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Cruise Travelers to Mexico Face New Fee Starting This Summer

Saturday, May 10, 2025 by Robert Castillo

Cruise passengers docking at any Mexican port will soon encounter a new fee beginning July 1, as reported by various American media outlets. The Mexican government, in collaboration with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), which represents a significant 95% of cruises stopping in Mexico, has agreed to impose a $5 fee on each visitor.

Initially, the Mexican authorities proposed a $42 per passenger fee six months ago, but after objections from cruise operators and the FCCA, the amount was renegotiated. Over the next three years, this fee is anticipated to rise to $21 per passenger. Rather than being paid directly to the Mexican government, this charge will be included in the overall cost of the cruise.

"We appreciate the Mexican federal government for working with us to reach a transit fee agreement that safeguards cruise tourism while enhancing benefits for local communities reliant on it," stated a FCCA release. The association predicts that around 3,300 cruises will visit Mexican ports this year, bringing with them approximately 10 million travelers.

Last year, the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents (AMANAC) urged the Mexican government to reconsider the hefty fee imposed on cruise passengers, warning that such costs could position Mexican destinations among the world's most expensive. They cautioned that Mexico could lose up to 10 million passengers and over 3,300 ship calls by 2025, which would directly impact the local economies of tourist ports and thousands of small suppliers and national businesses if the tax were enforced.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum countered these concerns, stating that it was merely an adjustment to existing charges, which are "tied to inflation."

Understanding the New Cruise Fee in Mexico

What is the new fee for cruise passengers visiting Mexico?

Cruise passengers visiting Mexican ports will be subject to a new $5 fee starting July 1, with plans to increase it to $21 over the next three years.

How will the new cruise fee impact the cost of traveling?

The fee will be incorporated into the overall cruise fare, so passengers won't pay it directly to the Mexican government.

Why was the original $42 fee proposal changed?

Cruise operators and the FCCA opposed the initial proposal, leading to negotiations that resulted in a reduced fee.

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