Saturday, November 30, 2024 The cruise ship industry is reeling after the Mexican Congress voted to introduce a $42 immigration levy for every passenger on cruise ships docking in Mexican ports. This controversial decision, part of the country’s new budget law, has prompted sharp criticism from industry players, who warn it could make Mexico one of the most expensive cruise destinations globally, particularly in the competitive Caribbean region. Under the new law, cruise passengers, previously exempt from immigration fees as they typically sleep aboard the ship and may not disembark, will now be charged the $42 fee regardless of their activities during port calls.
Industry leaders argue this additional cost will undermine Mexico’s competitiveness as a cruise destination. The Mexican Association of Shipping Agents expressed its concern, stating that implementing the fee would make Mexican ports of call, such as Cozumel, prohibitively expensive compared to other popular Caribbean destinations. Cozumel, often referred to as the “cruise capital of the world,” currently welcomes approximately four million passengers annually.
“If this measure is implemented, it would make Mexican ports of call among the most expensive in the world, severely affecting their competitiveness,” the association noted in a statement. Adding to the debate, two-thirds of the funds generated from the immigration charge will reportedly be allocated to Mexico’s defense department. Critics quest.
