Mexico’s Congress will vote on whether to implement a cruise passenger immigration tax of about US$42 (R760), provoking concerns from cruise lines and associations.
Although cruise passengers were previously exempt from the immigration fee because they were considered to be ‘in transit’, Mexico’s congress is expected to vote on the measure passed by the Chamber of Deputies this December, reports skift.com.
“If this measure is implemented, it will make Mexican ports of call among the most expensive in the world, severely affecting their competitiveness with other Caribbean destinations,” the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents said in a statement urging Congress to reject the measure.
According to the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), dozens of cruise lines are considering altering their itineraries to avoid Mexico if the measure comes to fruition. This would reduce arrivals to Mexico in 2025 by more than 10 million passengers and 3 300 cruise ships expected to visit the country in 2025, said the FCCA.
According to travelmole.com, the measure could particularly threaten cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International due to its itineraries that include excursions in Costa Maya and Cozumel, as well as its latest Perfect Day private island destinations, Perfect Day Mexico.
Originally slated to be rolled out early in 2025, the FCCA has since announced that the implementation of the tax has been delayed until July 1, 2025, to allow for deliberation between the cruise industry and the Mexican government.
Regardless of the new measure, Cozumel and Costa Maya port calls are subject to a separate $5 (R90) per person Quintana Roo state tax, which has been approved and comes in to force next year.
