MEXICO CITY — The cruise ship sector is expressing significant concerns following a recent decision by the lower house of Mexico’s Congress to impose a $42 immigration fee on each passenger arriving on cruise ships that dock in the country.

Notably, a substantial portion of the proceeds—two-thirds—will be allocated to the Mexican military instead of being used to enhance port facilities. The Mexican Association of Shipping Agents voiced their objections late Thursday, warning that such fees could render Mexico an unattractively expensive option for cruise lines.

“If this policy is enacted, it would position Mexican ports among the costliest in the world, drastically diminishing their allure compared to other Caribbean ports,” the association stated in its remarks.

The group urged the Senate to reject the measure, which specifies that two-thirds of the revenue from the immigration fees would be directed to the defense department, despite the lack of clarity regarding this decision.

Traditionally, cruise ship travelers have been exempt from immigration fees since many of them remain on board and may not even disembark during their short stops at ports. However, with the introduction of the new budget law, these travelers might still incur the $42 charge.

While various global initiatives have emerged to regulate cruise tourism due to concerns over over-tourism, this issue has been a longstanding one for Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. Cozumel, in particular, has held the title of the busiest cruise destination worldwide, accommodating around four million cruise visitors annually.

The proposed law advocates for the removal of the existing exemption on immigration documents for international tourists arriving in Mexico via cruise ships.

Mexico’s ruling Morena party is grappling with considerable budget shortfalls, primarily to finance large construction projects such as railways and oil refineries—many of which are being built in conjunction with the military—and is thus eager to explore additional revenue streams.