Tax Refund and Tax Free Shopping at Catania Airport (CTA)

Once you have fulfilled these requirements, you can proceed to the designated VAT Reclaim desk at Catania Airport to initiate the refund process. Trained VAT Reclaim personnel will carefully verify your eligibility and provide guidance throughout the refund claim procedure.

It is essential to note that not all purchases qualify for a VAT refund, and there may be additional fees or limitations involved. To ensure a seamless and successful refund experience, it is highly recommended to consult the VAT Reclaim service provider for precise details and specific requirements. airssist’s team at Catania Airport confirms your eligibility before processing begins and handles each step of the claim so that your refund is submitted correctly before your departure gate closes.

Who Is Eligible for a Tax Refund at Catania Airport?

1. Non-EU residency: You must be a resident of a non-European Union (EU) country to qualify for a VAT refund.
2. Minimum purchase threshold: There is usually a minimum purchase requirement that must be met to be eligible for a VAT refund. The minimum purchase amount may vary depending on the specific regulations or refund service provider.
3. Tax-free shopping: You should shop at stores that participate in the tax-free shopping scheme. These stores typically display signs or stickers indicating their participation.

4. The customs validation desk at Catania Fontanarossa Airport is located in the departures area before the security checkpoint. Travelers must visit this desk with their goods, receipts, and completed VAT refund forms before checking baggage, as eligible items may need to be presented for physical inspection

The airssist team at CTA handles all of the above on your behalf, from confirming your eligibility at check-in to ensuring your forms are stamped and submitted before you board.

Global Blue Tax Refund at Catania Fontanarossa Airport

Global Blue is one of the most widely used VAT refund processing networks in Italy, and many of the shops and boutiques in Catania and across Sicily participate in the Global Blue scheme. If you made purchases from a Global Blue retailer during your visit,  identifiable by the Global Blue logo in the shop window, you will have been given a Global Blue tax free form at the time of purchase.

At Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), Global Blue forms must be validated by customs before departure. The customs desk is located in the departures area before security, and eligible goods must be available for inspection along with your passport and original receipts. After customs stamping, the form can be submitted to the Global Blue refund point at the airport for processing.

The airssist team at CTA handles each of these steps for you, locating the customs desk, ensuring your form is correctly completed and stamped, and submitting it to the refund office on your behalf. If your retailer used a different network such as Planet, the process is the same and the airssist team manages both.

FAQs

Can I get a tax refund at Catania Airport?

Yes. Non-EU residents departing from Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) are eligible to claim a tax refund (VAT refund) on qualifying goods purchased during their stay in Sicily. You need your original receipts, a completed tax free form from the retailer, and your passport. airssist handles the customs stamping and form submission at CTA on your behalf.

What is the minimum purchase amount for a tax refund in Italy?

Italy requires a minimum spend of €154.94 at a single retailer in a single day to qualify for a VAT refund. The standard VAT rate in Italy is 22%, though some goods carry lower rates. Non-EU residents shopping at participating stores should request a tax free form at the point of purchase regardless of the exact amount, as the retailer will confirm eligibility at the time.

Does Catania Airport have a Global Blue counter?

Yes. Catania Fontanarossa Airport has a Global Blue refund point for departing international passengers. Forms must be customs-stamped before submission. The airssist team guides you to the customs desk and the Global Blue counter in the correct order so your claim is processed before your flight.

What is the difference between duty free and tax refund at Catania Airport?

Duty free shopping refers to purchases made inside the airport terminal after security, which are sold without tax applied at the point of sale. A VAT tax refund, by contrast, is a reimbursement of tax already paid on goods purchased in the city during your visit. Both result in a price saving for international travelers but they are separate processes. airssist’s tax refund service covers the VAT reclaim process for city purchases, not duty free shopping.

When should I visit the customs desk at Catania Airport for a tax refund?

You should visit the customs desk before checking in your luggage and before passing through security, as the customs officer may need to physically inspect the goods you purchased. The customs validation desk at Catania Fontanarossa Airport is in the departures area on the landside (before security). The airssist team will guide you to the correct location and advise on timing relative to your departure.