VISITAX – the new, mandatory, Quintana Roo tourist tax, came into effect April 2021. Since then it has been very highly debated, with plenty of wrong information being spread online. We hope this article clears up any confusion you may have regarding paying Visitax during your next visit to Cancun. Should you pay Visitax? Who needs to pay Visitax? And most importantly – WHERE should you pay Visitax, and which websites are trying to scam and overcharge you! We cover it all in our Visitax Explained guide.
Table of Contents
What Is Cancun VISITAX?
VISITAX is a tourist tax collected by the State of Quintana Roo’s Tax Administration, designed to help fund the reactivation and development of the local tourist sector in Mexico. It is not the same as:
- The Mexico Tourism Tax that’s attached to most airline tickets, or
- The Environmental Tax charged by many all-inclusive resorts.
VISITAX is an additional fee, separate from the other two.
Who Needs To Pay VISITAX When Vacationing In Mexico?
As of 2025, all international travelers entering Quintana Roo (including Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Costa Maya) must pay VISITAX. This applies whether you:
- Fly into Cancun Airport or the new Tulum Airport (both fully operational in 2025).
- Stay in a hotel or vacation rental.
- Arrive by cruise ship for a day trip or extended stay.
Important: Children under 4 used to be exempt, but a 2023 amendment removed that exemption. Now, anyone who is not a Mexican resident, regardless of age, must pay VISITAX.
The only ongoing exemption is for those who enter Quintana Roo by land via Belize’s southern border.
Is VISITAX Included in Your Airfare or Package?
Currently, VISITAX is not bundled into flight tickets or vacation packages. Even if you purchase a resort + flight + transfers package, you’ll still need to pay VISITAX separately.
- Some airlines (e.g., Delta, American Airlines) and tour operators (e.g., TUI) now mention VISITAX in their pre-departure emails or on their Mexico travel advice pages. However, it still isn’t automatically added to your ticket price.
Penalties & Consequences of Not Paying VISITAX
Historically, many visitors were never asked for proof of VISITAX payment at the airport. However, as of 2025, enforcement has ramped up, with signage and random checks at Cancun International Airport (Terminals 2, 3, and 4) and the new Tulum Airport.
Although there have been no widely reported fines on the spot yet, officials are increasingly cracking down. It’s best to pay VISITAX to avoid any hassles or potential penalty fees in the future.
November 2024 - Visitax Enforcement Team at Cancun Airport
November 2024 - Visitax Enforcement at Cancun Airport
October 2023 - Visitax Enforcement Signs at Cancun International Airport
October 2023 - Visitax Enforcement Signs at Cancun International Airport
September 2023 - Visitax Enforcement Signs at Cancun International Airport
September 2023 - Visitax Enforcement Signs at Cancun International Airport
How Much Is VISITAX in 2025?
Visitax prices have been increased slightly as of February 2025, going up from 271 MXN to 283 MXN. Roughly a $0.75 increase.
- Mexican Government Website: 283 MXN (≈ $16 USD) per person
- TravelKore Portal: $17.75 USD, $23.45 CDN, £14 GBP, or €17 EUR per person
- Paying At The Airport: When you pay VISITAX at the airport utilizing a SATQ agent via their device (they are using iPads and a 3rd party payment platform), there is an extra $2 USD fee added to the charge, and an additional IVA tax of 16% because the tax is being collected locally.
Paying through the government site can sometimes lead to credit card declines (especially for U.S. or Canadian cards). TravelKore’s licensed payment portal is often more reliable for foreign visitors—hence the slight markup.
Where Can You Safely & Securely Pay Cancun VISITAX?
There are two authorized platforms where you can pay and get a valid QR code, and three authorized payment methods:
- TravelKore (licensed third-party portal)
- The Mexican Government Website
- Using A SATQ Agent at the Airport
Any other websites claiming to sell VISITAX may charge inflated fees (some up to $39+ per person) or request unnecessary personal documents (like passport scans). Stick to the two trusted options above.
We maintain a list of known scam websites selling over-priced Visitax QR codes at the end of this post.
Note:
- When you pay VISITAX at the airport utilizing a SATQ agent via their device (they are using iPads and a 3rd party payment platform), there is an extra $2 USD fee added to the charge, and an additional IVA tax of 16% because the tax is being collected locally..
- To save time, money and stress, pay online before you travel and keep your QR code handy.
What Information Do You Need to Pay VISITAX?
Paying VISITAX online or via TravelKore is quick and straightforward. You’ll need:
- Full Name for each traveler in your group
- Passport Number for each traveler
- Number of Travelers in your group
- Departure Date from Mexico
You do not need to scan your passport or upload any sensitive documents. If a website asks for scans or extra information, it’s likely not an official portal.
When Should You Pay VISITAX?
Technically, you can pay VISITAX anytime before leaving Mexico, but most travelers find it easiest to do it before arriving—that way, you won’t forget amid vacation activities. If you do forget, you can pay upon departure or even a day or two after returning home without major issues—though officials are increasingly asking travelers to show payment proof at departure.
What Websites Are Not Authorized To Sell Visitax & Are Overcharging For Mexico Visitax?
With the help of TravelKore, we’ve been maintaining a list of websites that are selling overpriced Visitax QR codes, and claiming to be official. Some of these websites are charging as much as $48/pp – which is just beyond scammy.
DO NOT PURCHASE VISITAX FROM ANY OF THE WEBSITES LISTED BELOW.
- https://www.cancunairport.com/visitax.html
- https://visitortaxmexico.com
- https://visitaxmexico.mx
- https://visitaxgob.mx
- https://mexico-visitax.com
- https://visitax-mexico.com
- https://visitaxqr.mx
- https://visitax.eu
- https://visitaxmex.com
- https://quintanarootax.com
- https://visitax-cancun.com
- https://visitax-cancun.net
- https://mexico-visitax.com
- https://visitax.us
- https://visitaxqr.mx
- https://visitaxmx.org
Updated 7th December 2023
Stay Alert for Potential Updates
The tourism and tax laws in Quintana Roo can change quickly. Be sure to keep an eye on:
- Airline Email Alerts and official travel advisories
- Caballeros Vacations Blog for the latest updates
If you have questions or encounter any issues, contact the SATQ (Quintana Roo Tax Administration) directly at (+52) 998-223-6842 or by email at contact.us@satq.qroo.gob.mx.
Need Help Planning Your Mexico Vacation?
With over 150 different all-inclusive resorts across the Riviera Maya alone, it can get overwhelming trying to plan your vacation. Lucky for you, we’ve spent the past 14+ years visiting and booking this wonderful country. Our team is available to answer all your questions about booking your next Mexico vacation or to find the perfect resort for you and your family. Contact us today for more information about working with our team on your upcoming all-inclusive vacation. We can’t wait for you to go to Mexico and experience the beauty for yourself.
