Have you heard about the tourism tax named Cancun Visitax?
Officially known as Quintana Roo Tourism Tax, all international visitors will now have to pay the tax either before their arrival in Cancun or before they leave.
It applies to travellers vacationing in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo which includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
As the heart and soul of tourism in the area, fear not we’ve done all the hard work for you.
In this blog, discover:
- how much it costs
- how you pay
- when it comes into effect
and more!
1. When Does the New Visitor Tax Come Into Effect?
On April 1st, 2021, tourism authorities announced that foreign visitors arriving in the Mexican Caribbean would need to pay a tax called the Visitax.
If you are an international tourist visiting on or after this date you will need to pay.
2. How Much Is The Visitor Tax (Visatax)?
Panicking about the increased cost of your vacation?
It’s not really too bad.
The visitor tax is 283 Mexican pesos per person (with a 10% reduction for visitors from Belize).
That’s about $15-$17 USD depending on the exchange rate.
Now that you know, you can add it to your expenses list.
Bar trips, cinema, shopping, snacks, visitor tax…
3. How Do I Pay The Visitor Tax?
Booking your vacation online?
You can head straight to the VISITAX website after you book.
Here you can pay the visitor tax for everyone in your group.
The site is available in Spanish and English and it’s pretty easy to navigate.
Heard that the VISITAX site isn’t secure?
Yes, I heard that too in the first few days.
I have an important update…
The VISITAX site is now showing as secure so you’re fine to pay online.
There are also contact details if you get stuck making your payment;
Need Help?
Tel: (998) 223 68 42 – (998) 329 57 45 – (998) 483 76 59
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Email: assistance@satq.qroo.gob.mx
4. I’d Rather Not Pay The Visitor Tax Online How Do I Pay At The Airport?
Paying at the airport is simple.
There are kiosks where you can pay the tax in pesos or dollars.
A quick tip…
Lines may be long, so give yourself plenty of time.
When you pay, you get a QR code to scan at security.
5. When Do I Have to Pay the Cancun Visitor Tax?
The tax for tourists to Quintana Roo must be paid before leaving for home.
You can pay before you travel to Mexico, while you’re at your resort or at the airport before departure.
It’s up to you when you prefer to pay but you can only pay at the airport in cash.
Don’t forget to save some pesos or dollars if you go for this option.
6. Do I Only Have to Pay The Visitor Tax If I Travel to Cancun?
The new tax applies to the whole of the state of Quintana Roo.
You’ll have to pay if you’re heading to the sunshine and beaches of resort locations including:
- Cancun
- Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen
- Isla Cozumel
- Isla Mujeres
- Holbox
- Tulum
- Maya Ka’an
- Grand Costa Maya
I know that any tax isn’t great news.
But, paying means you get to enjoy this paradise on earth.
The tax isn’t too costly or complicated either.
7. Why Is There Now a Visitor Tax in Quintana Roo for Tourists?
No one likes to see signs like this…
But, unfortunately, taxes are a part of life.
Now, traveling to Quintana Roo state in Mexico means you get to pay another one. Yay! *eye roll*
Knowing what to expect takes away some of the sting.
Let’s start with the different names used for this tax.
- Visitax
- Visitor tax
- Tourism tax
- Tourist tax
You’ll see all of these names used online and they mean the same thing.
You get to part with a few extra dollars.
The Secretary of Finance and Planning of the State Government launched the tax through the Quintana Roo Tax Administration System (SATQ).
The tax is mandatory for people leaving the state of Quintana Roo from April 1, 2021.
There is some good news…
It doesn’t apply to younger visitors.
The aim of the tax is to generate revenue of around $29.1 million.
The cash will be used to create jobs and develop new tourist attractions.
So, there does seem to be positive news if you’re a regular visitor.
Even more, things to see and do has to be good, right?
After the pandemic, the area, its citizens, and the tourist industry has been greatly affected.
Take comfort in knowing that your money is helping the situation.
8. Who Has to Pay The Mexican Visitor Tax?
If you’re heading anywhere in Quintana Roo, the full visitor tax applies, with a couple of exceptions.
Young people under the age of 15 do not have to pay the tax.
Travelers from Belize pay a reduced amount as many people from this country regularly make short trips across the border.
I know it sounds like a pain.
