Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Jalisco State Congress has approved a reform to the 2025 Income Law of the Puerto Vallarta City Council, allowing the municipality to impose a fee of 141 pesos (approximately $8.25 USD) per person on foreign tourists visiting the city. The measure was passed with 32 votes in favor, two against, and one abstention.
The reform has sparked controversy among legislators, particularly from the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM), which holds both the municipal government and one of the opposing votes. Yussara Canales, the PVEM representative for District 5 (which includes Puerto Vallarta), was one of the two legislators who voted against the measure. The other opposing vote came from Futuro legislator Mariana Casillas, while Futuro representative Tonantzin Cárdenas abstained.
During the legislative debate, Canales criticized the proposal put forward by Puerto Vallarta Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía, comparing the tourist tax to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration and border control. She accused the mayor of creating a “fiscal wall” that could deter international visitors.
“Today, the mayor of Puerto Vallarta seems to want to borrow Donald Trump’s manual,” said Canales. “He doesn’t want to build walls, he wants to put a toll on tourists. And then what’s next? Will we require a visa to enter the beach or a passport to walk along the boardwalk? I have heard speeches here defending the Constitution, but this measure contradicts those values.”
Despite the opposition, the measure is set to take effect in 2025, granting the Puerto Vallarta government the authority to install payment modules at Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport and the maritime terminal. Foreign visitors arriving by plane or cruise ship will be required to pay the fee upon entry.
Municipal authorities argue that the revenue generated—expected to exceed 200 million pesos in the first year—will be used to improve infrastructure in key tourist areas, including the boardwalk and beaches. Officials believe the funds will help maintain Puerto Vallarta’s status as a premier travel destination by enhancing public spaces and services.
The measure aligns with similar strategies implemented in other popular Mexican tourist destinations, where local governments have introduced visitor fees to support urban development. However, critics argue that such charges could discourage tourism, particularly as Puerto Vallarta faces growing competition from other coastal destinations in Mexico and Central America.
The toll booths are expected to begin operations in March, though logistical details, enforcement mechanisms, and potential exemptions remain under discussion. The implementation of the fee will likely be closely watched by both the tourism industry and the broader business community, as Puerto Vallarta continues to balance economic growth with sustainable development.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Jalisco State Congress has approved a reform to the 2025 Income Law of the Puerto Vallarta City Council, allowing the municipality to impose a fee of 141 pesos (approximately $8.25 USD) per person on foreign tourists visiting the city. The measure was passed with 32 votes in favor, two against, and one abstention.
