MEXICO CITY (AP) — The cruise ship industry is voicing strong opposition after Mexico’s lower house of Congress recently approved a new $42 immigration levy for each cruise passenger docking in the country. The measure has sparked backlash, with critics pointing out that a significant portion of the revenue—two-thirds—will be allocated to the Mexican military, not to enhance port infrastructure.
The Mexican Association of Shipping Agents expressed concern on Thursday, warning that the new charges could make Mexico one of the most expensive destinations for cruise ships. The association argued that this could damage Mexico’s competitiveness compared to other Caribbean ports.
The association is now urging the Mexican Senate to reject the measure, which would require that the lion’s share of the levy’s proceeds go to the country’s defense department, despite unclear reasons for this decision.
Historically, cruise ship passengers have been exempt from the immigration fee, as many either stay on the ship or only briefly disembark during port stops. Under the new law, however, passengers will be required to pay the $42 fee even if they do not leave the vessel.
Mexico’s Caribbean coast has long been a major hub for cruise tourism, with Cozumel standing out as the busiest port globally, welcoming over four million passengers annually. The new law stipulates the removal of the previous exemption for foreign passengers arriving aboard cruise ships, stating the necessity of applying the immigration fee to all foreign visitors.
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The ruling Morena party, already struggling with budget deficits, is seeking additional revenue sources to fund ambitious infrastructure projects, including railways and oil refineries—many of which are being constructed by the military. This new levy is part of the government’s strategy to address fiscal shortfalls.
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