Travelers Can Now Bring More Devices to Cancun Without Fees
The governor of Quintana Roo successfully eliminated a fee imposed on travelers bringing multiple electronic devices to Cancun International Airport. This decision came after extensive negotiations with the National Customs Agency and widespread criticism of the tax.
In a major win for tourists heading to Mexico’s breathtaking Caribbean coast, Quintana Roo’s Governor, Mara Lezama Espinosa, has revealed a key policy change at the bustling Cancun International Airport. The move eliminates a widely criticized fee that penalized passengers carrying more than one personal electronic device, such as laptops or tablets, into the country. This long-awaited decision was achieved after months of intense discussions and came into effect on October 11, signaling a promising new era for travelers flocking to the Mexican Caribbean.
The fee, which previously impacted tourists arriving with multiple electronic gadgets as part of their personal belongings, was the subject of growing backlash. Reports of frustrated visitors and disgruntled travel agencies began surfacing, adding to a chorus of complaints from both local businesses and global travelers alike. Given that Cancun International Airport is the gateway to Quintana Roo—a state that thrives on tourism—such obstacles were seen as counterproductive, particularly as tourism worldwide rebounds following the pandemic.
Lezama, who has consistently championed tourism-friendly reforms since assuming office, stepped in to address the concerns. Working alongside the National Customs Agency, she led numerous working groups to reach a solution. Thanks to her diligent efforts, and with the cooperation of the agency’s general director, Andre Georges Foullon Van Lissum, the controversial fee was officially scrapped.
“For Quintana Roo, tourism is a priority activity, and the streamlining of tourist service processes must be permanent,” Lezama stated, underscoring the crucial role that a seamless travel experience plays in supporting the local economy. With Cancun being one of the world’s top vacation destinations, the tourism industry forms the lifeblood of the state, generating billions in revenue annually and providing employment to thousands. Ensuring that tourists have smooth, hassle-free arrivals has always been a key focus for the region’s leadership.
The tipping point for this change came after Lezama’s direct intervention, prompted by several reports in the media and meetings where the issues were hotly debated. Following an exhaustive review of airport procedures and a site visit to Cancun International Airport, it was clear that immediate action was needed to maintain Quintana Roo’s reputation as a top-tier tourist destination.
With her trademark blend of diplomacy and pragmatism, Lezama held discussions with Foullon Van Lissum, who agreed to re-examine the Customs Agency’s existing criteria. By eliminating the charge on multiple electronic devices, the Mexican Caribbean has taken a significant step toward improving the overall experience of visitors, who are no longer burdened with what many viewed as an unnecessary tax.
The governor expressed her profound gratitude to the Customs director for his collaboration. “This is a great step forward for our state, for our tourism sector, and for the millions of visitors who choose Quintana Roo as their dream destination each year,” she said. Lezama also emphasized that this change would pave the way for enhanced tourist development in the region, adding that Quintana Roo’s doors are now open wider than ever before.
In a heartfelt message aimed at tourists worldwide, Lezama declared, “Welcome to the New Era of the Mexican Caribbean. We await you with open arms.”
A Boost for Tourism in a Critical Year
The timing of this decision couldn’t be more critical. Quintana Roo has been working hard to attract tourists back following the global travel disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that international travel is regaining momentum, simplifying airport entry procedures is crucial to ensuring that visitors choose the Mexican Caribbean over other competing destinations.
Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel are all globally recognized hotspots, drawing millions of visitors from North America, Europe, and beyond every year. However, Quintana Roo’s reliance on tourism also means that any obstacles to entry—such as unexpected fees—can have a disproportionately negative impact on the local economy. By addressing this issue head-on, the state is reaffirming its commitment to providing a world-class travel experience.
Local businesses have already expressed their support for the move, stating that it will encourage travelers to return to Quintana Roo and spend more during their visits. Many tour operators, hotels, and businesses in the region had noticed a dip in visitor satisfaction and were quick to raise alarms over the Customs Agency's previous policy.
Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa’s approach to governance has been marked by her strategic focus on tourism. Recognizing the centrality of this sector to Quintana Roo’s economy, she has worked tirelessly to foster an environment that not only attracts visitors but also encourages them to return year after year.
This latest reform is just one example of how her administration is taking proactive measures to ensure that the region remains a leader in the global tourism market. In addition to the fee abolition, Lezama has overseen efforts to modernize infrastructure, improve safety standards, and support sustainability initiatives aimed at preserving Quintana Roo’s natural beauty for future generations of travelers.
As the state moves forward, it is clear that Lezama’s leadership will continue to drive innovation and progress in the tourism sector. Her efforts to cut through red tape and prioritize traveler satisfaction are setting a new standard for how tourist-dependent regions can balance economic development with a seamless visitor experience.
The removal of this controversial fee at Cancun International Airport marks a significant victory for travelers and Quintana Roo’s tourism industry. It demonstrates that when leadership listens and takes swift, decisive action, positive changes can be made for both locals and tourists alike. As Quintana Roo embarks on its “New Era of the Mexican Caribbean,” it is clear that the state is ready to welcome the world with open arms, inviting visitors to enjoy all the beauty, culture, and warmth that this stunning region has to offer.
With the obstacle of the electronics fee now firmly in the past, tourists can look forward to easier, more welcoming arrivals—whether they're bringing one laptop or ten.
