Postponement of the increase in the “Passenger Fee” for a few days

The increase in the “Passenger International Fee” which was to come into force on January 13 was finally postponed until February 14. This would follow protests from foreign tourist agencies who objected to the fact that this increase should be reflected retroactively on plane tickets previously booked. Since these have already been paid by passengers, in some cases it is the tour operators who should bear this burden. Indeed, if prices increase by less than 20 days before departure, it is up to the tour operator to bear the additional cost, and not to the customer.

The decision caused controversy in the travel world. Now, the new rates come into effect on February 14. The amount of the “Passenger International Fee” for travelers from mainland France has been increased to 60 dollars (55 euros), or Rs 2,730 according to the daily exchange rate, for adults and to 30 dollars (28 euros) , i.e. Rs 1,489, for children from two years of age, an increase of 72% compared to the previous rates of 35 and 17.5 dollars respectively, i.e. Rs 1,737 and Rs 868, still based on today's exchange rate.
For travelers from Reunion, Madagascar, Seychelles and the Comoros, the “Passenger Fee” increases from 15 to 25 dollars, or Rs 744 to Rs 1,240.

In a letter of protest, through the French Union of Tour Operating Companies (Seto), tour operators claim to have been taken by surprise by this tax increase, especially since they were informed at the last moment. However, this decision was annexed to the 2023/24 budget of the Minister of Finance, Renganaden Padayachy in June 2023.