Visitax: A Way to Keep the Famed Quintana Roo Afloat and Thriving during the Post-Pandemic Times
By Space Coast Daily // January 31, 2022
Remaining as one of the best tropical destinations in the world, Quintana Roo has now opened more of its doors to foreign travelers. Along with its reopening, the government implemented a major change in the tourism industry last April 2021.
The Tourist tax Mexico is now required for every foreign visitor exploring the Quintana Roo region. This covers Bacalar, Cancun, Holbox, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, among others.
Everything You Need to Know about the New Tourism Tax
The tourism tax, also known as Visitax, is mandated for all tourists over 4 years old who wish to visit the Quintana Roo state. Administered by the State of Quintana Roo’s Tax Administration, this serves as a revenue-generating measure to reactivate the Mexican Caribbean tourism industry.
Applying for the tourism tax is very easy. All you need to do is to accomplish the Quintana Roo State Tourism Tax form online and pay for the fee. You should have a valid passport as well as a valid e-mail address. More so, you are required to input your return date and the number of visitors joining the trip.
Once you complete the form, you need to pay the fee amounting to 38.00 USD per Visitax. You can pay the fee beforehand, upon arrival, or before departure. If you opt for the third option, you can only pay cash at the Cancun airport. To minimize the congestion at the airport, it’s highly recommended to complete it online and send payment via credit card or PayPal.
The payment confirmation, together with a barcode, will be sent through your email address. You will then present the barcode at the ports of entry in the region. The Visitax is a single-charge tax that is valid for the entire duration of your stay.
Quintana Roo Now on Course to Regaining its Tourism Industry
According to statistica.com, though there has been a vast decrease in tourists last 2019, the tourism industry in the region is slowly getting back on track. Cancun, in particular, is the city with the highest number of foreign guests in 2020. The city itself reported over 11 million tourist arrivals.
In addition, the Ministry of Tourism aims to further strengthen the tourism industry of Quintana Roo after a fruitful number of visitors in the region in the past year. By the end of 2021, the region welcomed more than 12 million visitors, 7 million of which were international travelers.
Based on thecancunsun.com, the state anticipates at least 6.1 million tourists in the first quarter of 2022. And since the region has been given the green light, this means hotels and other rental accommodations now accept guests at 100% capacity.
Many airlines are also opening back their routes to the country, particularly in Cancun. The massive surge of flights in the region, together with the gradual loosening up of restrictions, paves way for the drastic revival of the state’s tourism industry.
Aside from completing the Visitax Cancun before your trip, it’s important that you get vaccinated. Vaccines Are Your Best Weapon in Fighting the Spread of COVID-19. Though the Mexican government does not impose proof of vaccination for travelers, it’s better that you acquire one to keep you safe.
In general, tourists present a negative PCR test conducted 72 hours before returning to their home countries to skip quarantine rules. And with the dynamics of COVID-19, there may also be local restrictions in some areas, hence limited movements among businesses and even transportation.
Conveniently, most of the hotels and even airports in the country offer PCR and antigen tests. There are also several thermal cameras deployed all over the region for added precaution. So, if you’re bound for your next tropical getaway in Quintana Roo, make sure you get your Visitax in advance. This way, you get to enjoy its breathtaking attractions as well as help the tourism industry get back to its glorious form.
