Mexico to Implement New Tax for Cruise Line Passengers — What to Know

06.12.2024 - 15:21 / travelandleisure.com / Royal Caribbean

Cruise passengers in Mexico may have to pay more in 2025.

The Mexican Government recently passed a new $42 immigration levy for cruise passengers, for any ship that docks in Mexico, regardless of whether the passenger gets off the ship. The levy, which was passed by the Mexican Senate just last week, will be applied bookings starting in 2025, with the funds being used for military expenses, as the military manages the ports which service cruise lines.

While Mexico has previously imposed a $35 tourist tax, cruise passengers were exempt as they were sleeping on the ship until now.

The addition of the levy came as a  sudden surprise to the cruise industry, which has already sold cruises to Mexico for the upcoming 2025 travel season. The major cruise ports in Mexico include Cabo San Lucas, Costa Maya, Ensenada, and Puerto Vallarta. 

«The abrupt decision was made without consultation or input from the cruise industry and leaves cruise lines no time to prepare guests for the added expense as the majority of 2025 sailings are already booked,» the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) shared in a statement with Travel + Leisure. The Association represents cruise operators who dock in Mexico and the surrounding region.

Over 10 million passengers are scheduled to cruise to Mexico in 2025 FCCA noted, and the levy would raise the price of the cruise, according to the organization.

Mexico is a popular cruising destination, with companies such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Margaritaville at Sea, Celebrity Cruises, and Virgin Voyages offering itineraries throughout Mexico. 

Over 9.1 million passengers arrived in Mexico on a cruise in 2023, which was a 30 percent increase over 2022, according to government data. November and December are the highest arrival month of cruise passengers. 

The cruise industry is taking comfort in a recent statement from Mexico's President Sheinbaum that the changes would take place slowly, and to work with the industry on the launch, the FCCA shared with T+L. 

The new tax comes as regulators in the United States have added pressure on how cruise lines display pricing for customers. A May 2024 California law requires that cruise lines must advertise prices inclusive of taxes and other fees, including the new levy from the Mexican government, when promoting deals. 

In response to increased tourism, governments have added fees and other restrictions on cruise ships and visitors. For example, government officials in Venice, Italy recently announced a “day trip” fee is set to double to €10, or $10.58, for 2025.