Can I claim GST on international flights?

Asked by: Gavin Gleason  |  Last update: July 9, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (55 votes)

Yes, businesses can generally claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on GST paid for international flights if the travel is solely for business purposes, such as meetings or conferences. The flight must be booked in the company's name, and a valid tax invoice with the GSTIN is required.

Can you claim GST on international travel?

The Australian Government's Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows international travellers to claim a refund on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET). The government pays this on eligible purchases you make in Australia and take offshore when you meet certain conditions.

How to claim GST refund for tourist?

You must present the purchased items, original receipts, and your passport at the GST Refund Counter before check-in at the airport. ⚠️ Not all retailers allow receipts to be combined, and some may not offer refunds on both general and consumable goods. Always check in advance to avoid disappointment.

Can I claim GST on overseas purchases?

GST on overseas purchases applies at 10% for imported goods. You may claim the GST back if you're registered and the purchase is for business use. Reverse-charge GST applies to many imported services and subscriptions. Xero can help you automate and track these transactions correctly.

Can I claim back GST on overseas purchases?

If you paid duty/GST to the overseas supplier at time of purchase, contact the supplier about a refund. You can only apply to Customs for a refund on duty/GST where payment was made to: New Zealand Customs Service.

Tourist Refund Scheme Explained: Get Money Back on Shopping!

25 related questions found

Can I get a GST refund on international flights?

International Flights:

Most international flights from India are GST-exempt, but the domestic portion of the journey (such as a connecting flight within India) may still incur GST, which businesses can claim as input credit.

What expenses are not claimable for GST?

Office supplies, equipment, rental costs, and professional services are examples of expenses on which input tax can be claimed. Further, input tax cannot be claimed on the following expenses: private use, non-business entertainment, and motor vehicle expenses.

Can you claim GST on customs?

Yes, imports are treated as interstate supplies under GST, so IGST is levied along with customs duty. The importer pays IGST at customs clearance and can later claim it as input tax credit for business use.

What is the criteria for GST refund?

The amount of refund claimed must be more than Rs. 1,000. You must claim the refund within the time limit specified in Section 54(1), i.e., within two years from the relevant date. You must furnish all the relevant documents, such as invoices, payment receipts, etc., to support the claim for a refund.

How to avoid GST on overseas purchases?

How to Avoid GST on Overseas Purchases Legally

  1. You are 18 or older.
  2. You are not arriving from Malaysia.
  3. You have been outside of Singapore for 48 hours or more.
  4. You are importing an allowable product for your personal use.

Can I get GST back at the airport?

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows you to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that you pay on certain goods purchased in Australia. The TRS located in T2 departures is after customs in the main tax and duty free store.

Who qualifies for GST refund?

You are eligible for this credit if you are a resident of Canada for income tax purposes at the end of the month before and at the beginning of the month in which the CRA makes a payment (read When your GST/HST credit is paid). In the month before the CRA makes a quarterly payment, you must be at least 19 years old.

How to claim 18% GST?

  1. Login and Navigate to ITC-01 page. Access the www.gst.gov.in URL. ...
  2. Declaration for claim of input tax credit under sub-section (1) of section 18. Select the appropriate section from the Claim made under drop-down list. ...
  3. Preview GST ITC-01. ...
  4. Submit GST ITC-01 to freeze data. ...
  5. File GST ITC-01 with DSC/ EVC.

What documents are needed to claim GST?

The following documentary evidence is required to claim a refund under GST by registered tax payer.

  • Print out of GSTRFD-01 A & ARN print out.
  • GSTR-3B/ GSTR-3 print out of a particular month.
  • Statement-2 as per Rule 89 (2) (c).
  • Undertaking by claimant as per para 2.0 of circular 24/2017.
  • Export & Input services Invoices.

How to claim GST amount when travelling?

You can claim a refund if:

  1. Purchased goods have been made within 60 days of departure.
  2. Your purchases is AU$300.00 (inc. GST) or more in one store.
  3. As the travelling passenger, you have paid for the goods.
  4. Present an original copy of the tax invoice to the ABF officers.
  5. Other terms and conditions as outlined here.

Can foreign tourists claim GST refunds?

The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. The foreign country in which you paid the Value Added Tax (VAT) is responsible for refunding the tax.

In which case GST refund is not applicable?

The GST law makes this test inapplicable in case of refund of accumulated ITC, refund on account of exports, refund of payment of wrong tax (integrated tax instead of central tax plus state tax and vice versa), refund of tax paid on a supply, which is not provided or when refund voucher is issued or if the applicant ...

What is the difference between GST and VAT refund?

Unlike VAT, which is charged at multiple stages, GST is collected by the seller when the final consumer makes a purchase. For example, if a consumer buys a product, they pay GST on the final price, and the seller remits the entire tax amount to the government. There are no input tax credits for previous stages.

Does GST apply to international flights?

International transport is GST-free if you sell it to passengers travelling to or from Australia (by air or sea) and: their last place of departure in Australia is to a destination outside Australia.

What is exempted from customs duty?

Items exempt from customs duty vary by country but generally include personal effects (used household goods, clothing), specific relief/aid goods (disaster relief, medical supplies), educational/cultural items, samples for trade shows, and sometimes low-value gifts or specific categories like certain machinery or basic groceries, often with conditions or value limits, like the U.S. $800 traveler exemption or de minimis rules for small packages (though these can change). 

How do I claim a GST refund on purchases?

Step 1: Go to the official GST portal. Under the 'Services' section, click on 'Refunds' and then select 'Refund Pre-Application Form'. Step 2: Fill in all the required information on the form and click 'Submit'. You will receive a confirmation message on the screen.

What items are eligible for GST refunds?

The GST/HST break includes certain qualifying goods, such as:

  • Food.
  • Beverages.
  • Children's clothing and footwear.
  • Children's diapers.
  • Children's car seats.
  • Certain children's toys.
  • Jigsaw puzzles.
  • Video game consoles, controllers, and physical video games.

What can't you claim GST on?

Private or Domestic Expenses

The ATO specifically disallows GST credits for: Personal groceries and household items. Clothing that is not protective or required for the business. Home rent or mortgage payments (unless part of a home office calculated on a fair apportionment basis)

How do I prepare for GST return?

You must log in to the GST portal using your username and password and then click on the tab called 'Services'. Navigate to: Services → Returns → Returns Dashboard. Choose the financial year and the specific month or quarter for which you're filing. Click "Prepare Online" (or use upload options if you have one):