Cruise holidays to Mexico will get more expensive as one of the world’s busiest ports plans to add a passenger tax.
From Euronews, every passenger entering Mexico by cruise ship may soon be charged a $42tax (€39.90) - whether they disembark or not.
The law is the latest effort to curb overtourism in the country. Historically, Mexico’s tourist taxes have targeted hotel visitors, while cruise ship travellers who are deemed ‘in transit’ have been exempt.
Announced after a vote by Mexico’s congress, two-thirds of Mexico’s proposed cruise passenger tax would be used to fund the Mexican army.
The law, which would apply from 2026, still needs to be approved by the upper house. However, the tax, which is being called an ‘immigration document payment for foreign passengers,’ is expected to help cover the country’s enormous budget deficit.
