Frequently Asked Questions About the Baja California Sur Tourist Tax

 

What is the Baja California Sur tourist tax?

The Baja California Sur Tourist Tax, also known as Embrace It, is a mandatory state tourism fee charged to eligible foreign visitors traveling to Baja California Sur, Mexico.

The tax was established under Article 129 Bis of the Baja California Sur State Finance Law and helps fund projects that improve the visitor experience and support local communities. Revenue is used for tourism infrastructure, environmental conservation, public safety, mobility, education, cultural initiatives, and other public services throughout the state.

The tax applies to popular destinations including:

• Cabo San Lucas
• San José del Cabo
• La Paz
• Todos Santos
• Loreto
• East Cape communities

Is the Baja California Sur tourist tax mandatory?

Yes. The Baja California Sur tourist tax is required by state law for eligible foreign visitors.

Although payment verification is not conducted for every traveler, state authorities may request proof of payment at airports, land crossings, or other checkpoints. Travelers are encouraged to complete the payment before arriving to avoid delays or confusion during their trip.

How much is the Baja California Sur tourist tax?

As of 2026, the tourist tax is MXN $488 per eligible traveler.

The fee is set in Mexican pesos, so the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars or other currencies may vary depending on current exchange rates and any applicable credit card conversion fees.

Because government fees can change, always verify the current amount before traveling.

Who has to pay the tourist tax?

The tax generally applies to:

• Foreign visitors
• Travelers 13 years of age and older
• Visitors staying in Baja California Sur for more than 24 hours

The following travelers are generally exempt:

• Children 12 years old and younger
• Mexican citizens
• Individuals with legal Mexican residency

If you are unsure whether the tax applies to your trip, it’s best to review the official guidelines before traveling.

How do I pay the Baja California Sur tourist tax?

Payment is completed online through the official Embrace It government portal. The process typically takes only a few minutes.

After entering your travel information and completing payment, you’ll receive:

• An email confirmation
• A payment receipt
• A QR code that serves as your proof of payment

Be cautious of unofficial websites charging excessive service fees. Whenever possible, use the official government payment portal.

Do I need to print my receipt?

Printing your receipt isn’t required, but it’s a good idea to save both the payment confirmation and QR code on your phone. Having a printed backup can also be helpful if you experience internet or battery issues during your trip.

When should I pay the tourist tax?

Most travelers prefer to complete the payment before departure so everything is taken care of before they arrive.

You can pay:

• Before your trip
• After arriving in Baja California Sur
• Before departing the state

Is the tourist tax included in my airline ticket or hotel?

No.

In most cases, the Baja California Sur tourist tax is not included in:

• Airline tickets
• Hotel rates
• Resort fees
• Vacation package prices

It is a separate state fee that eligible travelers are responsible for paying independently unless your travel provider specifically states otherwise.

What happens if I don’t pay the tourist tax?

Because the tax is required under Baja California Sur state law, travelers are encouraged to comply with the payment requirement.

State authorities may request proof of payment during your trip or when entering or leaving the state. While enforcement practices may vary, paying the tax in advance helps avoid unnecessary complications.

Why does Baja California Sur charge a tourist tax?

Tourism is one of Baja California Sur’s most important industries.

The visitor tax helps support projects that benefit both residents and travelers, including:

• Environmental conservation
• Beach maintenance
• Tourism infrastructure
• Public safety
• Road improvements
• Parks and public spaces
• Cultural and community programs
• Sustainable tourism initiatives

The goal is to preserve the natural beauty and quality of life that make destinations like Los Cabos, La Paz, Todos Santos, and Loreto so popular.

Can I pay in U.S. dollars?

The official payment platform charges the fee in Mexican pesos.

If you pay with a U.S. credit card, your bank will automatically convert the amount into U.S. dollars using its exchange rate and any applicable foreign transaction fees.

Do cruise passengers have to pay the tourist tax?

Cruise passenger requirements may differ from those for visitors arriving by air or land.

Some cruise-related charges may already be included in your cruise fare or port fees. Check directly with your cruise line before departure to determine whether any additional payment is required.

Is the Baja California Sur tourist tax the same as the Quintana Roo tourist tax?

No. Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo each administer their own tourism fee under separate state laws.

For example, travelers visiting Los Cabos or La Paz pay the Baja California Sur tourist tax, while visitors traveling to Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cozumel may be subject to Quintana Roo’s VISITAX program instead.

These are two completely separate systems and payment for one does not satisfy the requirements of the other.

Is the Baja California Sur tourist tax refundable?

Generally, no. Once your payment has been processed and your QR code has been issued, the fee is considered non-refundable.

Before completing your payment, carefully review your travel dates, personal information, and passport details to ensure everything is accurate.