Mexico has officially implemented a US $5 tax on cruise ship tourists as of Tuesday. This new charge is considerably lower than the original fee of $42 (780 pesos) that was initially proposed.
The Non-Resident Duty (DNR) is a compromise between the Mexican government and cruise operators who opposed the higher fee. This tax will gradually increase over the upcoming years: $10 in 2026, $15 in 2027, and reaching $21 by August 2028.
The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), representing major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruises, had initially responded to the higher tax announcement with threats to cancel cruises to Mexican ports and to halt multi-million dollar investments.
As part of the agreement negotiations, cruise companies have committed to using more Mexican products on vessels visiting Mexico, supporting the “Made in Mexico” initiative. They agreed to promote Mexican crafts, textiles, and art both onboard and in ports.
The cruise industry plays a crucial role in Mexico’s tourism economy. By the end of May, Cozumel had already received 2.1 million cruise visitors, while Mahahual welcomed 1.1 million passengers. The Caribbean coast is particularly significant, accounting for 66% of all cruise visitors to Mexico.
Importantly, the tax is not collected directly from passengers as they disembark. Instead, it is charged in advance by the cruise companies themselves.
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