Know Before You Go: What’s the Deal with the New Riviera Maya Tourist Fees?
Branded main image for the blog post “What’s the Deal with the New Riviera Maya Tourist Fees?” featuring a relaxed tourist at a beach resort in Mexico. The scene includes symbolic travel items - a passport, coins with Scrabble tiles spelling “fees”, and a heart-shaped Mexico flag - highlighting the costs and entry requirements for visiting Riviera Maya.
If you’re planning a trip to Quintana Roo in 2025—home to Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel—it’s essential to understand the various taxes and fees that may apply to your visit. These charges are designed to support local infrastructure, environmental conservation, and tourism services. Being informed will help you budget appropriately and avoid unexpected expenses.
VISITAX: The Quintana Roo Tourist Tax
Who Pays It?
All international visitors aged 4 and above entering Quintana Roo are required to pay the VISITAX.
How Much?
As of 2025, the fee is $283 MXN (approximately $15 USD) per person.
When and How to Pay:
Online: You can pay in advance through the official website: https://www.visitax.gob.mx. Ensure you’re on the official site to avoid scams.
At the Airport: Payment kiosks are available at the airport before departure.
Avoiding Scams:
Be cautious of unofficial websites or individuals offering to process the tax for you, often at inflated prices. The official site will charge in Mexican pesos and will not request payment in cash.
Image of Mexican pesos in multiple denominations, commonly used by travelers in Mexico for purchases, tips, and local tourist fees. A helpful visual for understanding currency needs when visiting destinations like the Riviera Maya.
Additional Local Taxes by Municipality
Each municipality in Quintana Roo may impose its own local taxes, often related to environmental sanitation. These fees are typically charged per room, per night, and vary by location:
Cancun (Benito Juárez): Approximately 76 MXN per room, per night.
Playa del Carmen (Solidaridad): Around 54 MXN per couple, per night.
Puerto Morelos: 67.88 MXN per room, per night, with variations depending on room size.
These fees are usually collected by your accommodation provider at check-in or check-out.
Environmental and Sustainability Fees by Hotel/Resort
A sea turtle glides through vibrant coral reefs in Mexico’s Riviera Maya - a stunning reminder of the fragile ecosystems supported by local environmental fees. These small contributions from tourists help preserve marine biodiversity for future generations.
In addition to municipal taxes, many hotels and resorts charge environmental or sustainability fees to fund local conservation efforts:
General Environmental Sanitation Fee: Approximately 33.94 MXN per guest, per night.
Beach Hotels: Some resorts charge up to 195 MXN per room, per night.
These charges are typically added to your hotel bill and are payable at the property.
Federal DNR Tax (Derecho No Residente)
The DNR tax is a federal fee imposed on international visitors to Mexico.
Amount:
Approximately 860 MXN (around $42 USD) per person.
Payment:
This tax is often included in your airline ticket price. However, it’s advisable to confirm with your airline to ensure it’s covered.
TUA Airport Tax (Tarifa de Uso de Aeropuerto)
This image shows a man seated in an airport terminal with his feet resting on luggage, gazing out at a departing airplane. It visually represents the TUA (Airport Use Fee) discussed in the blog post on Mexico’s new tourist taxes.
The TUA is an airport usage fee charged to passengers departing from Mexican airports:
Domestic Flights: Approximately 610.55 MXN.
International Flights: Around 1,159.22 MXN.
This fee is generally included in your airfare, but it’s recommended to verify with your airline.
Cruise Ship Passenger Tax
Starting July 1, 2025, cruise ship passengers docking in Mexico will be charged a $5 USD fee per port call. This fee is collected by the cruise companies and is intended to support local infrastructure and services.
This image features a cruise ship gliding across the ocean at sunset, representing the Cruise Passenger Tax discussed in the blog post about Mexico’s updated tourism fees. Ideal for illustrating maritime levies affecting travelers arriving by sea.