But, just think about all the good stuff you get to enjoy, such as beach parties like this…
9. Is The New Visitor Tax Included in My Flight Cost?
You may be thinking, “Aren’t tourism taxes usually included in flight or vacation costs?”
That’s true for many taxes.
This new tax is different because it only applies in one state.
So, no airlines or travel companies are including it in prices.
You need to pay the visitor tax yourself.
10. Does the Tax Make it Harder to Travel to Cancun?
I’m going to quote Joaquin Gonzalez, State Governor of Quintana Roo, on this.
He said,
“It’s expected to be an agile and simple transaction that won’t complicate visitors’ stay,”
That makes sense.
A state that’s already on the fast track to recovery from the pandemic isn’t going to do anything to stall the process.
Flight demand is increasing all the time and they want to keep it that way.
To be honest, it’s still way easier to travel to Mexico than most other places.
You don’t need a COVID-19 test to go.
There is a health questionnaire to complete and you will have your temperature checked on arrival.
That’s not too much of an inconvenience compared to other countries.
Don’t forget that you do need either a negative nucleic acid amplification test or a negative rapid antigen test to travel back to the US.
The test needs to be done within three calendar days of departure.
This is unless you have a positive viral test proving recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection and a letter from a medical professional certifying you fit to travel.
Not from the USA? Then you need to check with your home country what the rules and restrictions are for coming home.
Places like the UK for example require quarantining in approved hotels etc, etc.
I know the COVID-19 restrictions and testing can get confusing, so I’ve given you a helping hand with my blog post,
“Where Can I Get a COVID Test in Cancun & The Riviera Maya?”
AND
“The Best Resorts Offering FREE Antigen Tests”
Even with the new tax for visitors and the pandemic, Mexico is still a stunning destination that’s easy to visit in a world where travel got a whole lot more complex recently.
Quintana Roo New Visitor Tax – Your Experiences
Do you still have questions or comments about the visitor tax?
I think I’ve covered all the major points, but I’d love to hear from you.
Have you had any problems with the tax, or was it easy to pay?
I don’t have the power to change the system but I’d love you to share your experiences with our readers.
Just pop a message in the comments.
One more thing…
Ready to Vacay in Paradise?
Want a stress-free, affordable break in the Mexican Caribbean?
Our team at PlayaDelCarmen.Com is locally based and we know how to plan the perfect vacation.
It pays to have local knowledge of the area. 😉
We can’t pay the visitor tax for you but we can help you get organized with resorts, weddings, tours, transport, recommendations and more.
We will get you all the perks and discounts available to you. What are you waiting for?
Just call us on our toll-free number: 888-537-9797
Or complete the form on our website we will be in touch.
More Articles I Wrote That You Might Find Helpful
1. Weather in the Riviera Maya – what to expect?
2. Best clubs and beach bars in Cancun
3. Swimming with Whale Sharks – everything you need to know.
Got a question?
Don’t forget to leave it in the comments below, I’ll get back to you ASAP.
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Comments (98)
Laurasays:
May 8, 2021 at 11:33 amExcellent information! I am trying to get my fiance’ to agree to go to Cancun for our honeymoon. I too was a single woman traveler, and have been to Mexico 3x; Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun. The first two were with, now ex-husbands, and the 3rd time was by myself. Never had a problem. I stayed in an all-inclusive resort, used a taxi to get to/from the local shopping area, walked behind groups of people so it looked like I was with a group when in the local markets, and basically just used common sense during my trip. I had more fun being by myself than either of the first 2 times, and found other “couples” who wished they would have done the same (LOL)!
I would actually like my upcoming wedding to be in Mexico, but have been told (a few years ago) it is a pain in the butt when it comes to all the paperwork and then filing the proof of marriage here in the US. I know we could go to the JP office here in Texas, and then have the official ceremony in Mexico, but that just does not appeal to me. I’m nervous as it is already, so ‘walking down the isle’ again is going to be a major accomplishment. Having to go through it 2x is not appealing (people laugh when I explain it that way). Anyway, I am enjoying your articles; well written, to the point, very informative. Thank you again!
Sarah Barlowsays:
May 12, 2021 at 5:19 amHi Laura, thank you so much I really appreciate your words. I totally understand what you’re saying however I would encourage you to reach out to our weddings team at weddings@playadelcarmen.com or calling us directly on (888) 537-9797 we will be with you every step of the way when it comes to getting everything organised and official. We do it a lot! 🙂
Christiansays:
April 17, 2023 at 1:16 amIf we are traveling flying out if Tijuana Mx into Cancun, are we still subject to pay the Visitax?
