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Cancun is the most sought-after destination for Americans going abroad: with its all-inclusive resorts, vibrant shopping scene and beautiful beaches surrounded by turquoise seas, there’s no doubt that it’s ready for another record season.
That said, a week in paradise doesn’t come with its own share of good old bureaucracy.
In April 2021, the state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located, introduced VISITAX, a tourist tax required for all arrivals.
The tax applies to tourists landing in Cancun, although authorities have been very lax in enforcing the new law since its introduction. No happens longer moving forward – and for that dodger out there you might want to think twice:
Do not pay this fee can have your passport marked.
What is the Cancun VISITAX?
First of all: what exactly is VISITAX?
This is a tourist tax aimed at generating revenue for new infrastructure, examples of which include new technology to keep the coast sargassum-free, the revitalization of the Tajamar promenade and even road improvements.
We know you’re already wondering why you have to pay the state of Quintana Roo on top of your already expensive all-inclusive resort, but personally we can’t even get mad when we see the progress of projects. and the fact it only costs 271 Mexican pesos.
In US dollars that is a negligible $13.40, and all travelers aged 15 and over must pay.
Plus, Cancun isn’t the only destination to introduce a tourist tax in recent years: you can’t even board a flight to Britain anymore without first applying for their new travel authorization, and just south of Mexico, Belize is the latest destination that has introduced a similar requirement.
However, for three years, airport officials have not bothered to check whether or not tourists have paid the tax, leaving Americans completely ignored or abandoned altogether.
As reported by the Cancun sun, this will change with immediate effect.
What are the consequences if you do not pay?
Starting this season, tourists who do not show proof that they have paid the tourist tax may face consequences.
For starters, agents stop tourists departing from Cancun airport to ensure they have paid the tax before leaving the state for other destinations in Mexico or their home country.
In most cases, they are simply asked to pay the fee on the spot before leaving, without serious consequences, but according to the Cancun sunothers who try to leave without paying may be fined unpleasant surprise back to Cancun.
Whether fines or something else, the full extent of the consequences has not yet been formally detailed. An that is explicitly mentioned is the addition of a ‘observation’ to your passport.
We don’t know exactly what this means, but we do Doing I know we don’t want our passports flagged by any authority, especially when it comes to such a small inconvenience like spending just 13 dollars and a few cents.
Should you choose to ignore this requirement and get away with it, you will likely have to pay double the fee when you return to Cancun, as border agents will have access to your passport observations, or even be fined , which is not specified at this time.
Trust us, you don’t want to get fined in a foreign country, where the laws are different than your home country and the values can be quite high.
Moral of the story, just pay the fee.
How to pay Cancun VISITAX fees
How do you pay the VISITAX fee?
There are two simple ways to do this: online via the official VISITAX website or upon arrival at one of the kiosks at Cancun Airport, Tulum Airport or other access points to the state of Quintana Roo.
It goes without saying that payment in advance online is possible the most convenient alternative because you avoid waiting in line.
The process is very simple. You fill out a simplified form, which asks you to enter your name, date of birth, date of departure and preferred payment method (currently you can only pay by credit or debit card).
Once payment is confirmed, you will receive a QR code to show to officers when the time comes.
Oh, and beware of scammers!
These are the only ones two ways you can legitimately pay your VISITAX contribution: Thu not trust scammers who wait in the arrivals hall or outside the airport and ask for three to four times the actual fee.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
