Mexico Raises Cruise Passenger Tax by 740% – What It Means for Travelers

The Mexican government has announced a significant increase in the tourism tax for cruise passengers.

According to CNN and other news outlets, the Mexican government stated on December 5, “All passengers staying on or disembarking from ships docked in Mexico must pay the increased tourism tax.” Starting in July 2025, the tax for each cruise passenger will rise from $5 to $42.

This new policy was initially scheduled to take effect in January, but strong opposition delayed its implementation until July. Mexican authorities have revealed plans to allocate two-thirds of the revenue to support the Mexican military, a decision that has sparked widespread controversy.

Mexican Navy Association (AMANAC) officials cautioned, “If the measure is implemented, Mexico could lose up to 10 million passengers and more than 3,300 ship calls in 2025, directly impacting the local economies of tourist ports and thousands of small suppliers and national companies.”

Responding to the backlash, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum explained that the government is only slightly adjusting the existing tourism tax. She emphasized that it is working with relevant agencies to minimize its impact.