Overview

• The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and the Mexican government agreed to a phased 'in-transit fee' starting at $5 per passenger on July 1, 2025.
• The fee will incrementally rise to $10 in 2026, $15 in 2027, and reach $21 in 2028, replacing the initially proposed $42 flat levy.
• The agreement addresses concerns from port communities and cruise operators, who warned that the original fee could harm local businesses and deter tourism.
• Revenue from the fee will be allocated to port infrastructure improvements and other government priorities, supporting long-term economic growth.
• The FCCA, representing 95% of regional cruise capacity, praised the compromise as a collaborative effort to sustain Mexico's competitiveness in Caribbean tourism.