Morgan JTsays:
May 12, 2021 at 10:25 amI really like your information and found it really helpful.
The review of the royalton was humorous and informative.
Sarah Barlowsays:
May 13, 2021 at 9:04 amHaha thank you Morgan I appreciate it and you’ve only inspired me to write more. 🙂
Morgan JTsays:
May 17, 2021 at 7:30 pmWe laughed at every meal about the preciousness of spoons!
We will look at your stuff next time we come down.
Sarah Barlowsays:
May 18, 2021 at 4:20 amThank you!
Tammiesays:
May 17, 2021 at 8:04 pmJust returned from Riviera Maya on the 15th. Paid my visitor tax before I left home however we were never asked for proof of payment. Oh Well. Hopefully it is helping those who need it. I had be been to the area the times and always enjoy the friendly people and beautiful scenery.
Sarah Barlowsays:
May 18, 2021 at 4:20 amHey Tammie thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
AJsays:
October 31, 2024 at 3:23 pmI just came back from Playa del Carmen/Cancun on Tuesday, October 29th, 2024. I feel like I was being played because I just realized that on my airline ticket, it was clearly mentioned as tourism tax Mexico. But then when I contacted visitax for a refund after I also paid the tourism tax to them, they say that the one on the airline ticket was not the same thing. But to me, I felt like I basically paid that tax twice. There was also a TUI tax and an immigration fee charged on my airline ticket. I don’t know what to believe. No one gives me a real explanation. Everything is just vague.
Martinsays:
May 22, 2021 at 1:25 pmLeft Cancun 5/22. Paid the tax on line before going up to security. No one ever checked that we paid it. I’m sure half the people leaving never did. They should just do this at check in instead of as a surprise going up the steps to security. All that does is create a traffic jam.
Sarah Barlowsays:
May 24, 2021 at 6:33 amWe hear you, Martin! Hopefully, they take note and make some changes. It’s still in its early stages of implentamation.
Jane Paynesays:
June 3, 2023 at 10:03 amGoing cancun in a couple of weeks,when doing the tax do you put in the date you are departing mexico,hate doing stuff like this 😆
Chrissays:
June 30, 2021 at 11:11 amNo one checked, even though we paid. Very strange
Lisasays:
June 22, 2021 at 12:52 pmI just paid online and put the wrong departure date. I put the one leaving from Texas and not leaving from Cancun. Will this be an issue?
Holley Gonzalessays:
September 20, 2021 at 4:17 pmGood afternoon Lisa,
I did the same thing! I’m leaving in a week and haven’t been able to get an answer from anyone to find out if I can change the date or if I can just redo the form.
What did you do?
Thank you for the information
Melanysays:
November 16, 2021 at 10:22 amHello Lisa and Holley,
I did the same thing as you two. Did you finally redo the form or did you pass easily with the wrong date?
Thank you!
Donnasays:
July 10, 2022 at 3:36 amHi Holley I know you went to Mexico a while ago, but I’ve done the same as you with the Mexican tourist tax and put my UK departure date ….. did you have a problem and have to pay again. Thanks in advance
Stewart Wilkiesays:
October 25, 2023 at 11:42 amI have just done the same, putting my departure date from the UK instead of the departure date from Mexico. Is this a problem do I need to pay again ?
Kind Regards
Stewart
Camille Blommersays:
February 27, 2024 at 3:12 pmWhat happened with your date issue? I did the same thing.
akash desaisays:
June 24, 2021 at 3:59 amHey! Are the taxes applicable for kids under 5 years of age?
Sarah Barlowsays:
June 25, 2021 at 3:06 pmChildren 14 and under are not required to pay the visitor fee. I hope that helps. 🙂
Michellesays:
October 31, 2021 at 12:23 pmWe were due to go to Mexico in august, but covid stopped that, we have rebooked for November, is the visitor tax still valid although the entry date was in august?
