Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In a significant move affecting international travelers, the Senate of the Republic approved a reform to the Federal Rights Law 2025 on November 3. The reform includes raising fees for foreign vacationers entering Mexico and reallocating funds to various government sectors, particularly the National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA) and the National Migration Institute (INM).
Higher Entry Fees for Foreign Visitors
Starting next year, foreign visitors entering Mexico without permission to engage in paid activities will be required to pay a fee of 860.56 pesos, as stipulated in Article 8 of the law. This is an increase from the current rate of 717.14 pesos, which has been unchanged since 2016.
Cruise Ship Exemption Eliminated
The reform also eliminates the previous exemption for international tourists visiting Mexico by cruise ship who have short stays. These visitors will now be subject to the same entry fees as other foreign tourists.
Increased Airport Immigration Service Fees
Passengers on international flights departing from Mexico will see an increase in immigration service fees at airports. The fee will rise from 185.91 pesos to 223.09 pesos and will be implemented starting next year.
Allocation of Funds
- National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA): Of the revenue collected from the increased entry fee of 860.56 pesos, 67% will be allocated to SEDENA. The funds will support operations, administrative services, construction projects, acquisitions, leasing, complementary works, equipment, installations, and investments in infrastructure related to state-owned companies managed by the secretariat.
- Federal Treasury: The remaining funds from the entry fee will be directed to the Federal Treasury without a specific designation.
- National Migration Institute (INM): From the increased airport immigration service fee of 223.09 pesos, 83% will be allocated to the INM. The funds are earmarked for modernizing equipment and infrastructure to enhance border control, particularly along Mexico’s southern border.
- Federal Treasury: The remaining funds from the airport fee will also go to the Federal Treasury.
Airport Concession Contributions
Airport concessionaire companies, which are mandated by law to contribute 9% of their revenue to the Treasury annually, will see a reallocation of these funds. With the newly approved changes, 60% of these resources will be allocated to SEDENA and 40% to the Navy. The funds will be used for the maintenance and operation of airports transferred by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Implications for Tourists and the Tourism Industry
The increased fees may impact the overall cost for foreign tourists visiting Mexico. Industry experts suggest that while the fee hikes are modest, they could affect the country’s competitiveness as a tourist destination. However, government officials argue that the additional revenue is crucial for national security and infrastructure improvements.
Government’s Rationale
Proponents of the reform emphasize the need to bolster the country’s defense capabilities and improve immigration services. By investing in infrastructure and modernizing equipment, the government aims to enhance national security and better manage the influx of international visitors.
