Overview
- The charge for foreign cruise passengers visiting major Mexican ports doubled from $5 to $10 on Aug. 1, 2026 and is collected by cruise lines or their shipping agents for calls at Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel and Costa Maya.
- Mexico’s move follows a December 2024 congressional levy of 860.56 pesos that took effect Jan. 1, 2025 and a negotiated compromise with the Florida‑Caribbean Cruise Association that started a $5 in‑transit fee on July 1, 2025.
- Under the current phased plan the fee will rise to $15 on July 1, 2027 and to $21 beginning Aug. 1, 2028 through Sept. 30, 2030 unless the schedule is changed.
- Travel analysts say the $10 step is unlikely to sharply reduce overall demand but it raises travel costs, with families feeling the effect most because fees multiply across passengers.
- Mexican officials and the FCCA say the scaled fee is meant to protect cruise tourism while directing revenue to local communities and services, and industry watchers will monitor whether cumulative fees alter booking behavior.