We tried to buy new ones but our cards kept getting declined? Which shouldn’t of happened, but can’t find the information anywhere as to how long the visitor tax is valid for, thankyou
Jane Paynesays:
June 4, 2023 at 2:56 amI am trying to do the vistatax but every time i try the website wont go as far as payment.I put all the details in then thats it,it wont go any further ,
Cindysays:
June 25, 2021 at 4:19 pmI we just went to Cancun Secrets Resort and when we left we paid visitor tax for 4 people and it cost us $ 152.00. We were thinking it would only be $ 11.00 per person . Do you know why it was this much?
Sarah Barlowsays:
June 28, 2021 at 12:16 pmPlease contact your travel agent provider or the hotel as it should not have been this much.
Maria Mendozasays:
June 30, 2021 at 1:43 pmI paid the tax fee online, were charged $38 USD ($11 fee plus convince fee) per person, they also charge me for my daughter that is 10 years old. At the airport no one asked for the QR or any information regarding this fee. I feel I paid for nothing.
Alansays:
October 26, 2021 at 11:18 pmUnfortunately, Maria, you didn’t go to the official government website. You used one that was created by a private company that takes your info, files the tax for you, and sends you your QR code. They charge a service fee and incorrectly are collecting for underage passengers.
Donsays:
July 5, 2021 at 1:45 pmI paid the tax but no one asked for a receipt or to see it. I feel like I was the only one to pay and now I’m getting grief over doing the right thing. My nephew and his wife went and they didn’t pay and no one question them. Guess I’m out 76.00 for taxes I should have waited to pay at the airport.
Sarah Barlowsays:
July 7, 2021 at 6:17 amHi Don, we have heard of a lot of stories like this. We are looking into the matter but unfortunately as a travel agency it is out of our control.
Hsays:
July 7, 2021 at 1:04 pmI have two questions:
1. Is the departure date the date you leave home or the day you leave Cancun?
2. Is there a way to edit the departure date after you pay?
Sarah Barlowsays:
July 10, 2021 at 3:01 pmHi H, not sure about editing but I believe the departure date is the date you plan on leaving Cancun.
Darrensays:
July 9, 2021 at 6:08 amHi so I want to pay the visitax before I go. On the visitax website it asks for departure date so do I put the date I go on holiday or the date I come back
Sarah Barlowsays:
July 10, 2021 at 3:00 pmHi Darren I believe that would be the date you leave.
Julianasays:
July 14, 2021 at 11:04 pmJust traveled to and from Cancun (July 2021) and had no idea this was a thing! Didn’t notice any signage at the airport and had no issues going through security…
Sarah Barlowsays:
July 16, 2021 at 10:07 amThank you for sharing Juliana. We are hearing a lot about it being very hit and miss.
Tonysays:
October 8, 2023 at 4:52 amI have just left from Cancun airport yesterday 6th October 23. There are no checks at the airport if you have paid this.
It is a complete rip off.
Timsays:
July 20, 2021 at 12:53 amWe traveled to Playa Del Carmen for a week, and came home on July 1. No one ever checked anything at security and we didn’t know anything about it. We are traveling to Cancun this week, with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. I got a notice from the airline about the “vista tax”. I’ve decided not to pay, and if they ask at security, we’ll pay then. One of the sites to pay was charging $24.90 per person (the tax + fee). That’s outrageous to charge more than 100% fee than the actual tax cost.
CDOYLEsays:
August 5, 2021 at 6:50 pmHI … just wondering what to do if I pay the tax in advance and use the wrong travel date. Can I fix it? Do I need to submit another application and pay again? Please advise.
Sarah Barlowsays:
August 6, 2021 at 5:54 amHey CDoyle, unfortunately, I don’t think there is anything you can do. Apologies to not be more helpful.
Rebeccasays:
October 22, 2021 at 12:38 pmWe paid the tax at the airport, on my phone, with the help of a very nice young woman who standing at the bottom of the escalator holding a sign about the tax. However, we were not asked for any proof of payment after that, which made us think it was some kind of scam. Since then I have educated myself about the tax.
Sarah Barlowsays:
October 25, 2021 at 12:09 pmIt isn’t a scam. However, it is coming to light that not every payment is being checked. Thank you for paying and have an amazing trip.
