 hours but last less than 24 hours; Students with certificates issued by their universities; Tourists with return tickets who will leave the destination within 48 hours (datum FCDO); Individuals booking more than 1 week in advance.

Exemptions for airline crew members

Airline crew members travelling domestically within Bonaire are exempt from paying the tourist tax provided they carry valid proof from their companies.

Exemptions for government personnel and officials

National and foreign government personnel travelling to Bonaire on business trips do not need to pay the tourist tax upon presentation of official documentation from their respective governments.

II Process of claiming exemptions and providing proof

Explanation ofthe application process for exemptions

To claim an exemption from the tourist tax, individuals must fill out an online application form before their arrival in Bonaire.

Required documents and prooffor each categoryofexemption

• Residents:

Valid proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.

• Children and infants:

Proof of age, such as a valid passport or birth certificate.

• Transit passengers:

Country-specific documents for each type of exemption. For example, travelers with stopovers that exceed 4 hours but last less than 24 hours will need to provide proof of their return ticket.

• Airline crew members:

Valid documentation from their companies confirming the domestic nature of their flight.

• Government personneland officials:

Official documentation fromtheir respective governments.

Information on where and howto submit exemption applications

Exemption applications must be submitted online at least 48 hours before arrival in Bonaire. The application can be found on the gov.

uk website, along with information on what documents and proof are needed for each case.

Steps to follow after receiving an exemption approval

The tourist tax office in Bonaire will issue a traveller with an approved ‘entry tax exemption’ form upon arrival. Travellers must show this form to immigration officials when entering the country so that they can avoid paying the tourist tax. In addition, it is important to keep the exemption form until departure as it may be requested by customs officers prior to boarding any international flights departing from Bonaire.