Plane tickets are one of the bigger purchases on a posting. In Colombia, part of the price is IVA, and that IVA can come back to you. Here is what counts and what you need.
What is refundable
- Domestic flights: IVA at 19 % on the fare, the ticket issue fee and extras such as seats or bags.
- International trips that start in Colombia: IVA is charged too. On a one-way ticket it is charged on the full fare; on a round trip, on 50 % of the fare.
- Routes with no road connection (for example San Andrés) carry no IVA, so there is nothing to claim.
What is not refundable
The airport fee, the stamp tax, the tourism contribution and the exit tax are not IVA. They show on your ticket, but they do not come back.
The invoice you need
You need an electronic invoice (factura electrónica de venta) with its CUFE code, in your name or in your mission's name, with the IVA shown separately. The e-ticket receipt, the itinerary or a flight certificate is not an invoice.
How to get it from the airline
- Avianca: request it on Avianca's invoice portal with your booking code or ticket number, within 365 days of the purchase. Their help page explains the steps: how to get your electronic invoice. Tickets paid with LifeMiles get no invoice.
- LATAM: after a purchase on its website, LATAM sends the electronic invoice to the email you gave. If it does not arrive, ask LATAM's customer service.
- JetSMART: ask through its help centre.
- Travel agency: if an agency sold you the ticket, the agency gives the invoice, not the airline.
Our tips
- Give your full name and ID number exactly as on your document when you buy.
- Request the invoice 24 to 48 hours after the purchase, then check the name, the ID and the IVA on it.
- Keep the PDF and the XML. Send the invoice to your VATRS receipts address, and we read it and add it to your claim.
- Invoices more than 2 years old cannot be claimed.
This is general information, not legal advice. See the full list of what is refundable in Colombia on our What's refundable page.