What is the minimum spend for a VAT refund?

AED 250 per store receipt qualifies for the 85 percent refund of 5 percent VAT.

Where do I scan receipts before departure?

Use Planet Tax Free kiosks at major UAE airports before check-in.

Can I get cash or only card refund?

Both cash in AED and card credit are available at airport refund counters.

Do sealed items need inspection?

Customs may request inspection of goods before the refund is released.

UAE VAT Refund for Tourists: How to Claim in 2026

How VAT Refund Works for Tourists in 2026

The UAE charges 5 percent VAT on most goods and services. Tourists who spend AED 250 or more in a single store can claim back 85 percent of the tax paid when they leave the country. The refund covers the tax only, not the full purchase price.

Where Tourists Can Shop and Claim

Look for the Planet Tax Free sticker on shop doors and receipts. Major malls, luxury boutiques, and many smaller retailers participate. Keep the original receipt and the goods in their original packaging until you complete the refund process at the airport.

Step-by-Step Claim Process at the Airport

Scan your passport and receipts at a Planet kiosk before check-in.
Place the goods in the inspection area if requested by customs officers.
Receive a QR code or printed voucher once items are validated.
Visit the refund counter to collect cash in AED or request a card credit.

Refunds are processed in minutes at Dubai International, Abu Dhabi International, and Sharjah International airports. Arrive at least two hours early to avoid queues during busy departure times.

Minimum Spend and Refund Amounts

The AED 250 minimum applies per store, not per trip. A single AED 300 purchase qualifies, while two AED 120 purchases in different stores do not. The 85 percent refund means a AED 100 tax bill returns AED 85 to the tourist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Opening sealed items before customs inspection.
Using receipts older than 90 days.
Forgetting to scan at the kiosk before bag drop.
Requesting refunds on duty-free or hotel services that are already tax-free.

Other Locations for Refunds

Planet kiosks also operate at selected malls and cruise terminals. Tourists leaving by land at border posts can complete the process at dedicated counters, though cash refunds may take longer than airport counters.

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