Hopesays:
January 19, 2022 at 10:09 pmHi, last May 2021 I accidentally put the wrong departure date (they want your departure from Mexico) and was unable to edit that. No one asked for the QR code at the airport and I got home fine, so I assume that didn’t matter. In October I totally forgot about the tax, and again was never asked about it at the airport and made it home without paying. I just got back from Cozumel last week, again forgetting about the tax, and again no signs or kiosks at the airport, with no one asking for QR codes. My guess is they are hoping people are honest and just pay it—it would cost them too much in personnel and time to try to monitor it and hunt everyone down. I think it’s great to help support their economy—they really are the cheapest and easiest country to travel to, and $11 is very affordable. I just need reminders that it’s a thing!
Craigsays:
August 17, 2021 at 11:57 pmI just left Cancun airport. I got randomly selected to show proof of visitor tax payment. guess i’m the lucky one. I paid it on my phone instead of waiting in line.
Sarah Barlowsays:
August 19, 2021 at 9:48 amNice work Craig!
Josésays:
August 19, 2021 at 3:55 pmHi Sarah, so visitax and Quintana Roo tax are the same, right? And the cost is $11. My travel agency is asking me $60 per person…
Sarah Barlowsays:
August 20, 2021 at 8:15 amYes indeed same thing and you can do it yourself. 🙂 Hope that helps.
Scottsays:
October 31, 2021 at 3:59 pmI just got back from a resort on October 30th. I paid the taxes online to avoid any issues, but there was no enforcement, so I am sure a large portion of people don’t even know or don’t bother to pay. I guess it’s the honor system for right now.
Hannah Gilbertsonsays:
November 12, 2021 at 10:20 pmWhat happens if you don’t pay the tax? A lady at the airport asked us to pay it and we tried but neither of our credit cards worked so she wrote down our passport numbers. We thought this might be a scam. Now we know the tax is legit but we didn’t pay it within 48 hours she said there may be penalties. So we are wondering what penalties??
Ipingsays:
November 23, 2021 at 5:24 pmWe experienced the same thing. Since a lot of people didn’t pay, I don’t know if they will come back to track us down.
Hank24says:
March 30, 2022 at 11:23 amThey flag your passport, so if you return to Mexico and the fee is not paid, i guess the could refuse entry or other penalties.
Jeffsays:
November 26, 2021 at 5:30 pmThere are many of us Expats who live full time in the Riviera Maya, with either Permanent or Temporary Residency. Since we are not Tourists does the Tax apply to Residents as well?
Aaronsays:
December 12, 2021 at 7:11 pmMy wife and I just arrived back home to Virginia from Cancun on 12/11/2021, here was our experience… We paid the tourism tax, but as many have been experiencing for months now, no one at the airport checked to see if we paid. In the Cancun airport, we checked in with our airline and got our boarding passes. Headed for the escalators at the far left and at the entrance to the escalators were about 4 young workers holding small signs about paying the Tourism Tax, but that was it, and I’m sure majority of travels just walked on by and continued up the escalators. At the top of the escalators was a terrible traffic jam before the line formed to go through security. This traffic jam was caused by travels scrambling to fill out a Mexico COVID Questionnaire that most travelers didn’t know about since we already filled out a questionnaire for our airline and showed proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID test. There were a handful of signs with QR codes at the top of the escalators and 1 worker standing at the entrance of the security line, holding up a sign with a QR code to fill out an online Mexico COVID Questionnaire. The questionnaire was nearly impossible to access due to limited cell service and slow airport wifi. Alternatively, the worker was handing out paper questionnaires. These dumb Mexico “required” COVID questionnaires were NEVER collected or checked and neither was the tourism tax lol. Extremely disorganized, but we made it through.
Allan Mannsays:
December 14, 2021 at 11:32 amHad the same experience as Aaron at CUN on the following day. Nobody asked for the health questionnaire or proof of tax payment. Wouldn’t have minded doing them both if it was correctly administered, but don’t like being asked to do something they do seem to need done.
Abbysays:
December 18, 2021 at 8:54 pmI just had the same experience, leaving Cancun on December 17. I ended up at this article because I was interested to know if the tax was legit or a scam, and was surprised to learn that it’s mandatory and has been for 6 months now. Nobody checked anything and there was no way to enforce who had paid or not.
Also had the same experience with the covid questionnaire. I thought that it was for contract tracing purposes, but nobody even looked at the paper, which I filled out ahead of time for my flight to Cancun. On the way back I didn’t know I would need to do it again, and instead of filling it out a second time I just showed them the old paper. Again, they just took a cursory glance. I don’t have any problem with the tax, or will filling out paperwork in for a purpose, but what a waste of time for everyone to fill out something that is never collected or even looked over.
