Canadians planning to travel to Mexico should know about a new fee coming into effect next year.
In November, the Mexican government voted to charge a US$42 (C$59.53) immigration fee for all passengers on cruises that dock in the country.
The majority of the money collected would go to the Mexican army, noted the Associated Press in a previous report. The fee was intended to come into effect on January 1, 2025.
However, Mexico has now pushed its plans to implement the fee following a recent meeting with cruise industry representatives.
According to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the cruise tax will be delayed until July 1, 2025.
While the postponement provides a “temporary reprieve,” the group remains worried about its potential impact.
Ramunas Bruzas/Shutterstock
“The concept, for example, of a family of four visiting a Mexican cruise port having to pay an additional US$168 (C$238) in fees for just a few hours ashore, while tourists crossing the border by land who visit for seven days or less remain exempt from this tax, will have far-reaching impacts,” stated the FCCA.
It added that the $42 tax is 214% more than the average cost at Caribbean ports and warned that placing a cost burden on cruise passengers spending a short time in Mexico would “deter visitors, alter cruise itineraries, and create economic ripple effects in communities that heavily rely on cruise tourism.”
The Mexican Association of Cruises also commented, noting that the cruise tax would result in the country losing its competitive edge, becoming one of the world’s most expensive cruise destinations.
“With over 10 million passengers expected in 2025, even a minimal decrease in cruise traffic would result in millions of dollars in lost revenue for local businesses, tours, and services – offsetting or even surpassing the total tax revenue projected from the measure,” stated the industry group.
“Such outcomes could inflict significant harm on Mexico’s tourism-dependent communities, undermining the tax’s purpose.”
This isn’t the only travel-related fee Canadians will charged in the new year.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will come into effect in 2025, costing C$18.02 per person.
According to Global Affairs Canada, Canadians can now apply for an ETA for travel on or after January 8, 2025.
“You will need to apply for your ETA before travelling to or transiting through the UK. You must travel on the passport used for your ETA application,” stated the agency.
For now, only travellers from Canada, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Emirates can apply for an ETA.
With files from Irish Mae Silvestre