Mexico Doubles Cruise Tourism Fee From August 1, 2026

Cruise passengers visiting Mexican ports will face a higher Non-Resident Duty (DNR) from August 1, 2026, as the country’s phased tourism tax increases from $5 to $10 per person.

The increase forms part of an agreement between the Mexican government and the cruise industry, reached after discussions over an initial proposal to introduce a $42 per passenger fee. The phased rollout was intended to protect Mexico’s competitiveness as a cruise destination while still generating additional tourism revenue.

The higher fee comes at a time when Mexico’s cruise industry is experiencing record growth. Figures released by the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) show the country welcomed 6.5 million cruise passengers during the first half of 2026, the highest six-month total on record.

Under the current agreement, the $10 charge will remain in place until June 30, 2027. From July 1, 2027, the fee will rise to $15 per passenger, remaining at that level until July 31, 2028. If no changes are made to the existing arrangement, the DNR will increase again to $21 per person from August 1, 2028.

Despite the gradual introduction of the higher tourism fee, recent passenger figures suggest Mexico continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing cruise markets, with cruise lines maintaining and expanding calls at many of the country’s most popular ports.