Travelers heading home from Puerto Morelos often pass through Cancun International Airport. Reports that airport payment modules were requesting as much as 550 pesos for Visitax triggered complaints from departing international travelers. State officials have now stepped in to shut down these surprise charges.

The Outcry Over Kiosk Fees

Quintana Roo requires foreign visitors to pay a state tourism tax known as Visitax before leaving the state. The state has announced a 285-peso rate for 2026, although travelers should verify the amount displayed on the official portal because reported portal figures have differed.

Travelers and media reports alleged that some airport payment modules requested substantially more than the official rate, possibly because of added charges or unfavorable exchange rates; authorities said they were reviewing the collection process.

Reports said some travelers were asked to pay as much as 550 pesos at airport collection points. Videos and complaints about the charges circulated online, prompting officials to review the payment system. Many travelers felt ambushed by the unexpected costs right before boarding their flights home.

State Officials Intervene

The viral complaints quickly caught the attention of top state leaders in Quintana Roo. Tourism Secretary Bernardo Cueto Riestra announced that officials are reviewing the entire payment setup. Some problematic payment modules were reportedly closed while state agencies reviewed the collection procedures.

Governor Mara Lezama said Visitax collection would continue. Even so, state leaders insist that the collection process must remain honest, clear, and stress-free.

How to Avoid Extra Charges

To pay directly, type www.visitax.gob.mx into your browser and choose Make your payment. Check the address carefully before entering personal or card details, rather than relying on an advertisement or an unfamiliar payment link.

Complete the requested traveler information and review the total in Mexican pesos before paying. The state announced a 285-peso rate for 2026; check the amount shown on the official portal and any additional fees before confirming a transaction.

Save your payment receipt and QR code on your phone. If you need another copy, the official website has a Recover your Receipt option, which uses the traveler’s passport number to retrieve the QR voucher.

The closure of some airport modules does not cancel Visitax. Paying directly through the government portal gives visitors a way to handle the tax without depending on an airport collection booth.