Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In a major win for the cruise industry, Mexico has significantly reduced its upcoming Non-Resident Duty (DNR) tax for cruise passengers to just $5 USD per person. The revised fee will take effect on July 1, 2025, replacing the much higher $42 tax that was originally set to begin in January.
The initial tax plan, passed by the National Senate in November 2024 by a vote of 80 to 37, was aimed at strengthening immigration controls and increasing public revenue. However, industry experts warned that such a steep fee could deter cruise lines from including Mexican ports in their itineraries, threatening a key sector of the country’s tourism economy.
Following discussions with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), which represents 23 major cruise lines, Mexican officials agreed to first delay, and now reduce, the fee. This compromise helps maintain Mexico’s status as a top cruise destination while still introducing a tax for non-resident cruise visitors.
Until now, cruise passengers had been exempt from the immigration fee that applies to most foreign travelers entering Mexico. The new DNR tax introduces a phased structure, with a $10 fee planned for 2026 and $21 in 2027. Authorities have yet to confirm whether future increases will roll out in January or July.
Cruise lines are expected to include the tax in overall fare pricing, as they currently do with port fees. Mexico remains a key part of many Caribbean and Pacific itineraries, with popular stops like Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada continuing to attract millions of passengers each year.
The reduced fee helps ensure that Mexico remains competitive in the global cruise market while still contributing to government resources.
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