Cozumel Suspends Customs Fees on Dive Gear After Complaints From International Divers

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Federal and municipal authorities have agreed to temporarily suspend customs fees charged to international divers bringing specialized equipment into Cozumel, following complaints that the charges were excessive.

José Farah Ceh, the island’s tourism director, said the decision was reached after a meeting with the local customs official two weeks ago to review how arriving divers’ luggage is inspected.

One of the main adjustments was recognizing dive computers as essential safety equipment rather than additional electronic devices, a classification that had been generating improper charges.

Under current regulations, travelers may bring up to two dive computers per person. In some cases, however, customs staff were counting the devices as extra electronics, which resulted in penalties for visitors.

“They were told how important dive computers are for the user’s safety, so it was agreed to temporarily suspend the charge while clearer criteria are defined,” Farah Ceh said.

The tourism director noted that dive tourism accounts for more than 30 percent of visitors who stay overnight in Cozumel, with an average stay of one week and spending above that of the typical tourist. Making entry easier for these travelers is therefore a priority, he said.

Officials said the agreement is intended to protect a sector considered strategic for the local economy and to keep the destination competitive against other international dive markets.