Sport Fishing Tax
A new state tax of 271 MXN per person has been implemented for individuals participating in sport fishing activities in Quintana Roo. This fee supports environmental conservation efforts and is typically collected by tour operators.
This image shows six fishing poles mounted at the stern of a boat cruising off the Mexican coast. It supports the section of the blog post addressing Mexico’s sport fishing tax, which applies to travelers engaging in recreational marine activities.
Swimming with Dolphins Tax (ISEPAAA)
Participants in marine mammal activities, such as swimming with dolphins, are subject to the ISEPAAA tax:
Amount: 50 MXN per person.
Payment: This fee is usually paid directly at the activity provider’s ticket booth before participation.
This image captures a woman wearing a life vest, gently holding a dolphin’s face while gazing into its eyes during a swim in Mexican waters. It illustrates the ISEPAAA tax, a new environmental fee for dolphin encounters and marine wildlife tourism in Mexico.
How to Pay and Avoid Scams
Official Websites: Always use official government websites for payments. For VISITAX, the official site is https://www.visitax.gob.mx.
Avoid Cash Payments: Legitimate fees are typically paid online or at official kiosks. Be wary of individuals requesting cash payments.
Verify Inclusions: Confirm with your airline or travel provider which taxes and fees are included in your bookings to avoid double payments.
Budgeting for Your Trip in 2025
A traveler holds a savings jar, representing the importance of budgeting for fees and expenses in Mexico.
When planning your budget for a trip to Quintana Roo, consider the following approximate costs per person:
VISITAX: $15 USD
Municipal Taxes: Varies by location (e.g., $4 USD per night)
Environmental Fees: Up to $10 USD per night
DNR Tax: $42 USD
TUA Airport Tax: Approximately $55 USD
Cruise Ship Tax: $5 USD per port
Sport Fishing Tax: $15 USD
Swimming with Dolphins Tax: $3 USD
These fees can add up, so it’s advisable to factor them into your travel budget to avoid surprises.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the various taxes and fees associated with traveling to Quintana Roo in 2025 will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Always refer to official sources or consult with local authorities for the most current information.
Before You Go…
If you’re just joining the series, don’t miss the first post: Why Riviera Maya is the Summer Escape You Deserve — it’s packed with inspiration on what makes this sun-soaked paradise the perfect vacation spot. And stay tuned! More Riviera Maya travel guides are on the way, including tips on where to stay, what to pack, and how to explore beyond the resorts. Gear up and Go So Fun — your summer getaway starts here.
If you found this information helpful, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions!
Branded promotional image for The Sea Seeker’s “Summer by the Sea: Riviera Maya Retreats” blog series. The illustration features a serene Riviera Maya beach setting with palm trees, turquoise waves, a beach cruiser, and vacation elements, setting the tone for a summer travel campaign focused on resort stays, cultural adventures, and coastal escapes.
Sources:
VISITAX Official Website: https://www.visitax.gob.mx
Playa del Carmen Blog: https://www.playadelcarmen.com/blog/visitor-tax-cancun/
Garza Blanca Cancun: https://cancun.garzablancaresort.com/new-tourism-tax-for-quintana-roo-mexico
Royal Resorts Blog: https://www.royalresorts.com/blog/april-may-2025/municipal-environmental-fees-for-cancun-puerto-morelos-and-riviera-maya-in-2025/
Riviera Maya News: https://riviera-maya-news.com/new-state-sport-fishing-tax-has-riviera-maya-nautical-sector-worried/2025.html
Dolphin Discovery Blog: https://blog.dolphindiscovery.com/new-tax-to-swim-with-dolphins-in-cancun/
Volaris Travel Info: https://cms.volaris.com/en/travel-info/tua/
Mighty Travels: https://www.mightytravels.com/2025/05/mexicos-dnr-tax-what-happens-when-airlines-forget-to-include-it-in-your-ticket-price/
Cruise Radio: https://cruiseradio.net/mexico-cruise-passenger-tax-now-july-2025/