Emmasays:
January 1, 2022 at 11:09 amHiya, Can anyone advise what we need to do if we are travelling to Quintana Roo (from UK) then leaving for other parts of Mexico, before returning to Q.Roo? Do we have to pay the tax twice, or just put our final departure date back to the UK? We’re flying into Cancun and then a week later flying to Mexico city for a few days. Any advice much appreciated. thanks.
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 6, 2022 at 10:33 amHi Emma, no you just pay the tax once put your final departure date. 🙂
Jimsays:
January 20, 2022 at 3:29 pmHello,
I thought I would be proactive and pay our Mexico departure Tax online. It was easy but When It said to put in your departure date. I put in our departure date from Canada, not the departure date leaving Mexico. Does this matter? If so, Can I get it changed?
Jim
Jeffsays:
February 2, 2022 at 3:54 pmI see a lot of people have done what i did and that was put in the departure date from home instead of from Cancun.
But it looks like there is no answer yet of what to do.So far I’m assuming it doesn’t look like a big deal just as along as you paid the tax if they even check.Thats all Mexico cares about.
Jeff
JOANNE CYBULSKAsays:
February 10, 2022 at 5:08 pmSo , on my West Jet ticket flying from from Toronto Canada To Cancun, it shows CAD $36.72 UK2 ( Tourism tax Derecho No Immigrant E )
Is this the same as the VISITAX.
Thanks for any help. Joanne
JJsays:
February 24, 2022 at 3:35 pmTaxes, taxes, taxes.. All good, we’re headed to Puerto Vallarta instead. You have less people coming, so you make the ones that are pay additional.. not acceptable behaviour.
So, we’ll travel to places that don’t penalize us for visiting. Thanks, turns out we love the west coast as much as we do our old haunts in QRoo. You may have done us a favour with this one.
Gillsays:
March 2, 2022 at 2:45 amHi
Travelling to QR I September. Reading your comments, can we complete Covid questionnaire before we leave resort to save time when we depart at the airport
Mikesays:
March 13, 2022 at 6:27 pmDo temporary or permanent residents have to pay this tax when they visit family in Canada or U.S.?
Sarah Barlowsays:
March 14, 2022 at 5:45 amHi Mike, I don’t think so as long as you have the correct paperwork as this is tourist tax.
Sheilasays:
August 8, 2024 at 3:10 amSarah … what is your source regarding kids under 14 years of age NOT needing to pay the Visitax? Could you direct me please to where I may find this information. Thank you.
Carolesays:
March 24, 2022 at 2:53 pmSomeone wrote this “So , on my West Jet ticket flying from from Toronto Canada To Cancun, it shows CAD $36.72 UK2 ( Tourism tax Derecho No Immigrant E ).
Is this the same as the VISITAX.”
I’m in the same situation, leaving from Toronto going to Cancun on April 4th with West Jet and the same tax “Tourism Tax Derecho No Immigrante” and same amount CAD 39.55 UK2
So do we need to pay another Mexican tax? And is it to be paid when you arrive and when you leave? And the amount charged on my ticket is higher…?
Thanks,
Carole
Robertsays:
March 24, 2022 at 8:43 pmI heard today in a facebook group that the Visitax has been increased. Is that true?
Alexsays:
April 17, 2022 at 2:38 pmI’ve been in Riviera Maya three time in one year, newer paid any tax (because I didn’t know), nobody didn’t ask me for nothing when I left Cancun or when I came back. Always bet 180 visa on arrival.
Dennissays:
July 6, 2022 at 4:34 pmOn July 27th I have a flight from Colombia back to the US with a transit stop in the Cancun Airport. I will not leave the airport, just catch a connecting flight from it back to the US. I will be in the Cancun Airport for about 5 hours between my flights. Do I need to pay the Cancun Departure Tax? Also, I have tried to pay it on Visitax using two valid credit cards and it will not go through. The message I get is that it does not recognize my card(s). Any suggestions?
Marksays:
July 9, 2022 at 6:41 amAccording to the VISITAX website FAQ, the price has increased to 240 pesos.
LJsays:
August 22, 2022 at 4:20 pmGlad that I found this article and the comments section because I did come across one of those other websites (visitax.us) that are charging USD 42 (the actual USD 11 + their fee).
