Tulum Introduces Free Beach Access Credential for Foreign Residents

Tulum, Quintana Roo — In a move aimed at strengthening environmental stewardship and community inclusion, the Tulum Municipal Government has launched a credentialing program granting foreign residents free access to the public beaches within Parque Nacional del Jaguar (Jaguar Park). The program is a joint effort between the local government, the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), and Jaguar Park’s administration.

The new system replaces the provisional residency certificate that had been previously used to offer free access to foreign residents. That temporary permit expired on June 22, 2025, prompting the introduction of a more formalized and permanent structure.

How It Works: Requirements and Process

According to Johnny Monsreal Padilla, Secretary General of the Tulum Municipal Government, foreign nationals must now obtain a dedicated credential in order to access Jaguar Park’s public beaches free of charge. The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate residents into the conservation framework of one of Mexico’s most ecologically important coastal zones.

To apply, foreigners must present:

• A valid immigration form. For those with FM2 status, the credential will match the expiration of their residency document. For FM3 holders, validity extends until September 30, 2027.
• Proof of continuous residency for at least six months, via a rental agreement or property deed.
• A utility bill (either electricity or water) that matches the applicant’s listed address and name.

All documentation must be submitted as simple copies in person at the General Secretariat’s offices in Tulum, Monday through Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Mexican citizens residing in Tulum will continue to enjoy free beach access through the presentation of an INE (Instituto Nacional Electoral) ID with a registered local address.

Officials emphasized that additional documentation may be required in unique or exceptional cases, which will be reviewed in consultation with federal and environmental agencies.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

This new credential system builds on the growing push to regulate and manage access to ecologically sensitive areas like Jaguar Park, which encompasses over 1,000 hectares of mangroves, beaches, and jungle habitats along Tulum’s rapidly developing coastline.

As part of the federal government’s “Parque del Jaguar” project—first announced by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in 2022—the area has undergone a transformation aimed at halting unregulated tourism, protecting archaeological zones, and promoting sustainable development. The park includes sections of Tulum’s most iconic beaches, including areas once accessible through informal paths or private properties.

“More than just access, this is about community participation and environmental responsibility,” Monsreal Padilla noted. “It’s a step toward reinforcing a collective commitment to biodiversity while recognizing the role of foreign residents in protecting Tulum’s natural heritage.”

The policy arrives at a time of growing tension between public access advocates and private developers in Tulum, where rapid growth has led to beach privatization, environmental degradation, and restricted access for residents and tourists alike. With the new credential system, local officials hope to strike a balance between conservation and community engagement.

How to Stay Updated

Applicants and residents can find more information through the official channels of the Tulum Municipal Government, including its Facebook page (@AyuntamientoDeTulum), or by visiting the General Secretariat’s office directly.

This initiative marks another step toward formalizing public access policies in Tulum, as authorities aim to ensure that access to the region’s natural beauty remains equitable, sustainable, and aligned with ecological preservation.