Bangladesh waives excise duty on airfare, VAT on fees for Hajj pilgrims

The interim government has fully withdrawn excise duty on air tickets for Hajj pilgrims next year.

A 15 percent value added tax, (VAT) has been waived on embarkation, security, and airport security fees for passengers.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) issued a special directive on Monday, granting this benefit to those travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj in 2025.

Airfare constitutes a significant portion of Hajj costs, and the reduced or exempted duties and fees aim to make the pilgrimage more affordable.

However, the notice did not specify the exact amount pilgrims would save through these changes.

Currently, the excise duty on air tickets to Saudi Arabia stands at Tk 4,000.

However, this duty has been previously waived for Hajj pilgrims on several occasions.

While embarkation and security fees are relatively minor, two official Hajj packages were announced last Wednesday for next year's pilgrims.

The minimum cost for General Package-1 is set at Tk 4,78,242, covering accommodation in Aziziyah, about three kilometres from Makkah.

Pilgrims are also advised to carry an additional Tk 40,000.

For General Package-2, the minimum cost is Tk 5,75,680, slightly lower than the amount spent last year, which was Tk 5,78,840.

Unlike last year, no special package is offered this time, though pilgrims may upgrade to shared or private rooms in Makkah and Madinah for an extra fee.

Religious Affairs Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain announced the details of the Hajj Package-2025 at a press briefing following the Executive Committee meeting at the Secretariat on Oct 30.