Wondering, Do I have to pay Visitax in Mexico?
If you’re planning a trip to Cancun, Tulum and/or Playa del Carmen, you may have heard about the Visitax Mexico Tourist Tax.
This tourism tax has caused quite a bit of confusion since it was introduced a few years back, so let’s clear everything up so you can travel with confidence.
As someone who has been living in Mexico since 2018, and runs several Mexico travel blogs, I’ve done the research and gone through the process myself.
In this article, I’ll explain exactly what the Visitax is, who needs to pay it, how to pay it, and what to watch out for so you don’t get scammed — so let’s dive in.
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What is the Visitax in Mexico?
Visitax is a tourism tax introduced by the government of the state of Quintana Roo on April 1, 2021.
The idea behind Visitax is to raise funds for local tourism infrastructure and services by charging a small fee to international visitors.
So if you’re flying into Cancun International Airport (CUN) or Tulum International Airport (TQO) or visiting places like:
…then yes, you are expected to pay the Visitax.
⚠️ Note: Because Cancun is the main point of entry for foreign visitors to this part of Mexico, it is sometimes called the “Cancun Tourism Tax.”
Who Has to Pay the Mexico Tourist Tax?
The Visitax applies to foreign tourists over the age of 4 who are visiting Quintana Roo for tourism purposes. This means:
✅ Tourists from the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, etc.
✅ Visitors staying in hotels, Airbnbs, or resorts in Quintana Roo Mexico
✅ Travelers entering by air, land, or sea
The Visitax does not apply to:
❌ Mexican citizens
❌ Children under the age of 5
❌ Travelers passing through for business or other non-tourism reasons (though this can be hard to prove)
How Much is the Visitax in Mexico?
The cost of the Visitax is 283 Mexican pesos per person (with a 10% discount available for visitors from Belize 🇧🇿).
This is about $15 USD, $18 CAD, or €12, though the current exchange rate can fluctuate, and that may change by a few dollars/euros.
This is a one-time fee, not a per-day or per-hotel charge — so whether you’re in Quintana Roo state for 3 days or 3 weeks, you only need to pay it once.
What If I Don’t Pay the Mexico Visitax?
While not everyone is asked to show proof of payment, some travelers have been stopped at the airport during check-in or boarding and required to pay on the spot.
If you don’t pay in advance, there can be consequences like these:
👎 Denial of Boarding: As a worst case scenario, your airline may not allow you to board your flight if you don’t have proof of paying the Visitax.
👎 Being Fined at the Airport: If you’re caught not paying, you may be required to pay the Visitax AND and additional “late payment fee” at the airport before you’re allowed to board your flight.
👎 Missing Your Flight: Even if you can pay at the airport, long lines at payment kiosks can cause you to miss your flight (another worst case scenario).
When Do You Need to Pay Mexico’s Visitax?
You can technically pay the Visitax before, during, or after your trip — but I recommend you pay it before you get to the airport.
At Cancun Airport, Tulum Airport, and other local airports in Quintana Roo, some travelers have been asked to show proof of payment before departure.
While enforcement has been inconsistent, it’s better to have your receipt ready at check-in, just in case.
How to Pay the Visitax Online via the Official Visitax Website
To avoid scams and unnecessary third-party fees, make sure you use the official Visitax website 👉 https://www.visitax.gob.mx
Here’s how to pay your Mexico Visitax fee:
- Navigate to the official Visitax site using the link above.
- If needed, use the drop-down menu in the right hand corner to choose your language (use EN for English and ES for Spanish).
- Fill out the form with your:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Departure date
- Number of travelers
- Pay with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
- Download your payment confirmation/QR code.
- ⚠️ Mexico Visitax Tip: Print or screenshot your confirmation and save it to your phone in case you’re asked to show it at the airport.
🛑 Beware of Fake Visitax Sites
There are several unofficial websites that mimic the real Visitax site, and they often charge inflated fees or add unnecessary service charges.
Some even look very convincing with professional design, logos, and fake testimonials — but they are not affiliated with the Mexican government.
These fake sites often appear at the top of search results when people Google “Visitax,” “pay Visitax,” “how to pay Mexico tourist tax,” etc.
Many travelers have unknowingly used them, only to realize later they paid double what they needed to, or worse, never received a valid confirmation because they essentially paid a scam website.
