Direct answer: UAE tourists can now use the Planet Tax Free ME app and airport QR codes to start a paperless VAT refund. The new AI-assisted process is live at Zayed International Airport, Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport. If your purchases do not need inspection, you may finish in the app; if inspection is required, the app directs you to a facial-recognition smart gate and kiosk. The Federal Tax Authority says eligible refunds are now paid in one business day, down from about nine days previously.[1]
UAE tourist VAT refund checklist
Do these steps in order:
- Shop at a participating retailer and ask for a tax-free transaction before you leave the store.[2][3]
- Check the minimum spend: the tax-inclusive purchase must total at least AED 250 from the same retailer for a refund claim.[5]
- Keep the goods with you. Consumed goods, goods left behind, motor vehicles, boats and aircraft are excluded.[5]
- Download Planet Tax Free ME and create your profile. The new process asks for a face scan plus images of your passport and bank card.[1]
- Track your transactions through the link sent by SMS/email or in the Planet app.[2]
- Go to the validation point before checking in luggage so the goods remain available if an inspection is requested.[3]
- Scan the airport QR code. The app starts the departure refund process and tells you whether you can finish digitally or must complete an inspection.[1]
- Leave the UAE within six hours after validation. Otherwise, the validation approval is cancelled and you must repeat the process.[2]
Do not pack eligible goods into checked baggage before validation. Planet or FTA staff may ask to inspect them.[2][3]
Where the new AI refund process is available
The FTA says the upgraded platform is operational at:
- Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi[1]
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)[1]
- Sharjah International Airport[1]
The launch announcement does not say that the AI smart-gate flow is available at every UAE land border, seaport or airport. At other departure points, use the existing Planet validation desk or self-service kiosk process unless the app or on-site signs confirm otherwise.[1][2]
How the new airport process works
Step 1: Register in the Planet app
Download the Planet mobile app made for UAE tourist tax refunds. Register by scanning your face and saving images of your passport and bank card in the app.[1]
Use only the official app and links from the FTA or Planet.[1][2] Do not upload identity documents or card images through links sent by unknown accounts.
Step 2: Scan the airport QR code
At the tourist tax refund service area, scan the dynamic QR code shown on airport screens. The Planet app then starts the refund procedure.[1]
AI checks your transaction and travel data to choose the correct route:
- No inspection required: complete the request in the app and choose the available refund method.[1]
- Inspection required: follow the app directions to a Planet smart gate and designated self-service kiosk. Facial recognition retrieves your identity and transaction details.[1]
Automatic approval is not guaranteed.[1] Keep the goods, invoices and travel documents ready until the process is complete.[2][3]
Step 3: Choose a refund method
Planet’s published process offers card, cash or supported digital-wallet refunds after validation. The FTA says card refunds can be paid to Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB and UnionPay cards; the issuing bank controls any foreign-exchange conversion.[2][3]
The FTA caps cash refunds at AED 35,000 per tourist per 24 hours. Its service page says there is no equivalent cap for refunds to a credit or debit card.[2][5]
Who is eligible?
You generally need to meet all of these conditions:
- You entered the UAE as a tourist.[2]
- You are at least 18 years old and are not a UAE resident.[2]
- You purchased eligible goods from a retailer registered with Planet.[2]
- The tax-inclusive transaction from the same retailer is at least AED 250.[5]
- The goods leave the UAE with you.[5]
- You validate the transaction within 90 days of the purchase invoice.[5]
- You can present the goods for inspection if requested.[2][5]
Crew members are not eligible under Planet’s published local rules.[3]
UAE tourist VAT refund calculator
The current FTA decision allows a 13% administrative deduction from the VAT amount plus AED 3.60 for each refund claim. In other words, you receive 87% of the refundable VAT, minus AED 3.60 per claim.[3][5]
For a standard 5% VAT-inclusive price:
VAT included in price = Purchase price × 5 ÷ 105
Estimated refund = (VAT included × 0.87) − AED 3.60
Quick examples
| Tax-inclusive purchase | VAT included | Estimated refund* |
|---|---|---|
| AED 250 | AED 11.90 | AED 6.76 |
| AED 500 | AED 23.81 | AED 17.11 |
| AED 1,000 | AED 47.62 | AED 37.83 |
| AED 5,000 | AED 238.10 | AED 203.54 |
*Estimates assume one eligible refund claim, the standard 5% VAT rate and no bank currency-conversion costs.[3][5] The final amount shown by Planet is authoritative.
Why another government page may show 85% minus AED 4.80
The UAE government portal page updated in March 2026 still displays the earlier refund formula. A later FTA amendment effective July 12, 2026 reduced the fixed fee to AED 3.60, while the current Planet page states that tourists receive 87% of VAT minus AED 3.60 per transaction.[3][4][5]
What purchases do not qualify?
The FTA decision excludes:
- goods not accompanying you when you leave the UAE[5]
- goods consumed fully or partly in the UAE[5]
- motor vehicles[5]
- boats[5]
- aircraft[5]
A retailer must also participate in the Tourist Refund Scheme. A normal VAT invoice from a non-participating shop does not automatically create a tourist refund claim.[2][5]
Timing rules that can cancel a refund
Three deadlines matter:
- 90 days from purchase: validate the tax-free transaction within 90 days of the invoice date.[2][5]
- Six hours after validation: depart the UAE within six hours or the validation approval is cancelled.[2][3]
- One year after export validation: an already validated refund may be requested within one year.[2]
The new one-business-day payment target does not remove these eligibility and departure rules.[1][2]
Before-you-fly packing checklist
- Passport or eligible GCC identity document used for the purchase
- Boarding pass or confirmed travel details
- Bank card saved in the Planet app
- Phone with the Planet app signed in and enough battery
- SMS/email link to the Shopper Portal
- Tax invoices or digital transaction records
- Every eligible item available for inspection
- Extra time before airline check-in
If the app is unavailable or your transaction cannot be found, use a Planet validation desk or kiosk. The FTA lists Planet’s 24/7 support as Tourists@planetpayment.com, +971 4 586 4700, and Planet live chat.[2]
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the Planet app for a UAE tourist VAT refund?
The app is required for the new AI-assisted journey described by the FTA. Existing validation desks and self-service kiosks remain listed service channels, so ask Planet staff for help if you cannot use the app.[1][2]
Is the UAE tourist VAT refund now instant?
No. Airport validation can take minutes, but the FTA says receipt of the refund has been reduced to one business day. Your bank’s posting or currency-conversion process may add time.[1][2]
Can I complete the refund without showing my purchases?
Sometimes. AI may identify a transaction as eligible for automatic processing, but Planet can still require inspection. Keep all goods accessible until validation is finished.[1][2]
Can someone else validate my refund?
No. The FTA says only the passport or GCC ID holder registered to the transaction can initiate or complete validation.[2]
What is the minimum purchase for a UAE tourist VAT refund?
The tax-inclusive purchase must be at least AED 250 from the same taxable retailer for the refund claim.[5]
How much VAT will I get back?
Under the current rules, the estimate is 87% of the refundable VAT minus AED 3.60 per claim. Actual payment can differ because of eligibility decisions, multiple claims or your card issuer’s exchange rate.[2][3][5]
Which airports have the new AI process?
The FTA launch notice names Zayed International Airport, Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport.[1]
Sources
- [1] FTA launches AI-powered tourist VAT refund platform
- [2] FTA VAT Refund for Tourists
- [3] Planet UAE tourist tax refund process
- [4] UAE Government tourist VAT refund guide
- [5] FTA Decision No. 2 of 2018 and amendments, tourist refund scheme