30-Second Answer
- Flying to Cancún, Tulum, Cozumel, or anywhere in Quintana Roo on a non-Mexican passport? You owe the Mexico tourist tax called VISITAX. One payment per person. Pay online before you fly, save the QR code to your phone, scan at departure.
- Mexican citizen, resident, child under 4, or only transiting through Cancún airport? You're exempt. Skip it.
- Already at the airport without a QR code? Find the VISITAX kiosk before security. Card payments only. Plan extra time.
What Is the VISITAX?
VISITAX is the visitor tax charged by the Mexican state of Quintana Roo to every international tourist. It applies to Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Bacalar, and Chetumal. The tax is per person, covers your entire stay, and is verified by QR scan when you depart Mexico from a Quintana Roo airport. Revenue funds reef protection, Mayan site preservation, tourism police, and infrastructure.
VISITAX at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official name | VISITAX (Quintana Roo visitor tax) |
| Amount | MXN 224 — approximately $15 USD, varies with the exchange rate |
| Currency charged | Mexican Peso (MXN), payable by card |
| When to pay | Any time before departing Mexico from Quintana Roo |
| Operated by | Government of the State of Quintana Roo |
| Covers | Entire Quintana Roo state (Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Bacalar, Isla Mujeres, Chetumal) |
| Age exemption | Children under 4 are free |
| Other exemptions | Mexican nationals, residents (Residente Temporal/Permanente), diplomats, crew on duty |
| Frequency | Per visit — covers your entire stay regardless of length |
| Verified at | Cancún International Airport (CUN) on departure, plus other Quintana Roo airports and ports |
| Proof of payment | QR code delivered by email |
Who Needs to Pay?
VISITAX applies to:
- All international visitors (non-Mexican nationals) aged 4 and older
- Tourists visiting for leisure, business, or transit
- Visitors arriving by air, land, or sea
- Cruise ship passengers who disembark at Quintana Roo ports
Exempt categories:
- Mexican nationals (citizens and permanent residents)
- Children under 4 years old
- Diplomatic passport holders on official business
- Temporary and permanent resident visa holders (Residente Temporal, Residente Permanente)
- Airline crew members on duty
If you hold a Mexican residency visa (not just a tourist visa/FMM), you're exempt. Your standard tourist entry permit (FMM or digital entry form) does not qualify as residency.
VISITAX for Canadian Travelers
Canadians visiting Cancún, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen pay the same VISITAX as other international visitors — there is no bilateral exemption. The fee is approximately $15 USD (roughly $20–22 CAD at current exchange rates) per person, paid once before departure from Mexico. Canadians already pay Mexico's federal FMM entry fee (usually bundled into the airline ticket); VISITAX is the additional state-level fee specific to Quintana Roo. Pay online before you fly to avoid airport queues and missed-flight risk.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Mexico tourist tax for Quintana Roo is set at MXN 224 (roughly $15 USD). The exact USD amount fluctuates with the exchange rate (typically $14–$17 USD). The fee is per person and covers your entire stay in Quintana Roo — you pay once per visit, not per day.
Important: VISITAX is separate from any other fees you may encounter:
| Fee | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| VISITAX | ~$15 USD | State visitor tax for Quintana Roo |
| Mexico tourist card (FMM) | Included in airfare | Federal immigration document |
| Airport improvement tax | ~$18-24 USD | Airport departure tax (usually included in ticket) |
| Hotel occupancy tax | 3-5% of room rate | Charged by hotels directly |
VISITAX is a state-level charge collected separately from federal entry fees and airline taxes.
Step-by-Step Payment Process
Vistumo handles the VISITAX submission for you in 11 languages, with group payment support and a transparent service fee shown separately from the official state tax amount. Useful if you're traveling as a family, want a checkout flow that doesn't switch between Spanish and English mid-form, or just want it done in one tab.
What you'll need
- Country of origin, arrival date, departure date, arrival airport, accommodation.
- Passport details — full name (matching passport exactly), passport number, date of birth, email, for each traveler.
- Card payment — Visa, Mastercard, Amex accepted.
- Email confirmation — your QR code is delivered by email. Download immediately and save it to your phone gallery as offline backup.
When to Pay
Unlike some tourist taxes that must be paid before arrival, VISITAX can be paid at any time during your stay as long as it's completed before your departure. We recommend paying early:
- Avoid last-minute stress — Scrambling to pay at the airport adds pressure on departure day.
- Internet reliability — Hotel Wi-Fi is more dependable than airport connections during peak hours.
- Group payments — Collect everyone's passport details ahead of time.
- Buffer for issues — Payments are usually instant, but having extra time means any technical issue can be resolved without missing your flight.
QR Code at the Airport
When departing from a Quintana Roo airport (Cancún International is the most common), here's what to expect:
Before Security
VISITAX verification typically happens in the check-in / departure hall:
- Dedicated VISITAX kiosks — self-service stations for scanning your QR or paying on the spot
- VISITAX staff — personnel in official identification who may ask to verify your QR
- Airline check-in — some airlines verify VISITAX during check-in
The Scanning Process
- Have your QR ready on your phone (or printed)
- Present it to the scanner or staff member
- The system verifies payment against your passport
- Verification takes a few seconds
- Proceed to your gate
What If You Haven't Paid?
Payment kiosks are available in the departure area:
- Process takes longer than scanning a pre-paid QR
- Card-only (no cash)
- Peak-time queues can be long
Enforcement was loose in 2022–2023 but tightened sharply through 2025–2026. As of 2026, Cancún airport actively scans QR codes at departure. Don't gamble on enforcement gaps.
