Your guide to Mexico departure tax (updated 2020)

You’re one step closer to drinking tequilas, wearing sombreros and feasting on nachos with our handy guide on Mexico departure tax.

We’ve got the low-down on pricing, tourist cards, procedures and more, so you’ll be fully prepared for the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean coast.

What is a departure tax?

Also known as ‘exit tax’, a departure tax is a fee charged per person by a country when leaving by air. Many tour operators include this within their ticket prices, but be sure to check with your airline before you depart.

Main airlines that include departure tax within their holiday costs:

• Thomas Cook
• British Airways
• Virgin Atlantic

Need to know:

In May 2019 TUI, previously known as Thomson, will also include departure tax within their holiday costs.

Your exit tax will be paid at the check-in desk as you’re leaving Mexico in either Mexican Peso, US Dollars or Sterling. Please note, you can’t pay by card or cheque.

How much is the tax to get out of Mexico?

The prices are subject to change, but currently the departure tax sits at $1,150 Mexican Peso, which is roughly $65 or £50 per person, depending on the exchange rate.

However, your hotel or resort rep will be able to keep you up-to-date with any changes during your stay.

Although being stuck in Mexico swimming with the turtles and drinking cocktails out of coconuts is a dream come true, if you don’t pay your departure tax you can’t leave the country. Therefore, we suggest you set aside some extra cash. 

What do I do?

It couldn’t be easier! On your flight to Mexico you’ll be asked to fill in a tourist card this will come with your immigration form, where you’ll provide information such as your passport details, flight number, hotel name and length of stay.

Unlike your immigration form, each passenger must have a tourist card each – including children. If you have any issues filling in these details, your flight attendant will be on hand to help and there will be allocated time at the end of your flight for any queries.

Upon your entry to Mexico you’ll hand these forms in at the immigration desk, you’ll then be asked to keep your tourist card and the other half of your immigration form. We recommend keeping these with your passport in your hotel safe.

Top tip:

Plan ahead and fill your tourist and immigration card out online: 

On your return home, you’ll pay your departure tax in the check-in queue, where you’ll hand in your tourist and immigration card along with the funds, and voila it’s as easy as that.

What happens if I lose my tourist card?

Worst case scenario, you can purchase a replacement from the bank which will cost roughly $500 Mexican Pesos, which is roughly £20.00. Alternatively, you’ll be fined at the airport. Remember to keep your tourist and immigration card safe, this is proof you’ve entered the country legally.

Prices are subject to change.

Is there a fee to enter Mexico?

You do not need to pay any kind of fee or visa to enter Mexico. You simply need to pay the departure tax on your return home – this does not have to be paid in advance.

What about the kids?

Children are not exempt from paying departure tax, the only exception to the rule is if your child doesn’t require a seat on the plane. If your child is under the age of two and is required to sit on your knee during your flight, you do not need to pay an additional exit fee.

Now you’re ready for powder-white sands and the clearest Caribbean waters, and if you haven’t booked your Mexico holiday yet – don’t waste another minute. World wonders, one-of-a-kind clubs and bucket-list adventures are just a click away.