Mexico will soon begin charging cruise passengers a new visitors' fee, according to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).
This fee will increase incrementally in the coming years: to $10 from Aug. 1, 2026, through June 2027; $15 from July 1, 2027, to July 2028; and $21 beginning Aug. 1, 2028. The fee will be collected once per itinerary, regardless of the number of Mexican ports visited.
The new charge replaces an earlier proposal that would have imposed a $42 per-person tax. This proposal had drawn strong opposition from the cruise industry and delayed the implementation of a fee by six months following negotiations.
Industry leaders at that time cautioned that higher fees could reduce demand for Mexican itineraries, leading to fewer visitors, diminished revenues for local businesses, and possible itinerary changes that bypass Mexico in favor of more affordable destinations.
The FCCA this week emphasized the need for ongoing, open dialogue and partnership with Mexican officials to ensure the sustainability of cruise tourism.
“This agreement demonstrates what we can accomplish together to foster opportunities for shared growth and success through ongoing, open dialogue and partnership with Mexico officials,” the FCCA stated in its latest announcement, regarding the fee’s reduction.
Cruise tourism is a major economic driver for Mexico, generating over $1 billion in direct spending annually, supporting more than 20,000 jobs, and contributing $200 million in wages, according to the FCCA. Passenger fares accounted for $62.6 million in port fees paid during the 2023/2024 cruise year, including immigration services.