Beginning tomorrow, August 1st, cruise passengers visiting Mexican ports will pay a higher Non-Resident Duty (Derecho de No Residente – DNR), with the tourism fee increasing from US$5 to US$10 per person under the country's phased implementation plan.
The increase forms part of an agreement reached between the Mexican government and the cruise industry following negotiations over an initially proposed US$42 charge. The phased approach was introduced to reduce the immediate impact on the cruise sector while allowing Mexican destinations to remain competitive in the global cruise market.
According to Mexico's Ministry of Tourism (Sectur), the country welcomed a record 6.5 million cruise passengers during the first six months of 2026, highlighting continued growth in one of the world's leading cruise destinations despite the introduction of the new levy.
Under the current schedule, the US$10 fee will remain in effect until June 30th, 2027. The charge will then increase to US$15 per passenger from July 1st, 2027 through July 31st, 2028, before rising to US$21 per passenger from August 1st, 2028, unless the existing agreement is amended.
The agreement also includes broader cooperation between the cruise industry and the Mexican government. Cruise operators committed to expanding the use of Mexican products aboard their vessels, increasing promotion of Mexican destinations, supporting local employment and training initiatives, and enhancing the visibility of Mexican cultural products throughout the cruise experience.
Despite the gradual introduction of the higher tourism fee, Mexico continues to experience strong growth in cruise tourism, with major cruise lines maintaining and expanding calls to the country's principal ports.