by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:10 PM ET, Wed August 12, 2026
Mexico’s new cruise passenger fee has doubled.
As of August 1, foreign travelers arriving in Mexico via cruise ship must pay $10, up from $5. The hike is part of a planned, multi-phase increase of the new tax set to occur over the next two years. The fee is scheduled to hit $21 by 2028.
The charge applies to popular destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel and Costa Maya. It’s being collected by cruise lines or their shipping agents.
Mexico initially proposed a $42 fee on foreign cruise passengers, but lowered the amount after receiving pushback from the cruise industry. The initial $5 per person fee officially took effect January 1, 2025, but Mexico postponed collection until the beginning of July 2025.
Now, it’s gone up to $10 as planned. It will increase to $15 on July 1, 2027, followed by $21 starting August 1, 2028. For now, the $21 fee is scheduled to remain in effect through September 30, 2030.
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