Background on Visitax and its Relevance
Visitax is a fee levied on foreign tourists visiting Quintana Roo, Mexico since 2022. The charge amounts to approximately 10 USD and is collected through the Visitax platform, which allows payment upon booking a vacation package, during the tourists’ stay, or upon departure from the state. It is mandatory for all foreign visitors except those under 15, while Mexican tourists are exempt.
The Controversy and Current Developments
Toni Chaves, president of the Riviera Maya hotel association, announced negotiations with the Quintana Roo state government to alter the Visitax collection method. This move comes after identifying fraudulent websites charging the tax to foreign tourists.
“We met with the governor. We’re exploring a new collection scheme that won’t burden tourists, and we’re confident we’ll reach an agreement soon. Many fake websites were also found collecting this tax without transparency, so we’re addressing these issues,” Chaves explained.
Visitax Details and Impact
The Visitax fee, set at 224 Mexican pesos (around 10 USD), aims to generate employment and economic clusters in Quintana Roo, primarily driven by tourism. The funds will support the state’s development as a prominent travel destination.
The collection process is managed through the Visitax website, enabling tourists to pay and receive a receipt. Required information for payment includes traveler count, individual names, ages, passport numbers, departure date, and electronic payment details.
However, the implementation has faced criticism. Some tourists found the collection process intrusive, while certain hotels attempted to collect it but deemed it disruptive.
Addressing Fraud and Concerns
Chaves confirmed that the hotel association is renegotiating Visitax collection due to complaints from tourists and concerns about fraudulent websites exploiting the system.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Visitax? Visitax is a fee charged to foreign tourists visiting Quintana Roo, Mexico since 2022, amounting to around 10 USD.
- Why are hotel associations negotiating Visitax changes? Hotel associations, led by Toni Chaves, are renegotiating Visitax collection methods due to complaints from tourists and concerns about fraudulent websites exploiting the system.
- How is Visitax collected? Tourists can pay Visitax through the Visitax website using their travel details, such as number of travelers, names, ages, passport numbers, departure date, and payment information.
- Who is exempt from paying Visitax? Mexican tourists and foreign travelers under 15 are exempt from the Visitax fee.