I was trying to pay the tax prior to my trip, but when I try to process payment, I get an error stating that there was an issue processing payment. Has anyone else had this issue?
Carol Berrysays:
September 6, 2022 at 7:11 pmIf I paid the visitax when I was in Cancun last February do I need to pay it again in September? Is it per visit or per year?
Karensays:
September 13, 2022 at 2:24 pmYeah, we refused to pay it because there is a tourist tax already included in the airline ticket. No one checked and no way of verifying that the random people standing around with signs harassing people to scan the QR codes were valid.
We might go to CABO and skip stupid taxes plus the inflated prices for everything.
No one likes being Nicole and dimed
Lenosays:
September 19, 2022 at 11:32 amHi, will there be any consequences if we didn’t pay the taxes?? Do l have to pay even l was born in México living in the USA??
Thank you.
Davidsays:
January 17, 2023 at 6:59 amThis looks to be outdated as the FAQ on the government site indicates 4 years old is the threshold for payment.
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 19, 2023 at 7:22 amHi David thank you for your comment and I will check on the gov website and update this accordingly. 🙂
Jeffsays:
January 27, 2023 at 2:01 pmI am just going to state the same thing. After a month in Mexico, we were told we could not leave the country if this tax was not paid, so I went online and took care of it. At no point ever in leaving Cancun did any official ask to see the receipt or proof it had been paid. I wish I had seen this before, I would not have paid. This money is probably going straight to the building of Tren Maya, which should only be done after infrastructure in these little towns are upgraded to support all the tourism the train will bring.
Robert Sewardsays:
February 5, 2023 at 8:19 pmHi Sarah – Great article ! I have a permanent residente card and live near Merida. Sometimes I might fly out of Cancun because it’s cheaper. Would Ineed to pay the tax ?
Thanks so much !
Bob S.
Amandasays:
February 6, 2023 at 5:54 amHi Sarah, thank you for providing all this information. It is really helpful!
May I please just check that when I am starting to complete the form, it is asking for my departure date/ Does that mean when I depart the UK to fly to Cancun, or is it the date I leave Cancun?
Many thanks,
Amanda
Aythamisays:
April 10, 2023 at 4:39 amThis is odd, I went to Mexico on 2009 as part of a foreign exchange program in the university and left the country through Cancun. This tax was already in place as the check-in line was full of confused passengers that didn’t have any idea what was going on because they apparently weren’t told by their booking companies of such a thing. The tax back then for Europeans was 50€, a lot more than 11$.
Luckily, because I already had paid plenty of money for my student visa, I was exempt of paying this tax, but I wonder if this “Visitor Tax” currently is something else entirely as what I saw in 2009 and I will face a surprise at the airport having to pay even more or I wonder that if I pay online at Visitax everything will be just fine? Speaking to my guide in Mexico right now she is mentioning the 50€ thing as well.
Ria12says:
April 24, 2023 at 2:42 pmHi, I’ve recently purchase the tax for my upcoming holiday. I believed I was on the correct website but turns out it was visitax.gob.eu instead of .mx & I’ve been charged $96 instead of $22 (for 2 people). I’ve received QR codes in my email, but I just wanted to check if these are still legitimate at all?
I’ve read previous comments on here that this is just through another company & they’ve charged me a fee, but I’m just concerned if I now need to rebuy them through the official website still or if these unfortunately expensive ones will be viable?
It doesn’t appear I’ll be able to get a refund from the non-official website, but if they work they work, it is what it is. I would just like confirm if I need to still purchase (correctly this time) or not.
Thank you
Craig Harrisonsays:
May 23, 2023 at 3:16 pmIs anyone else having trouble with the website to pay you taxes. After putting in all the information it either freezes or times out and takes me back to the beginning. Starting to get a bit frustrated on the number of times I have tried
Jonsays:
June 26, 2023 at 12:30 pmI accidentally put the departure date as a date I was traveling to Mexico not the day I was leaving Mexico.
What can be done to correct this?
DMsays:
May 26, 2024 at 5:54 pmDid you have any trouble on your trip with putting the wrong date? I just did the same thing.
JCsays:
July 28, 2023 at 5:27 pmI just paid the tax directly through Visitax and they’re now charging you 259 pesos, but the email sent by the airline says it’s 224 pesos. I have a feeling this is one of those taxes that they implement with a semi-noble goal of acquiring X dollars to address a specific problem, then the tax stays for perpetuity. Like the toll roads in certain US states.