To avoid this, make sure you’re on the official government website, with the URL that ends in “.gob.mx.”
The “gob” is short for the word gobierno, meaning “government” in Spanish. This is the equivalent of the official .gov websites in the U.S.
✅ Correct website: www.visitax.gob.mx
❌ Avoid: Sites like visitax.us, visitax.eu, visitax-cancun.com, visitaxmexico.com, visitaxgob.com, and/or anything that ends in a .com, .net, or .org URL
When in doubt, type the URL directly into your browser or use a trusted link from an official government source or reliable travel blog (like this one 😉).
If you’ve already paid through an unofficial site, check your receipt carefully.
If the site was a scam, you may not receive a valid QR code, or it may not match the official format.
In that case, you may need to dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company.
Common Visitax FAQs
Still have questions? Here are a few of the most frequently asked ones I get from readers and Mexico travelers just like you:
Who needs to pay Mexico’s Visitax?
Anyone traveling to Quintana Roo state (including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Holbox Island, Bacalar, Mahahual, Akumal, Puerto Morelos, etc.) for tourism purposes must pay the Visitax.
If you are traveling to any of the 31 other states in Mexico, you do not need to pay the Visitax.
Is the Visitax per person, or per group?
Visitax is a per person tax, so each person over the age of 5 traveling to Quintana Roo state for tourism purposes must pay it.
That means if you’re traveling as a couple or family, you’ll need to pay for each traveler in your party separately.
Do children need to pay the Visitax?
Children under age 5 do not need to pay. Everyone 5 and older does.
Do I need to pay again if I leave and come back to Quintana Roo?
Yes, the Visitax is tied to each entry into Quintana Roo for tourism purposes.
If you leave and return on a different trip, you’ll need to pay it again for that visit.
Will I be denied boarding if I don’t pay the Visitax?
Probably not, though it has happened to some travelers.
While enforcement of the Visitax hasn’t been consistent, it’s always smarter to pay it ahead of time and have proof of payment ready in case you’re stopped.
After all, no one wants to deal with delays or last-minute stress at the airport.
Can I pay the Visitax in cash?
The official website only accepts credit cards, debit cards and PayPal.
There may be kiosks at Cancun Airport that accept cash, but they’re not always reliable or staffed, so your best bet is to pay online.
Why is There So Much Confusion About Mexico Visitax?
When Visitax was first introduced in April 2021, there was very little communication from the Mexican government, and no clear instructions for tourists.
That of course, and understandably, led to:
- Confusing payment processes at airports
- Multiple “unofficial” websites popping up
- Inconsistent enforcement by authorities
- Travelers unsure if they’d paid the right fee or not at all
Fast forward to today, and things have improved — but there’s still a lot of misinformation online about Mexico’s Visitax for tourists.
That’s why it’s important to use only the official site 👉 visitax.gob.mx, and double-check everything yourself.
Pro Tips for Paying the Mexico Visitax
1️⃣ Pay at least 24 hours before departure
That way, you have time to troubleshoot any issues or resend the confirmation if needed.
2️⃣ Save a copy offline
Wi-Fi at airports can be spotty, if it functions at all.
To be on the safe side, save the PDF to your phone’s files or take a screenshot of the QR code so you can access it without internet.
3️⃣ Don’t fall for online “helpers”
Some travel forums and blogs link to third-party payment services with inflated fees. If you’re unsure, type visitax.gob.mx directly into your browser.
4️⃣ Set a reminder to pay before your return flight
Put it on your phone calendar if you’re staying for a while. It’s easy to forget while soaking up the sun in Tulum or Isla Mujeres!
My Final Thoughts on Mexico’s Visitax Tourist Tax
While no one likes paying additional fees, the law is that you must pay the Visitax if you’re traveling to Quintana Roo state — and if you don’t want any potential travel headaches, I suggest you do just that.
Also, it’s a small price to pay to enjoy the white-sand beaches, cenotes, Mayan ruins, and vibrant towns of Quintana Roo.
For now, Mexico’s Visitax enforcement may be inconsistent, but it’s still your responsibility as a traveler to comply.
It takes just a few minutes to pay here online, and doing so avoids any hassle when you’re heading home.
Plus, if you’re someone who likes to travel responsibly, this is a way to contribute to the sustainability of tourism in one of Mexico’s most visited regions.
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