Following last week’s news that Mexico voted to implement a $42 immigration levy for every passenger arriving by cruise ship to the country, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) says it is seeking immediate and collaborative discussions with the Mexican federal government. The FCCA is urging Mexico to reconsider the measure in order to mitigate the potential economic fallout for Mexico’s coastal communities and the significant financial impact for cruise passengers.
As part of the passage of a Federal Law of Rights, Mexico will begin enforcing a policy on January 1, 2025, that would make cruise passengers pay an additional $42 (860 Mexican pesos) per person in taxes—whether they disembark or not—on top of the current average of $20 (408 Mexican pesos) in other taxes and fees required to visit Mexican ports. The change would mean cruise tourism in Mexico would suddenly become 213 percent more expensive than the average Caribbean port, “effectively pricing Mexican ports out of the cruise market,” according to the FCCA.
Both the FCCA’s member cruise lines and members of Mexico’s business community are advocating for reconsideration of the measure. In addition, according to The Associated Press, the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents said the tax would severely affect the country’s competitiveness with nearby Caribbean destinations in the cruise space.
The abrupt decision, according to the FCCA, “was made without consultation or input from the cruise industry and leaves cruise lines no time to prepare guests for the added expense as the majority of 2025 sailings are already booked.” In all, the tax could disrupt the travel plans of over 10 million passengers expected to visit Mexico in 2025.
In addition, The AP reports that two-thirds of the proceeds from the tax would go to Mexico’s army—not to port, infrastructure or worker improvements. With cruise lines potentially forgoing Mexico as a port destination, the ripple effect would be felt across local communities, small businesses and workers dependent on cruise tourism.
“Joint efforts between the government and the cruise industry are essential to creating sustainable growth that benefits all parties,” said FCCA CEO Michele Paige. “We are hopeful we can work together to find solutions that preserve Mexico’s vital role in the cruise market while ensuring economic stability for the communities that depend on it.”
Related Stories
Travelers Can Now Buy Annual Pass for Virgin Voyages
Princess Cruises Unveils West Coast Voyages for 2026-27
Hurtigruten, HX Sold to Investors; Brands to Separate in 2025