Cancun Airport Visitax: How And Where To Pay?

The Visitax is a mandatory tax imposed by the Government of Quintana Roo, a state in Mexico that includes Cancun International Airport. All foreign tourists over 15 must pay the tax, which costs 271 Mexican pesos or the equivalent in USD. Tourists can pay before their arrival, during their stay, or upon exiting the state via the Visitax website, but there is also an option to pay in cash at the Cancun Airport terminals. However, some sources indicate that the tax is not always enforced, and travellers have been able to ignore requests to pay without repercussions.

Payment methods for Visitax at Cancun Airport

On April 1, 2021, the Mexican state authority introduced a mandatory tourist tax for foreign visitors over the age of 15 (some sources say 4) entering Quintana Roo state, which includes Cancun International Airport. This tax, called Visitax, can be paid before arrival, during your stay, or upon exiting the state.

Visitax can be paid online via the official Visitax website, where you will be redirected to a secure payment page after filling out a form. The website accepts credit card payments, and upon completion of the payment, travellers will be provided with a QR code that must be presented to airport security before boarding their departure flight.

Additionally, new electronic terminals are being set up at Cancun Airport, where travellers can pay the visitor fee in cash. The fee is 271 Mexican pesos or the equivalent in USD.

It is important to note that while Visitax is mandatory, some travellers have reported that they were not asked for proof of payment during their time in Quintana Roo state. However, as a legal requirement for non-residents, it is advisable to make the payment to avoid any potential issues.

Enforcing the Visitax fee at Cancun Airport

The Visitax is a mandatory tax imposed by the Government of Quintana Roo, a state in Mexico that includes Cancun International Airport and destinations such as Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Tulum. The tax, which costs $271 Mexican pesos or the equivalent in USD, applies to all foreign tourists over 15 years old entering Quintana Roo. Tourists can pay the tax before their arrival, during their stay, or upon exiting the state through the Visitax website or in cash at the Cancun Airport terminals.

While the Visitax fee is mandatory, enforcement of the tax at Cancun Airport has been inconsistent. Some travellers have reported being asked to show proof of payment, while others have not been asked at all. There have been reports of Visitax collectors at the airport directing travellers to payment options, but it is not enforced. Additionally, some travellers have experienced issues with the Visitax website, encountering errors during the payment process.

To pay the Visitax fee at Cancun Airport, new electronic terminals are being set up where travellers can make cash payments. Travellers can also pay online by visiting the official Visitax website, filling out the required information, and completing the payment through a secure payment page. Once payment is made, travellers will receive a QR code that must be presented to airport security before boarding their departure flight.

It is important to note that the Visitax fee is separate from other taxes and fees associated with travelling to Cancun, such as taxi prices, VAT, and foreigner hotel taxes. While enforcement may currently be inconsistent, it is recommended to pay the Visitax fee to avoid any potential issues during travel.

The cost of the Visitax fee

The Visitax is a mandatory fee for all foreign tourists over 15 years old entering the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The state includes Cancun International Airport and destinations such as Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Costa Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. The fee was established in 2020 to "mitigate the impact on the beaches and natural reserves of the State and to contain sargassum". It is also used to improve infrastructure, such as access to Mayan archaeological sites, and to generate better public services that benefit tourists and locals.

The Visitax fee is 271 Mexican pesos or the equivalent in USD. It can be paid before arrival, during your stay, or upon exiting the state via the Visitax website using a credit card. Once the payment is complete, travellers will receive a QR code that needs to be presented to airport security before boarding their departure flight. The payment verification will be made when the tourist leaves the state.

Although the Visitax is mandatory, some travellers have reported that it is not always enforced. Some sources suggest that there will be signs and personnel at the airport directing visitors on how to pay, but others claim that there are no booths or desks available at the airport to pay the Visitax. It is recommended to pay the fee online to avoid any potential issues.

New electronic terminals are being set up at Cancun Airport, where travellers can pay the Visitax in cash. However, it is not clear if these terminals are fully operational yet.

Who does the Visitax fee apply to?

The Visitax fee applies to all foreign tourists over 15 years old entering Quintana Roo state in Mexico. This includes travellers coming for leisure, business, or educational reasons. The tax is mandatory and must be paid by all foreign tourists, regardless of their nationality or duration of stay. Mexican nationals, temporary and permanent residents of Mexico, and foreigners entering and exiting Quintana Roo through the Belize border are exempt from the Visitax fee.

The Visitax is a tax imposed by the Government of Quintana Roo to mitigate the impact on the beaches and natural reserves of the state and to improve access to Mayan archaeological sites and public services. The cost of Visitax is 271 Mexican pesos (MXN) or the equivalent in USD per person, which can be paid online or in cash at the Cancun Airport terminals. While some sources mention that the Visitax can only be paid online, recent updates indicate that cash payment terminals are being set up at the Cancun Airport.

It is recommended to pay the Visitax online before arrival to avoid queues at the airport and minimise the risk of missing a flight. The payment can be made through the official Visitax website or through third-party websites, which may charge an additional service fee. After completing the payment, travellers will receive a QR code that must be presented to airport security before boarding their departure flight.

While there have been varying reports of enforcement, it is important to note that non-payment of the Visitax may result in fines. Therefore, it is advisable to make the payment as required and provide the necessary information, such as passport details, to ensure a smooth travel experience.

The purpose of the Visitax fee

The Visitax is a mandatory tourist tax imposed by the Government of Quintana Roo, a state in Mexico that includes Cancun International Airport and destinations such as Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Costa Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. The tax was created to mitigate the impact of tourism on the beaches and natural reserves of the state and to contain sargassum.

The Visitax fee is intended to generate infrastructure to improve access and surveillance of Mayan archaeological sites and generate better public services that benefit both tourists and the local population. The funds collected from the tax are used to maintain and enhance tourism services, protect natural attractions, and support local communities that rely on tourism. This includes conservation programs for coral reefs, improvements in public transportation, and the maintenance of popular tourist sites such as Chichén Itzá and Tulum.

The Visitax payment is mandatory for all foreign tourists over 15 years old entering Quintana Roo state. The fee is per person, meaning that a family of four will need to pay around $60 USD in total. Mexican citizens and residents are exempt from this tax. The payment can be made before arrival, during the stay, or upon exiting the state, and verification of the payment will be made when the tourist leaves Quintana Roo.

There are several ways to pay the Visitax fee. It can be paid online through the official Visitax website or authorized third-party platforms, where payment can be made via credit or debit card, or PayPal. Alternatively, it can be paid in cash at the Cancun Airport terminals or upon exiting the state. If paying at the airport, there is an extra $2 USD fee and an additional IVA tax of 16% because the tax is being collected locally. It is recommended to pay the Visitax ahead of time to ensure compliance with local regulations and avoid potential issues when departing the region. Once the payment is completed, travelers will receive a QR code that needs to be presented to airport security before boarding their departure flight.

Frequently asked questions