Do I need to pay departure tax when leaving Mexico?

Whilst you and your friends might be more than happy to stay on and enjoy those cocktails on the beach, you should consider putting aside some money towards your departure tax or you will find yourself stranded in sunny Mexico as you won't be allowed to fly out of the country until you pay it.



Whether you pay a departure tax in 2026 depends on your destination within Mexico and how you booked your travel. For most international air travelers, the federal departure tax (DNR or UK) is already included in the price of your airline ticket. However, several popular regions have introduced their own specific levies. For example, visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancun, Tulum) must pay the "Visitax" (approx. $11 USD) before leaving. As of January 1, 2026, the state of Baja California Sur (Los Cabos) increased its "Embrace It" visitor tax to $488 MXN (approx. $24 USD) for stays over 24 hours. Most of these taxes must be paid via official online platforms (like Travelkore) and the QR code receipt must be presented at the airport. Always verify your ticket breakdown to see if the federal "TUA" and "DNR" fees are listed, as paying twice is a common mistake for uninformed travelers.

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By paying the departure tax, international travelers are contributing to the growth of Mexico's tourism industry and helping to support local communities. In conclusion, the departure tax for Mexico, also known as Visitax, is a tax levied on all international travelers leaving Mexico via air or sea transport.

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Temporary and Permanent Visa holders leaving Mexico They will require your passport and your resident card. Once you have received your form, you may proceed to the airline desk. Upon reentry to Mexico watch the officer to be sure they do not mark you as a tourist and only give you 180 days.

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When Do I Have to Pay the Cancun Visitor Tax? The tax for tourists to Quintana Roo must be paid before leaving for home. You can pay before you travel to Mexico, while you're at your resort or at the airport before departure. It's up to you when you prefer to pay but you can only pay at the airport in cash.

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The U.S. State Department recently updated Mexico's Travel Advisory 2023 for U.S. Tourists traveling to Mexico due to crime in several Mexican states popular with American tourists. “Violent crime—such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery—is widespread and common in Mexico,” warns the State Department.

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Cancun Airport Departures You must have your documents in order and in your hand: Boarding pass, official ID, passport and/or visa. These documents are necessary if you wish to document and board on schedule. Some international flights requiere extra taxes that must be covered before leaving.

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