Cruise and Maritime Voyages cruise ship Astoria docked in La Paz, Mexico. Img 7813
San Diego, California – Starting July 1, cruise passengers arriving at any Mexican port will be required to pay a $5 visitor fee as part of a new agreement between the Mexican government and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), which represents over 95% of cruise lines operating in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The new tariff marks a significant shift from Mexico’s initial proposal six months ago to charge cruise visitors $42 per person, a move that sparked strong objections from cruise operators. Following months of negotiations, the compromise was announced this week, aiming to balance Mexico’s economic benefits with the continued growth 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 Mexican officials,” the FCCA said in a statement. “We are grateful to Mexico’s federal government for collaborating with us to reach an agreement that protects cruise tourism while increasing benefits to the local communities whose livelihoods depend on it.”
Under the new policy, the visitor fee will gradually increase over the next three years. Beginning August 1, 2026, the cost will rise to $10, then to $15 in July 2027, and finally reach $21 per passenger by August 2028. The fee will be collected once per itinerary, regardless of the number of Mexican ports visited during a cruise.
The cruise industry is a significant contributor to Mexico’s economy. According to the FCCA, roughly 3,300 cruise ships will make ports of call in Mexico this year, bringing an estimated 10 million passengers. The organization reported that in 2024 alone, cruise tourism generated approximately $1 billion USD in direct economic impact.
Cruise passengers had previously been exempt from visitor fees under Mexico’s Non-Migrant Rights policy, which classified them as “in transit” and thus not subject to standard tourist taxes. The new policy reverses that longstanding exemption.
The fee was initially set to take effect in January. Still, the government delayed the fees following pushback from the cruise industry, which warned that the high rate could deter ships from docking in Mexican ports, potentially harming local economies.
Mexico’s National Confederation of Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism has not yet commented on the finalized agreement.
As the Mexican government phases in the new fees, cruise operators hope the compromise will support local development while keeping Mexico a top destination for global cruise travelers.
