In recent years, tourist taxes and environmental tourism fees have become essential tools for destinations looking to balance tourism growth with the protection of their natural and cultural heritage.
In Mexico, home to unique ecosystems, world-famous beaches, and archaeological sites of great historical value, these fiscal mechanisms play a key role in financing conservation, sustainability efforts, and infrastructure improvements.
However, understanding which taxes exist, when they apply, and how they are paid is not always easy, especially for international travelers. In this article, we’ll clarify the most common questions around tourist taxes in Mexico and explain how digitizing the process can make everything much simpler for both guests and accommodation providers.
Main tourist taxes in Mexico
Before diving into the details, here’s a list of the main tourist taxes in Mexico:
- Impuesto sobre Hospedaje (ISH) – Lodging Tax
- VISITAX (Quintana Roo)
- EMBRACE IT (Baja California Sur)
- Derecho de No Residente (DNR) – Non-Resident Fee
- Local environmental tourism taxes (depending on the state and/or city)
Let’s now take a closer look at each one.
1. Impuesto sobre Hospedaje (ISH) – Lodging Tax
The Lodging Tax is likely the most widespread tourist tax in Mexico. It applies in most states and is charged as a percentage of the accommodation cost, added to the total reservation price. The exact rate varies by state but typically ranges between 2% and 5%.
Although many travelers don’t notice it directly (as it’s usually included in the hotel’s total price), understanding its purpose is important. The funds support destination promotion, maintenance of tourism infrastructure, urban improvements, and, in some cases, environmental sustainability programs.
For accommodation providers, managing it correctly is essential for complying with local regulations. For guests, it’s an unavoidable cost that contributes to the economic and social development of the destination.
2. VISITAX, in Quintana Roo
In high-volume tourism states like Quintana Roo (home to Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres, among others), VISITAX was introduced as a mandatory tourism fee for foreign visitors.
This tax is designed to support tourism infrastructure and sustainability programs in a region that receives one of the highest numbers of tourists in the country. Unlike other taxes, VISITAX must be paid digitally through an official Mexican government platform, either before the trip or during the stay. After payment, the traveler receives a digital receipt or QR code.
One of the main sources of confusion is the number of unofficial websites that have appeared. For this reason, it’s essential to pay only through legitimate channels.
3. EMBRACE IT, in Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur (an increasingly popular destination thanks to places like La Paz, Los Cabos, and Loreto) has recently launched its own tourism fee: EMBRACE IT. This contribution applies mainly to foreign visitors staying more than 24 hours and focuses on community development, environmental preservation, and strengthening public services related to tourism.
Its standout feature is that it is a 100% digital tax, making the process simpler, avoiding long lines, and aligning with modern travelers’ expectations to complete all payments from their mobile phone. Additionally, its environmental focus reflects a growing trend in Mexico: the use of environmental tourism taxes to fund conservation projects.
4. Derecho de No Residente (DNR) – Non-Resident Fee
The Non-Resident Fee (DNR) isn’t technically a tourism tax, but it directly affects many travelers entering the country without Mexican residency. It functions as an immigration fee, paid upon entering the country, that covers temporary stays according to government criteria.
In many cases, this fee is included in the airline ticket, but it’s not always the case. Travelers should check their receipt or itinerary to confirm whether it has already been paid or if they need to pay it upon arrival.
5. Local environmental tourism taxes
Some regions in Mexico are moving toward environmental tourism taxes aimed at funding the conservation of beaches, nature reserves, reefs, and protected areas. These fees form part of a growing effort to promote sustainable and responsible tourism.
While there are not yet federal environmental taxes applicable nationwide, coastal municipalities and protected natural areas can establish their own. Although usually small amounts, they significantly contribute to maintaining natural resources that are essential to the tourism experience in Mexico.
Frequently asked questions about tourist taxes in Mexico
Where are tourist taxes paid in Mexico?
Where do guests need to pay every tourist tax depends on the tax itself:
- ISH is paid directly at the accommodation.
- VISITAX and EMBRACE IT are paid online, before or during the trip.
- DNR is paid upon entering the country or included in the ticket.
- Environmental taxes are usually paid at accommodations or local tourist centers.
The general trend is toward digital payment to improve efficiency and avoid delays.
Who pays tourist taxes in Mexico?
Not all travelers pay all taxes. In general:
- ISH applies to any guest, national or foreign.
- VISITAX and EMBRACE IT apply to foreign visitors without Mexican residency.
- DNR applies to certain international visitors depending on their entry type.
- Environmental tourism taxes depend on the destination and the traveler’s activities.
Why do these tourism taxes exist?
The main reasons include:
- Funding ecosystem and natural area protection
- Investing in tourism and urban infrastructure
- Improving public services used by visitors
- Promoting sustainable tourism models
- Reducing the environmental impact of tourism activity
In short, they help ensure that tourism remains a viable and beneficial economic activity in the long term.
Digitizing the tourism sector: simplify tax payments with Civitfun
Today’s travelers, especially the more digital generations, value fast, contactless, 100% online processes. Various travel trend studies show that more than 70% of guests prefer to complete payments before arrival, and that digital processes directly influence their satisfaction.
In this context, digitalization isn’t just an operational improvement; it’s a decisive factor in delivering a modern, seamless, and wait-free guest experience.
How to digitize tourist tax payments
Civitfun brings all these needs together in a solution designed for hotels—both chains and independent properties.
- Reservation payments, tourist taxes, and reservation add-ons
- Elimination of manual processes and fewer administrative errors
- Automatic digital receipts that avoid misunderstandings
- Increased transparency and trust for guests
- Integration with PMS and booking engines
- A frictionless experience that boosts guest satisfaction
With Payments, by Civitfun, travelers can take care of mandatory tourist taxes before arrival and from any device. This saves your team time and reduces issues at reception.
Conclusion
Tourist taxes in Mexico may seem complex at first, but they play an essential role in the sustainable development of tourism.
To simplify their management, reduce friction, and deliver a fully digital guest experience, Civitfun Payments allows you to integrate and automate the payment of taxes that must be collected at the accommodation, such as the ISH and other local environmental taxes in Mexico. This avoids surprises and makes regulatory compliance easier for both hotels and travelers.
If you’re looking to implement a more efficient, secure, and digital system for managing tourism payments, contact our team. We’ll be happy to assist you.
