Cancun Entry Requirements: Changes Travelers Need To Know For 2025

So, you’ve booked your ticket to paradise. Your mind is already on a beach chair with a frosty drink in hand. But before you switch into full vacation mode, let’s talk about the important part: actually getting in. While slipping into Cancun is still a breeze for most, there is a key change to the entry requirements and pesky rumors for 2025 that you need to know about.

“Don’t worry, The Cancun Sun has got your back. We’ll make this quick and painless—think of it as five minutes of prep for a guaranteed stress-free start to your vacation. And for those of you heading to Playa del Carmen or Tulum, it’s good to know these requirements are exactly the same.

The Bare Essentials: Your Passport

First things first, let’s get the big one out of the way. To enter Mexico, you need a valid passport. Simple as that. This goes for our friends in both the United States and Canada.

Now, you might have heard of a “six-month validity rule,” where your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after your travel date. While that’s a great rule of thumb for international travel, Mexico itself doesn’t officially enforce it. They just require your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay.

Here’s the catch: Your airline might have its own rules and could deny you boarding if your passport is cutting it close. The bottom line? If your passport expires within six months of your trip, play it safe and renew it. You don’t want your vacation to end at the check-in counter.

The 180-Day Myth: Getting Real About Your Stay

For years, travelers arriving in Cancun were almost automatically stamped in for a 180-day stay. This led many long-term travelers, digital nomads, and snowbirds to assume a six-month stay was a given.

Well, the times they are a-changin’.

The new reality is that the length of your stay is entirely at the discretion of the immigration officer you speak with.

If you’re heading down for a typical one or two-week vacation, you have nothing to worry about. The officer will see your return ticket, ask how long you’re staying, and likely give you a 15 or 30-day stamp, which is more than enough.

However, if you’re planning a longer stay or arriving on a one-way ticket, you can’t assume you’ll get the full 180 days. The agent might ask for more proof of your plans and grant you a shorter stay. Your best bet is to be prepared with a printout of your return flight and proof of accommodation.

Interestingly, many travelers report that the new automated e-gates at the airport often grant the full 180 days without a second thought. If you’re directed to one, you might just get lucky!

The Visitax Question

Ah, the Visitax. This mandatory tourist tax for the state of Quintana Roo (where Cancun is located) is not new, but the online chatter about it is more confusing than ever.

Let’s be clear: Yes, the Visitax is mandatory.

You’ll hear plenty of people on forums saying, “I never paid and nobody asked.” For a while, that was common. But officials are cracking down, and we’re seeing more random checks at the airport upon departure.

Skipping the tax is playing travel roulette. If you’re asked to show proof of payment and can’t, you could face departure delays while you scramble to pay on the spot, or even get a “mark” in your digital passport file that could cause headaches on future trips.

Think of it as your small contribution to the beautiful state you’re about to enjoy. It’s easy, fast, and at around $271 MXN (about $20 CAD or $15 USD), it’s cheaper than a round of drinks at the airport.

Crucially, only use the official government website: VISITAX.gob.mx. Do not use third-party sites that charge extra fees. You can pay before you travel or during your stay. Once paid, you’ll get a QR code. Screenshot it, and you’re good to go.

So there you have it. Have a valid passport, be realistic about your length of stay, and pay the small tourist tax. A few minutes of prep means more time for what you came for: sun, sand, and sensational tacos. Safe travels!