Traveling to Mexico in 2026? There’s a New Tourist Tax You Need to Pay (And It’s Not Included in Your Plane Ticket)

Wondering if you have to pay the Cabo tourist tax in Mexico?

If you’re planning a trip to the popular destination of Baja California Sur state — then yes, you have to pay this Mexico tourism tax.

As of January 1, 2026, Baja California Sur state (which includes Los Cabos, Todos Santos, La Paz, etc.), has enacted the Embrace It Tax.

This Mexico tourism tax have caused quite a bit of confusion, but we’re about to clear everything up so you can travel with confidence.

As someone who has been living in Mexico since 2018, and runs several Mexico travel blogs, I’ve done the research and gone through the process myself.

In this article, I’ll explain exactly what the taxes is, who needs to pay it, how to pay it, and what to watch out for so you don’t get scammed.

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What is the Embrace It Mexico Tourist Tax? (aka Cabo Tourist Tax)

This is a new Mexico tourist tax that went into effect on January 1, 2026 in Baja California Sur state, which includes these popular Mexico destinations:

As Cabo San Lucas is the most popular destination in the state, the tax often gets called the Cabo tourist tax, though it does apply to anywhere in Baja Sur state.

Not included in your airfare nor you hotel room rate, this a totally separate Mexico tourist tax you need to pay (info on how to do that is coming up).

The fee is used to fund tourism development, environmental conservation, and social programs in the state.

International visitors to this region will need to pay a small fee to support local environmental and community initiatives.

Who Has to Pay the Embrace It Cabo Tourist Tax?

This tourist tax applies to all travelers over the age of 12 who stay longer than 24 hours in Baja California Sur state. This means:

✅ Tourists from the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, etc.
✅ Visitors staying in hotels, Airbnbs, or resorts in Baja California Sur Mexico
✅ Travelers entering by air, land, or sea (but only if the cruise docks for longer than 24 hours; most don’t)
✅ Children ages 12 and older

The Embrace It Mexico tourist tax does not apply to:

❌ Mexican citizens
❌ Children under the age of 12
❌ Passengers on Mexican cruises that dock for less than 24 hours
❌ Anyone traveling to Baja California State (see the additional info below)
❌ Travelers passing through for business or other non-tourism reasons (though this can be hard to prove)

Visiting Baja California State (aka Baja Norte)? You Don’t Need to Pay the Tax

This part is often a bit confusing, especially if this is your first Mexico trip, so let’s clear up the Baja California vs Baja California Sur confusion.

There are two states in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula: Baja California and Baja California Sur (both circled on the map above).

• Baja California, aka Baja California Norte or Baja Norte, is located to the north (the word “norte” means “north”)
• Baja California Sur, aka Baja Sur, is located to the south (the word “sur” means “south”)

Baja Norte is home to places like Tijuana, the Valle de Guadalupe Mexico wine region, Ensenada, Rosarito, Mexicali and Tecate.

This state sees far less tourists than Baja Sur, which is probably why Baja Norte isn’t implementing any Mexico tourism taxes.

How to pay the Cabo tourist tax online via the official website

There are only two official places online where you can pay the tax, so please don’t fall for any scam sites that say you can pay it with them.

• ✅ The official Embrace It Tax website: embraceit.bcs.gob.mx
• ✅ Travelkore, an official payment collection service: travelkore.com/quick-pay-embraceit
• ❌ Do not pay ANY other site besides these two or you risk being scammed

Common Cabo tourist tax FAQs

Still have questions? Here are a few of the most frequently asked ones I get from readers and Mexico travelers just like you.

What If I don’t pay the Cabo tourist taxes?

While not everyone is asked to show proof of payment, some travelers have been stopped at the airport during check-in or boarding and required to pay on the spot.

If you don’t pay in advance, there can be consequences like these:

👎 Denial of Boarding: As a worst case scenario, your airline may not allow you to board your flight if you don’t have proof of paying the Embrace It Tax.

👎 Being Fined at the Airport: If you’re caught not paying, you may be required to pay the Embrace It AND and additional “late payment fee” at the airport before you’re allowed to board your flight.

👎 Missing Your Flight: Even if you can pay at the airport, long lines at payment kiosks can cause you to miss your flight (another worst case scenario).

When do you need to pay Mexico’s Embrace It Tax?

You are technically supposed to Embrace It before or as soon as you arrive in Baja Sur for your trip.

At Los Cabos Airport, some travelers have been asked to show proof of payment before departure.

While enforcement has been inconsistent, it’s better to have your receipt ready at check-in, just in case.

Quick Note: Visitax Cancun Tourist Tax

If you’re traveling to Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or anywhere in Quintana Roo state, there is a different tourist tax you need to pay.

The Visitax (aka Cancun Tourism Tax) applies to foreign tourists over the age of 4 who are visiting Quintana Roo and the Mexican Caribbean.

Quintana Roo state includes popular destinations like these:

If you’re traveling to any of those places → check out our full article on Mexico’s Visitax tourist tax here.

That means if you’re traveling as a couple or family, you’ll need to pay for each traveler in your party separately.

If you leave and return on a different trip, you’ll need to pay it again for that visit.

While enforcement of the Embrace It Tax hasn’t been consistent, it’s smarter to pay it ahead of time and have proof of payment ready in case you’re stopped.

After all, no one wants to deal with delays or last-minute stress at the airport.

My Final Thoughts on the Cabo Tourist Taxes

While no one likes paying additional fees, the law is that you must pay the Embrace It Tax if you’re traveling to Baja Sur state — and if you don’t want any potential travel headaches, I suggest you do just that.

Also, it’s a small price to pay to enjoy the vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and magic towns of Baja Sur state.

For now, Mexico’s Embrace It Tax enforcement may be inconsistent, but it’s still your responsibility as a traveler to comply with any and all Mexican laws.

It takes just a few minutes to pay here online, and doing so avoids any hassle when you’re traveling or heading home.

Plus, if you’re someone who likes to travel responsibly, this is a way to contribute to the sustainability of tourism in one of Mexico’s most visited regions.