Do You Have to Pay a Tax Before Leaving Cancun?

Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. However, if you're planning to visit Cancun, you may be wondering if you have to pay a tax before leaving. 

The Departure Tax in Cancun

The departure tax, also known as the tourist tax, is a fee that tourists are required to pay before leaving Mexico. This tax is charged by the Mexican government and is used to fund the country's tourism infrastructure. However, as of April 2021, the departure tax has been eliminated, meaning that tourists are no longer required to pay it before leaving Cancun or any other Mexican destination.

Other Taxes and Fees

While the departure tax has been eliminated, there are still other taxes and fees that tourists may encounter when visiting Cancun. For example, there is a tourist fee that is charged when arriving in Mexico. This fee is included in the cost of your airline ticket and is typically around $20 USD. Additionally, if you plan to rent a car in Cancun, you may be required to pay a daily insurance fee, which can range from $15 to $30 USD per day.

Is visitax  the same as departure tax in Mexico ?

If you're planning a trip to Mexico, you may have heard of both Visitax and Departure Tax. At first glance, these two terms may seem interchangeable, but are they really the same thing?

What is Visitax?

Visitax is a tax that is levied on tourists who visit the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. This tax was implemented in 2019 and applies to both foreign and domestic tourists who visit the state for recreational or tourist purposes. The funds collected from Visitax are used to improve the infrastructure in the state, including roads, public transportation, and public security, among others. The cost of Visitax is 24 USD per person and is payable upon arrival.

What is Departure Tax?

Departure Tax, on the other hand, is a tax that is levied on all passengers leaving Mexico by air. This tax is collected by airlines and is included in the price of your airline ticket. The cost of Departure Tax is currently 1,273 MXN (approximately 60 USD) per person, and it is payable at the time of booking your flight.

Are Visitax and Departure Tax the Same Thing?

In short, no. Visitax and Departure Tax are two separate taxes that are levied for different purposes. Visitax is a tax that is levied on tourists who visit the state of Quintana Roo, while Departure Tax is a tax that is levied on all passengers leaving Mexico by air. It is important to note that Visitax is only payable upon arrival in Quintana Roo, while Departure Tax is included in the price of your airline ticket.

In summary, the departure tax in Cancun has been eliminated as of April 2021, so tourists are no longer required to pay it before leaving Mexico. However, there are still other taxes and fees that you may encounter when visiting Cancun, so it's important to be aware of these costs before you arrive. By doing your research and budgeting accordingly, you can ensure that you have a wonderful and stress-free vacation in Cancun.