Beginning on April 1st, all foreign visitors entering the states of Cancun and Quintana Roo are required to pay a tourist tax known as “do you have to pay visitax”. This new payment is mandatory for anyone over 15 years old who enters this popular Mexican Caribbean destination.
This new fee is designed to promote and support tourism in the state, which is a large source of income for the local economy. Despite being an extra cost to add to your travel budget, this is a necessary investment for the future of the region and it helps contribute towards the development of popular vacation spots in Cancun and Tulum.
Navigating Visitax Obligations: What You Need to Know
Fortunately, the new visitor tax is not obligatory for everyone as there are several exemptions. Children under the age of 15, Mexican citizens and residents, transit passengers, and people with disabilities are all exempt from paying visitax. In addition, a 50% discount is available for seniors, pensioners, and students.
Visitors who do not pay the visit as may be subject to legal penalties and be prevented from traveling within the country until their debt is paid. This is why it is important to include the cost of the visit as in your overall travel budget and make sure to have a copy of your receipt handy during your trip.
It is very easy to pay visitax online, either before your trip or upon arrival. All you need is a valid passport and an email address to receive your digital receipt with a QR code that will serve as proof of payment. This QR code can be scanned at various points throughout your stay and should be kept on you at all times.