Mexico’s New $42 Cruise Passenger Fee Sparks Debate
Cruising to Mexico may soon come with a higher price tag. Starting January 1, 2025, the Mexican government plans to introduce a $42 immigration fee for every cruise passenger on ships docking in the country, whether they step off the ship or remain onboard.
How the Fee Will Work
Under the new rule, Mexico’s Immigration Institute will issue a “collective visa” for everyone on the cruise passenger list. This fee is in addition to the $5 per passenger state tax already charged by local governments, making Mexican ports among the priciest destinations globally, according to the Mexican Association of Naval Agents (AMANAC).
Currently, cruise passengers are exempt from Mexico’s immigration fees because they are considered “in transit.” The new charge eliminates that exemption, raising concerns about the country’s competitiveness in the Caribbean cruise market.
The Potential Impact on Tourism
Tourism groups are worried the fee will deter cruise lines from docking in Mexico. AMANAC predicts the country could lose up to 10 million passengers and over 3,300 ship calls in 2025 if the fee is enforced.
Michele Paige, CEO of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, warned that cruise lines, many of which have already sold tickets for 2025, may avoid destinations with unexpected fees.
“Most cruises for 2025 are already booked and paid for,” Paige explained. “Passengers and companies might not welcome additional costs, making Mexico less attractive compared to other Caribbean destinations.”
The Federal vs. Local Debate
Sergio Gonzales Rubiera, president of the Travel Agents Association in Cozumel—a top cruise destination—believes that while some cruise lines may initially skip Mexican ports, most will likely incorporate the fee into future ticket prices.
However, he expressed concern that the bulk of the revenue will go to the federal government rather than supporting local communities.
The new fee will allocate two-thirds of the revenue to fund the Mexican military, which has taken on expanded roles under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, including overseeing infrastructure projects like the El Tren Maya, a train network connecting southeastern tourist hotspots.
Government’s Defense of the Fee
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum insists the $42 charge is not a new tax but an adjustment tied to inflation. She also emphasized that federal officials are working with the cruise industry to address concerns and ensure a gradual implementation.
“We are continuing conversations with the affected agencies to make this process as smooth as possible,” Sheinbaum said during a recent news conference.
What’s Next for Travelers?
With the fee’s implementation just weeks away, tourists and cruise companies are left scrambling to adjust. While some stakeholders, like Rubiera, believe the fee will become part of standard pricing for future cruises, others fear its short-term impact could result in fewer ship visits and decreased revenue for Mexican ports.
Whether this fee will significantly impact Mexico’s status as a premier cruise destination remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the debate over balancing tourism revenue and passenger costs is far from over.
