After months of industry concern and behind-the-scenes negotiations, Mexico’s tax on cruise passengers is set to roll out on 01JUL — but at a fraction of the originally proposed cost.
The Mexican government had initially planned to impose a steep US$42 per-person fee as of 01JAN 2025. Implementation was delayed by six months following widespread pushback, as Open Jaw reported.
After discussions with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the fee will launch 01JUL at a much lower US$5. A family of four will now only pay US$20 in fees versus US$168.
The per itinerary fee is set to gradually increase over the next three years: to US$10 on 01AUG 2026; US$15 on 01JUL 2027; and US$21 on 01AUG 2028. Cruise lines are expected to integrate the fee into its overall fare costs.
In a statement on behalf of its members, the FCCA applauded “Mexico for working with us to reach an in-transit fee agreement.” The association added reducing the tax “safeguards cruise tourism to the country and aims to enhance the benefits for local communities whose livelihoods depend on it.”
The FCCA, which handles over 95% of cruise capacity in the Caribbean and Latin America, had warned a US$42 fee — 213% higher than the average cost at Caribbean ports—could hurt tourism in reduced bookings. The FCCA also criticized the lack of consultation and removal of a longstanding in-transit exemption, calling for a more collaborative approach to support both local economies and cruise travel.
