Many travellers only discover the Visitax at the airport on the way home. It’s a small fee, but paying it on the wrong website or not at all can cost you money and time. This guide explains how much it is, who pays and how to pay safely.
Visitax at a glance (2026)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A state fee (“Derecho de Visitante Extranjero”) for foreign visitors to Quintana Roo |
| How much? | 2.5 UMA ≈ 293 MXN (about US$15–18) per person |
| Who pays? | Foreign visitors staying in Quintana Roo — children included, per the state portal |
| Where to pay? | Official portal: visitax.gob.mx (card payment) |
| When? | Any time before you leave; easiest when you book or during your stay |
| Proof | A QR code emailed for each traveller |
| Checked? | Yes, at Cancún airport before security since 2026 |
How much is the Visitax in 2026?
The fee is set at 2.5 UMA (Unidad de Medida y Actualización), a Mexican reference value that rises each year. The state kept the same 2.5 UMA rate for 2026 (source). The UMA has been 117.31 pesos a day since 1 February 2026 (source), so:
2.5 × 117.31 = 293.28 pesos per person, about US$15–18 depending on the exchange rate. A family of four pays about 1,173 pesos.
Who has to pay?
- All foreign tourists visiting Quintana Roo: Cancún, the Riviera Maya, Tulum, Bacalar, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and Holbox.
- The state portal says all foreign visitors pay, so budget for children too (source).
- Mexican citizens don’t pay. Foreign residents of Mexico should check the portal for the exemption that applies to them.
The Visitax is separate from the taxes on your hotel bill (state lodging tax and Cancún’s environmental fee), which hotels charge per night.
How to pay the Visitax, step by step
- Go to the official site, visitax.gob.mx. Type the address yourself; don’t click ads in search results.
- Choose your language and start a new payment.
- Enter your arrival and departure dates, number of travellers, and each person’s name, nationality and passport details.
- Pay by card. The total should be about 293 pesos per person.
- Download the receipt. You’ll get a QR code for each traveller by email — save them on your phone and take a screenshot in case you have no signal.
What happens at the airport
Since 2026, staff at Cancún International Airport check Visitax QR codes before the security line. If you haven’t paid, you’ll be taken aside to pay on the spot, which can make you late for your flight. Pay before your departure day to avoid the queue.
Avoid Visitax scams
- Some third-party websites look official and charge US$30–40 for a fee that costs about US$16.
- Only pay on visitax.gob.mx (a .gob.mx government address).
- No one at the airport needs your card details for “Visitax processing” outside the official checkpoint.
Other entry costs and rules for Mexico
- Mexico’s tourist fee (non-resident fee) is usually included in your air ticket, so there’s nothing to pay on arrival.
- Passport: must be valid for your whole stay; check your country’s entry rules with the Mexican consulate before you fly.
- Customs: fill in the customs declaration if your airline gives you one.
- Travel insurance isn’t required but is wise in hurricane season — compare travel insurance for Mexico.
More Cancún guides
- Cancún itinerary
- Best things to do in Cancún
- Where to stay in Cancún
- Cancún airport to Hotel Zone
- Best time to visit Cancún
- Is Cancún safe?
- Chichén Itzá from Cancún
- Cancún travel guide
FAQ: Cancún tourist tax
How much is the Cancún tourist tax in 2026?
About 293 pesos (roughly US$16) per person: 2.5 times the 2026 UMA of 117.31 pesos.
Is the Visitax mandatory?
Yes, for foreign visitors to Quintana Roo. It’s checked at Cancún airport before security.
Do children pay the Visitax?
The state portal says all foreign visitors pay, so include children when you pay.
Can I pay the Visitax at the airport?
You’ll be asked to pay on the spot if you haven’t, but it can delay you. Pay online before your departure day.
Is visitax.gob.mx the official website?
Yes. It’s the Quintana Roo government portal; other sites charge extra fees.
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