Cruise Passengers to Face New Fees in Mexico: Here’s the Scoop
Update December 9, 2024: The implementation of Mexico’s $42 cruise passenger fee, originally scheduled for January 2025, has been postponed to July 1, 2025. The article below reflects the updated timeline.
Cruise passengers visiting Mexico in 2025 will encounter a new fee. The Mexican government has approved a $42 charge for each cruise traveler arriving at the country’s ports, set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
This change marks the end of an exemption that previously allowed cruise passengers, who typically stay onboard their ships, to avoid immigration fees.
The new fee is expected to help fund infrastructure improvements and manage the growing impact of cruise tourism on popular destinations such as Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, and Costa Maya. These ports are among the busiest in the world, welcoming millions of visitors each year.
For travelers, this fee will be added to the cost of their cruise, creating an additional expense that could affect trip budgets. Families and larger groups, in particular, may notice the difference, with the fee potentially adding up significantly.
This move reflects a growing trend in global tourism, where destinations are introducing new charges to manage the environmental and economic demands of high visitor numbers. Travelers planning cruises to Mexico should be aware of these changes and consider them when budgeting for their vacations.
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.