Mexico’s Proposed Cruise Passenger Tax Raises Concerns Among Cruise Lines

Mexico, one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, may see a significant reduction in cruise traffic if a proposed $42 per person “immigration fee” for cruise passengers takes effect in 2026.

The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), representing 23 cruise lines, has formally requested Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, to reconsider the tax.

The FCCA, acting on behalf of major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, warns that the fee could lead to cruise lines altering itineraries, which would have severe economic repercussions for Mexican port cities.

The tax, officially called the “Non-Resident Fee,” would apply to all cruise passengers and significantly increase costs for travellers.

According to the FCCA’s letter, cruise lines are already considering changes to itineraries, which could reduce the more than 10 million passengers and 3,300 cruise ship arrivals expected in Mexico for 2025.

“Cruise lines are actively considering significantly altering itineraries, which would reduce the more than 10 million passengers and 3,300 cruise ship arrivals expected to visit Mexico in 2025,”

Letter from the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association

Mexican ports such as Cozumel, Costa Maya, Ensenada, and Cabo San Lucas are staples on itineraries ranging from short 3-night sailings to longer repositioning cruises.

Ships departing from U.S. homeports like Miami, Galveston, and Long Beach regularly include multiple stops in Mexico, potentially multiplying the impact of the tax on family budgets.

The FCCA’s letter also highlights the potential threat to ongoing cruise line investments in Mexico. These include major infrastructure projects, such as Royal Caribbean’s upcoming “Perfect Day Mexico” destination in Mahahual near Costa Maya, and other port developments designed to attract more cruise traffic.

“This proposed tax could also jeopardize the cruise industry’s investments in the country, including billions in planned developments and other projects,” the letter reads.

The $42 immigration fee is not Mexico’s first tax on tourists. Since 1999, non-resident visitors have been subject to a fee currently set at approximately $33 USD. However, cruise passengers have traditionally been exempt if their stay in Mexico is less than seven days.

The proposed tax would add to other charges cruise lines already pay, such as docking fees and taxes based on a ship’s capacity.

It is separate from a $5 per person state tax approved in Quintana Roo, home to Cozumel and Costa Maya, which goes into effect in 2025.

While $42 may not seem excessive for solo travellers, it can significantly impact families cruising together, particularly if the fee is applied at every Mexican port on an itinerary. For example, a family of four visiting three ports in Mexico would face an additional $504 in taxes on top of their cruise fare.

Tourism taxes often aim to fund infrastructure and improve attractions, but this proposed fee risks discouraging cruise travellers, who already contribute to local economies through excursions, dining, and shopping.

The FCCA is advocating for adjustments to the proposed fee, as cruise bookings for 2026 are already underway. Whether Mexico revises or rescinds the tax could determine how many ships and passengers continue to visit its ports in the future.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.