There’s a new fee for cruise passengers looking for a sunny escape.
Mexico’s new cruise passenger fee will be much lower than expected when it takes effect this summer.
According to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), cruise guests visiting the country will pay $5 beginning on July 1, rather than the previously announced $42 rate. That will go up to $10 between August 1, 2026, and June 2027; $15 from July 1, 2027, to July 2028; and $21 on August 1, 2028.
FCCA’s member lines make up more than 95% of cruise capacity in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fee will be collected once per itinerary.
“The cruise industry is a success story for Mexico, contributing roughly $1 billion USD in direct spending to the economy in the past year alone,” its statement read. “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.”
What are tourist taxes? Why travelers are expected to pay up
Mexico’s National Confederation of Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The fee was originally expected to be implemented in January before being delayed six months amid pushback from the cruise industry, which warned it could have potentially dire impacts. Cruise passengers had previously been exempt from tourist taxes under the Non-Migrant Rights policy since they were considered in transit, according to the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents (AMANAC).
More than 10 million cruise passengers are expected to visit Mexico in 2025, FCCA said in December.
Source: USA Today
