Hotels in Colombia will remain VAT free for tourism in 2023

Following the announcement that VAT is going to be charged again on accommodation in Colombia in January 2023, the Colombian Hotel and Tourism Association (Cotelco) reported that there will be some exemptions.

Colombia is a welcoming country, crossed by the Andes, with coasts in the Caribbean and the Pacific Oceans, and with one of the tastiest coffees in the world, is located in the extreme north of South America. It has sacred archaeological sites, it is the land of Gabriel García Marquez’s Magical Realism, and with its paradisiacal beaches, cheerful people and home to fascinating cultures, it is one of the must-see destinations in South America.

In 2020 and within the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Colombian government established a benefit for travellers, regardless of origin, which determined the VAT exemption on accommodation. This regulation ended on December 31, 2022, so from January 1, 2023, lodgings and hotels will once again charge 19% VAT.

Nonetheless, recently the government stated that the VAT exemption on the services offered by the operating agencies and hotels registered in the National Tourism Registry (RNT), will continue to apply to foreigners residing abroad, and who enter for cultural, events and/or tourism purposes.

Last but not least, it is important to mention that tourists entering Colombia must have the “PT” (Tourism Permit) stamp in their passport, valid for 90 days, which will be required at the time of check-in at the hotels; In case of not having said seal, the hotel will proceed with the corresponding collection of 19% corresponding to the VAT of the accommodation.

If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact your appointed sales executive or write us at info@trips-southamerica.com