Covered Destinations
VISITAX covers the entire state of Quintana Roo — every international visitor, every town, no exceptions. That includes Cancún (and CUN airport, where verification is strictest), Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel (cruise passengers included), Isla Mujeres, Bacalar, Chetumal, and the broader Riviera Maya corridor with its all-inclusive resorts and eco-parks. It doesn't matter which town you visit or how long you stay — the payment is once per visit for the whole state.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Mistake 1: Using Copycat Payment Sites
Numerous copycat domains exist ("visitaxmexico.com", "visitax-cancun.com") that charge inflated fees and may not even submit your payment to the State of Quintana Roo. Use a transparent authorized service like Vistumo where the official tax amount and service fee are itemized separately.
Mistake 2: Waiting Until the Last Minute
Paying at the airport is possible but inconvenient. Kiosk lines can be long during morning peak departure hours. Pay in advance.
Mistake 3: Not Saving the QR Code Offline
Airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable and your mobile data may not work in the departure hall. Download the QR and save it to your phone's photo gallery so you can access it without internet.
Mistake 4: Forgetting About Children
Children aged 4 and older must pay. Only children under 4 are exempt. A family of two adults and two kids (ages 5 and 8) pays for four people.
Mistake 5: Assuming All-Inclusive Covers It
Your all-inclusive resort fee does not include VISITAX. Even if your hotel handles many things, this state tax is your personal responsibility.
Mistake 6: Paying with the Wrong Passport Name
The name on your VISITAX payment must match your passport exactly. Double-check spelling, middle names, and special characters before submitting.
Tip: Group Payment Strategy
If traveling as a group or family, designate one person to handle all VISITAX payments. Collect everyone's passport details in advance. Vistumo handles group payments in a single transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is VISITAX in Mexico?
VISITAX costs MXN 224 (approximately $15 USD) per person in 2026. The MXN amount is fixed by state regulation; the USD equivalent fluctuates with the exchange rate (typically $14–$17 USD). Children under 4 are free. Mexican nationals and residents are exempt.
Is VISITAX required for Cancún?
Yes. VISITAX applies to every international visitor to the state of Quintana Roo, and Cancún is the state's most-visited city. Cancún International Airport (CUN) has the strictest enforcement — dedicated kiosks and staff check QR codes at departure. Smaller Quintana Roo airports may have lighter checks, but the obligation to pay is identical.
Can Canadians skip VISITAX?
No. There's no bilateral exemption between Canada and Mexico for VISITAX. Canadians pay the same MXN 224 (≈$15 USD / $20–22 CAD at current exchange rates) as other international visitors. The federal Mexican FMM entry fee (typically bundled into the airline ticket) is separate — VISITAX is the additional state-level charge. Pay online before your flight to avoid airport queues.
How do I avoid VISITAX scam sites?
Numerous copycat domains ("visitaxmexico.com", "visitax-cancun.com", and similar) charge 2-4x the real tax amount. The actual VISITAX is set by the State of Quintana Roo at MXN 224 (≈$15 USD) per person. Use a transparent authorized service like Vistumo where the official state tax and service fee are itemized separately, so you always see what you're paying for.
Is VISITAX paid on arrival or departure?
VISITAX is verified at departure, but it can be paid at any time during your stay — or before your trip. The QR is scanned when you leave through a Quintana Roo airport.
Do I need to pay VISITAX if I'm only transiting through Cancún airport?
If you don't leave the airport and are simply connecting to another flight, you generally don't need to pay. If you exit the airport and enter Quintana Roo — even briefly — the tax applies.
Can I pay VISITAX in cash?
VISITAX payment is card-only. Airport kiosks are also typically card-based. If you only have cash, plan ahead and pay online.
What if my flight departs from another state (e.g., Mexico City)?
VISITAX is specific to Quintana Roo. If you depart from another Mexican state, VISITAX enforcement at that airport is limited. You're technically required to pay if you visited Quintana Roo during your trip. Compliance checks are strongest at Cancún International Airport (CUN).
Do cruise ship passengers need to pay?
Yes. International cruise passengers who disembark at Quintana Roo ports (Cozumel, Costa Maya, etc.) are required to pay. Some cruise lines bundle this into port fees — check before assuming it's covered.
How long is my VISITAX QR code valid?
Your QR is valid for the dates specified during payment (arrival to departure). It covers your entire stay within that period.
What happens if I overstay my planned dates?
If your trip extends beyond the departure date you entered, contact VISITAX support or generate a new payment with updated dates. Using a QR with incorrect dates may cause issues at departure.
Can I get a refund if my trip is cancelled?
Refund policies for VISITAX are limited and processing times can be lengthy. If you booked through Vistumo, contact our support team with your transaction details and proof of cancellation and we'll handle the refund request on your behalf.
Is VISITAX the same as the tourist card (FMM)?
No. The FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) is a federal immigration document required to enter Mexico, and its fee is typically bundled into your airline ticket. VISITAX is a separate state-level fee specific to Quintana Roo. You need both.
What happens if I don't pay VISITAX?
You'll be stopped at departure and required to pay on the spot at a VISITAX kiosk in the departure hall. Cancún International Airport has staffed kiosks that accept card payments only. Peak-time kiosk queues can be long and risk a missed flight. Outright denial of departure is rare, but enforcement has tightened sharply through 2025–2026.
Do I need to pay VISITAX if I only visit Tulum?
Yes. VISITAX applies to the entire state of Quintana Roo — Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Bacalar, Isla Mujeres, Chetumal, and the Riviera Maya corridor. Which town you visit doesn't matter — the payment is once per visit for the whole state.
Planning Your Quintana Roo Trip
VISITAX is a small but essential part of visiting one of Mexico's most beautiful states. Pay early, save your QR code, and skip the airport kiosk queues on departure day.