Quintana Roo, Mexico — Just two days after the implementation of the Non-Resident Fee (DNR) in the ports of Cozumel and Mahahual, the fiscal measure has already begun generating significant revenue. According to official data, authorities have collected at least 82,680 U.S. dollars, equivalent to 1,541,982 Mexican pesos at the current exchange rate.
Over 20,000 Passengers in Two Days
The DNR took effect on July 1, 2025, targeting international tourists arriving via cruise ships. In the first two days of the month, five cruise ships carrying 20,454 passengers docked in Cozumel, known as the “Island of the Swallows,” reported Vagner Elbiorn Vega, Director General of the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo).
The cruise ships that arrived in Cozumel included:
- Mariner of the Seas – 3,918 passengers
- Valiant Lady – 2,599 passengers
- Carnival Paradise – 2,873 passengers
Additionally, the World America (6,316 passengers) and Carnival Breeze (4,748 passengers) arrived on July 2.
Who Is Subject to the Fee?
Despite the high volume of visitors, only 16,536 passengers were charged the DNR in Cozumel. The Mariner of the Seas was exempt because Mahahual was its first port of arrival, meaning passengers were not required to pay the fee in Cozumel.
The initial DNR charge is set at 5 U.S. dollars per passenger and will remain at this rate until July 31, 2026. After that, incremental increases will apply:
- 10 USD from August 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027
- 15 USD from July 1, 2027, to July 31, 2028
- 21 USD from August 1, 2028, to August 30, 2030
Negotiations Behind the New Tax
The implementation of the DNR followed negotiations between federal authorities and the cruise industry. The original proposal was a 42-dollar fee per passenger, but it was reduced after cruise lines raised concerns about the competitiveness of the destination compared to other Caribbean ports.
The fee aims to balance fiscal conditions between tourists arriving by sea and those entering by air, who are already subject to immigration fees.
Who Manages the Revenue?
The collection and oversight of the DNR will be handled by the Tax Administration Service (SAT) of Quintana Roo, as confirmed by Elbiorn Vega.
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