Our Guide to Mexico Departure Tax
Mexico – the land of tequila, tacos, sombreros and a little thing called departure tax. When it comes to jetting off on your holiday to sunny Mexico City, departure tax probably wasn’t even on your list. So what exactly is departure tax, who has to pay it, how much does it cost and how do you pay it? Fret not as our lovely team of experts at Going Luxury have put together a little guide on all things departure tax.
What is Departure Tax/Exit Tax?
To put it simply, a departure tax is a small fee that you have to pay when you leave (depart) the country by air and is payable for each individual member of your family. However, some airlines may already include this in their standard holiday packages, so be sure to double-check this with your tour operator or travel agent. Some of the airlines that will automatically include departure tax in their holiday packages include the following:
- Virgin Atlantic
- British Airways
How Much is the Departure Tax That I Have to Pay?
Whilst the prices are subject to change. The current departure tax sits around £50 per person or 1,234.26 pesos and can be paid at check-in upon departure either in sterling, pesos or dollars. It is important to note that payment is only accepted in cash. Resort reps and your hotel will be able to provide you with the most up to date fees. Whilst you and your friends might be more than happy to stay on and enjoy those cocktails on the beach, you should consider putting aside some money towards your departure tax or you will find yourself stranded in sunny Mexico as you won’t be allowed to fly out of the country until you pay it.
Do I Need to Do Anything Else?
On your flight out to Mexico, you will be asked to complete a tourist card with your passport details, flight number, hotel name, length of stay along with an immigration form. All flights to Mexico require everyone to have a tourist card for their return trip including babies and will automatically allocate some time for passengers to ask any questions prior to landing.
On your return, all you have to do is simply pay the set departure tax fee, hand in your tourist card and immigration card at check-in. Should you wish to save time, you may wish to consider filling out your details online at:
https://www.mexicotouristcard.com
In the event that you should misplace or lose your tourist card, then you can purchase another card for £20.00 or 500 Mexican Pesos from one of the local banks. Worst case scenario, you may be fined at the airport, so remember to keep your card safe as it is your proof that you entered the country legally.
Do Children Have to Pay Departure Tax?
Unless the child is occupying their own seat on board the aircraft, then they are exempt from paying the departure tax. So for children under two who are sitting on your lap, you do not need to pay a separate fee for them.
What About Tax on Arrival?
Don’t worry you haven’t got to worry about paying any fee or visa upon arrival and the departure tax doesn’t have to be paid until your departure date.
Need Inspiration?
If you haven’t booked your trip to Mexico yet and would like to jet off on a winter sun break where snorkelling with turtles, whitewashed sandy beaches, sunsets and cocktails are the norm, then contact our dedicated team of travel experts at Going Luxury today!