I’m a tourist on a visit visa who came for vacation in Dubai and I want to claim VAT for my hotel accommodation.

I’m a tourist on a visit visa who came for vacation in Dubai and I want to claim VAT for my hotel accommodation.

VAT refunds are not applicable to hotel accommodations'. Tourists can claim refund on VAT paid on purchases made during their stay in Dubai. 

As a tourist on a visit visa in the UAE, you may be eligible to claim a VAT refund for your hotel accommodation expenses. The UAE has implemented a VAT Refund Scheme for tourists, allowing them to receive a refund of 85% of the VAT paid on eligible purchases

VAT refunds are not applicable to hotel accomodations. Tourists can claim refund on VAT paid on purchases made during their stay in Dubai. 

As a tourist visiting Dubai, you can claim a refund on VAT paid on purchases you made during your stay in the UAE, provided that the goods must be purchased from a retailer who is participating in the 'Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme'. However, VAT refunds are not applicable to hotel accommodations. VAT is charged on hotel accommodations at a rate of 5%, along with other fees such as Municipality fee, Property service charge, and Tourism Dirham Fee.

Tourists and visitors can claim refund on VAT paid on purchases they made during their stay in the UAE. Recovery of payment will be done through a fully integrated electronic system which connects retailers registered in the ‘Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme’ with all ports of entry and exit from the UAE. 

As a tourist on a visit visa in Dubai, you have the option to claim a refund for the Value Added Tax (VAT) paid on your hotel accommodation. To initiate the VAT refund process, please follow these steps:

Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for VAT refund. Typically, tourists need to be non-residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and hold a valid passport with an entry stamp indicating the date of arrival.

Minimum Spend: Check if your hotel accommodation meets the minimum spend requirement for VAT refund. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the minimum spend for eligible goods is AED 250 (including VAT).

Request a Tax Invoice: While checking out of your hotel, request a tax invoice from the hotel management. This invoice should clearly state the amount of VAT you paid during your stay.

Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS): Look for the TRS logo at the airport or in the vicinity of your hotel. The TRS is a system that facilitates VAT refund for tourists. At the airport, you'll find dedicated TRS kiosks or desks where you can process your refund.

Required Documentation: Make sure you have the following documents ready:

Original tax invoice from your hotel.

Passport with the entry stamp indicating your arrival date.

Boarding pass or e-ticket for your departure flight.

Visit the TRS Counter: Proceed to the TRS counter or kiosk at the airport and present your documents to the TRS agent. They will guide you through the refund process.

Verification and Refund: The TRS agent may verify your documents and may require you to present the purchased items, so keep them easily accessible. Once everything is in order, they will process your VAT refund. The refund can be obtained in cash or through credit card reimbursement, depending on the TRS operator.

Please note that the VAT refund process might have undergone changes since my knowledge cutoff in 2021. It's always advisable to check the latest information from official sources or contact the TRS authorities for the most up-to-date instructions regarding VAT refund procedures for tourists in Dubai. Enjoy your stay in Dubai and have a great vacation!