Mexico to Charge Cruise Tourists New $5 Fee in 2025

Mexico City — As of July 1, 2025, Mexico has officially enacted the Non-Resident Fee (DNR), a federal charge applied to foreign tourists arriving in the country via cruise ships. The initial fee is set at $5 per passenger and will increase incrementally, reaching $21 between 2028 and 2030, according to a decree published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación.

Gradual Fee Increase to Ease Transition

Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, stated that the measure resulted from negotiations between the federal government and the cruise industry, involving the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, the National Migration Institute, and tourism sector representatives. The phased implementation aims to mitigate the immediate financial impact on passengers and cruise operators.

The fee structure is as follows:

• July 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026: $5 per tourist
• August 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027: $10 per tourist
• July 1, 2027 – July 31, 2028: $15 per tourist
• August 1, 2028 – September 30, 2030: $21 per tourist

Strengthening Economic Collaboration

Rodríguez Zamora emphasized that the policy seeks to foster economic growth, generate employment, and solidify Mexico’s position as a competitive global tourism destination. She noted that Michele M. Paige, CEO of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to supporting Mexico through several initiatives, including:

• Collecting and remitting the DNR
• Increasing purchases of Mexican-made goods
• Promoting Mexico in international markets
• Showcasing Mexican folk art under the Hecho en México brand aboard ships and in ports

The measure is expected to enhance collaboration between the government and the cruise sector while driving long-term economic benefits for local communities.