Visitax Tax Stays Under Quintana Roo Government Control

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The Visitax fee, a contribution established for foreign visitors arriving in the state of Quintana Roo, has been placed under the control of the state government following a dialogue process with the tourism sector, confirmed the state government in a recent statement.

This announcement ends speculation about possible changes in how the tax is collected, after months of public debate between authorities, hoteliers, and business associations of the Mexican Caribbean.

Government Reaffirms Control of Visitax and Maintains Relationship with Tourism Industry

First, authorities reported that collection of the Visitax will remain the direct responsibility of the Quintana Roo government, and not of hotels, as had been proposed previously. This decision responds to dialogue with the hotel sector, in which it was agreed that withholding the tax directly at lodging establishments will not be applied, maintaining firm state administration of this resource.

Furthermore, the government assured that the scheme “remains firm” and has the support of tourism representatives, who recognize that this measure will allow better planning to invest resources for the benefit of Quintanarroenses and the development of destinations.

What is Visitax and How is it Applied?

On the other hand, Visitax is a mandatory fee for foreign visitors entering the state of Quintana Roo. Created in 2021 as a way to contribute to tourism promotion, beach maintenance, as well as destination infrastructure and sustainability.

Although its implementation generated confusion and resistance, the government has reiterated that this fee will be maintained with the intention of guaranteeing the competitiveness of destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel—places that receive millions of visitors each year.

Debate and Budget Adjustments Derived from Visitax

On the other hand, the decision that hotels not serve as Visitax withholding agents impacted the structuring of the state’s 2026 Expenditure Budget, reducing estimated revenue derived from this fee.

Despite this, authorities have declared that these adjustments will not affect key works or programs in sectors like education, health, or infrastructure, since budget adjustments were handled carefully to balance public finances without sacrificing essential services.

Implications for Tourism and Foreign Visitors

Finally, the fact that Visitax remains administered by the state government means that foreign visitors will continue facing the payment process through established official mechanisms—generally online or at authorized points—and not through hotels or other intermediaries.

This scheme seeks to clarify obligations for tourists, as well as strengthen transparency and effectiveness in managing collected resources. Authorities have emphasized that the main objective is to preserve Quintana Roo’s leadership as one of the world’s most important tourist destinations, guaranteeing that funds are allocated to maintaining the quality of natural attractions, their infrastructure, and services.