The Mexican government, originally planning to implement a $42 fee for cruise passengers in 2025, has reduced this charge to $5 following negotiations with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. This agreement aims to support local communities reliant on cruise tourism. The fee will incrementally rise over the next few years: $10 in 2026, $15 in 2027, and $21 by 2028. Critics of the initial fee argued it could severely impact tourism, causing significant reductions in cruise passengers to Mexican ports.
"We thank the Federal Government of Mexico for working with us to reach an 'in transit fee' agreement that safeguards cruise tourism to the country and aims to enhance the benefits for local communities whose livelihoods depend on it," Justin Paige, the association's spokesperson, told SFGATE in an email.
The Mexican Association of Naval Agents claimed the new fee would 'increase disembarkation costs by up to 213% compared to other ports in the region, distancing Mexico from the global tourism market.'
Critics warned that Mexico could lose up to 10 million passengers who contribute to the economy every year due to the original proposed fee.
Travel agent Chris Lenat reported that cruise passengers were already looking to avoid Mexico in favor of more affordable options in the Caribbean.
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