Who should pay the Bonaire Visitor Tax?

Set during the summer of 2022, the new Bonaire Visitor Tax has been one of the latest news international tourists are particularly concerned about. In fact, this tax has replaced two other taxes that were applied for all international foreign visitors. However, some travelers are still wondering who the new tax is precisely targeting or rather, who needs to pay it. Today’s post is especially dedicated to that. We are going to discuss who should pay the Bonaire Visitor Tax or not.

Foreign visitors and tourists

As stated above, the new tax set in Bonaire is targeting all international visitors, without distinction. In fact, the Bonaire entry tax has replaced two major taxes that were previously applied in the region the Rental Car Tax and the Room Tax. The latters were paid by every foreign visitor willing to stay in Bonaire for a certain time. The new visitor tax of Bonaire then totally makes sense as it has to be paid just once.
That said, all foreign visitors kids or adults heading to the island of Bonaire for tourism purposes should pay this new tax. The authorities also state that travelers who are visiting the region for sports, leisure, health, education or business purposes have to pay the Bonaire Visitor Tax prior to entering the region or upon their arrival.

Transfer and transit passengers

Foreign visitors and tourists are nor the only ones to whom the payment of the new tax is obligatory. Transfer passengers are also required to pay the tax as they are crossing the borders of the region. This might be quite weird to understand but the tax is important for the development of the region. 
In fact, the tax will be used for the development of the Island, including roads and any other resources. The tax shall also be paid by transit passengers crossing Bonaire borders. It is also important to remember that both transfer and transit passengers will also need their unique QR code.

Non-Bonaire citizens

Some people think that only foreign travelers have to pay the Bonaire Visitor Tax. However, even though you are working in Bonaire but are not originally from Bonaire, you will definitely have to pay the new tax. It is just like you have been there for business purposes. 
The thing you need to understand is that as you do not have any roots linking you to the region, you are considered a foreigner. That being said, you are not an official Bonaire’s citizen and in such cases, you are required to pay the tax. Even if you have been paying the room and rent a car taxes, these are no longer valid since July 2022.

Real-estate owner in the Island

This might sound ironic but owning a real-estate does not spare you from paying the new Bonaire Visitor Tax. Even if your family is living on the island, the payment of the visitor tax is an obligation for you. Indeed, you are allowed to pay the tax for up to five members of your family or travel group.
Each of them will have to receive their personal QR code and be eligible to enter the Bonaire region. Moreover, you should get to know that the tax receipt is valid for a year. However, if you are willing to immigrate to Bonaire, you will not have to pay the new tax but only if you present a qualifying proof that you are migrating to Bonaire.