Stacysays:
August 24, 2023 at 6:51 amI have paid the departure tax however the code is showing my arrival date rather than my departure date will this be an issue?
Melissa Dsays:
January 18, 2024 at 1:17 amMy boyfriend and I arrived in Cancun late and were one of the last people to get our luggage. As we were leaving the airport we were stopped and searched. There is a new rule that only allows one computer per person which we were not aware of. I was sneaking away from work for his birthday so I had to bring my work computer with me.. I also am a student finishing classes so I have my personal computer as well. They charged us tax as if we bought the laptop here of $160. And the kicker is I have 2 laptops and my boyfriend has 1 but his is a very expensive one so they forced him to pay the tax even though he is we only in possession of one laptop. It was robbery. Pure geeed and I am completely disgusted. Even when we tried to argue the point that I am the one with 2 computers they refused to listen and threatened us with jail. I would have left that very second if I could have. I don’t want to spend a penny in a country that singles out tourists on vacation to have a good time and harasses them and demands money. I am truly disgusted and can’t believe that just happened. I feel like we were robbed and there is nothing you can do about it. Thanks Mexico. Hope you find other suckers to steal from because it won’t be us. Never again.
Stevesays:
February 14, 2024 at 12:26 pmJust letting everyone know that the tax is still not being enforced .
heathersays:
March 9, 2024 at 2:54 pmHello – I am thouroughly confused. There is so much conflicting information about both the Tourist Card and also the Visitax. We are traveling to quintana roo on March 16 and not sure if we need to do the online tourist card and also if we need to pay the visitax. There are also sites that have different prices. So i am trying to make sure we go to the official sites for both of these things if they are both necessary to do. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated
heathersays:
March 9, 2024 at 2:54 pm*thoroughly
CJsays:
April 1, 2024 at 9:56 amHa? very first trip I to Cancun back in late 80’s , travel agency automatically took tourist tax on my booking, back then it was, I believe $10 USD or $12 Canadian. At one point, this tax was paid upon Cancun departure at the Cashier Register, before going through Customs/Immigration.
Tourist tax has always been in place, now it’s Visitor tax? is that not same as Tourist tax?
Tourists and Visitor is same to me.
Timsays:
July 1, 2024 at 9:43 pmDoes this tax still exist? I’ve gone from Cancun to the USA twice in the past year and was never asked for this. I never even saw the kiosk in the airport.
Rick Knoxsays:
September 29, 2024 at 3:21 pmSo if we pay the visitax before we go does that mean that we dont have to pay a hotel tax for each night we stay at the resort when we arrive?
DRsays:
October 3, 2024 at 1:39 pmI’ve never heard of this tax, nor have I ever paid such a tax in the many, many times I’ve vacationed in Playa and Cozumel. I’m not thinking it is enforced. Never had a problem.
Marianasays:
January 1, 2025 at 10:01 pmMost of the time it isn’t enforced
Alistersays:
October 6, 2024 at 7:59 pmYou mentioned that children under age of 15 do not need to pay the tourist tax. I see in the FAQ on the website https://www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio/ that it has the following question and answer which contradicts your statement.
3. There is no Adult/Child rate. – I understand that the same rate applies to both Adult & Child however, do all children regardless of their age pay? What about infants?
R: Dear user, all foreign tourists must pay for this.
Lindasays:
January 8, 2025 at 6:49 amHow far ahead of going to mexico can you pay the visitax on line
John Smithsays:
March 22, 2025 at 1:24 pmThe Quintaroo Visitor Tax is a scam! There were only people outside the security area, “selling the idea” that you will be asked to show the “digital” QR code to board your flight on the return. So best to pay either before leaving for CANCUN (Riviera Maya, or other locations) or at minimum 3 days before departure. We NEVER once were asked for this on departure and per the websites the airlines will never ask you to pay this, so why would the boarding agent ask you to show the QR code. Also, while the website says the cost is $34.90 USD / person, we only paid the equivalent of $26.50 USD in person at the luggage pickup in CANCUN on arrival. Interesting, there must be a discount if paid in person? My only regret is they now have my Passport number, Name, date of birth, etc… Guess I am going to have to keep an eye on my bank accounts and potential identity theft.