Starting in 2025, passengers booking cruises to Mexico will see an increase of $42 per person if their itinerary includes stops at any Mexican ports. This change follows a decision by Mexico's Senate on December 3 to extend an existing tourist tax to cruise passengers, as reported by the Associated Press.
The tax applies to popular destinations along the Caribbean Coast and Gulf Coast, such as Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso. It also affects West Coast ports like Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada. Previously exempt because they often remain onboard during port visits, cruise passengers will now contribute to this general tourist tax.
This fee increase from $35 to $42 has been in place for other travelers for years. Despite the new charge being incorporated into the overall cost of a cruise ticket—which already includes government taxes and port fees—passengers are unlikely to notice the additional expense.