Travellers departing from Hong Kong will face a 67 percent increase in the Air Passenger Departure Tax (APDT). Effective in the third quarter of 2025-26, the tax will rise from HKD 120 to HKD 200, an HKD 80 jump. This new fee will apply to all flight tickets purchased after October 1, 2025.
Also, check out this Hong Kong airport guide: where to eat, drink, shop and relax.
Departure Tax: Get ready to pay HKD 80 extra to leave Hong Kong airport
Paul Chan, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, announced an increase in the Air Passenger Departure Tax during the 2025-26 budget presentation on February 26, 2025. The tax hike is intended to help address the financial deficit and is expected to generate an additional HKD 1.6 billion in government revenue each year.
The APDT is charged to passengers aged 12 and older who depart from Hong Kong International Airport. This fee is included in the airfare. Travellers who meet specific criteria, such as direct transit and layover passengers, as well as those listed in this list, may qualify for an exemption.
Exempted passengers can get a refund of their paid APDT through the government’s Civil Aviation Department. Furthermore, travellers who have purchased the air tickets and have not departed from Hong Kong (with an unused ticket) are also eligible for a full airport tax refund.
Hong Kong’s economy is recovering from the pandemic, and various tourism-related measures are being introduced to address the deficit of HKD 87.2 billion. Chan noted that the anticipated tax increase is expected to have a minimal impact on passenger air traffic.
(Feature image credit: Dynamic Wang/Unsplash)
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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
