Canadians now have to fork over new tax to visit popular sunny getaway

Travelling from Canada to Mexico? If you're headed to the state of Baja California Sur, you'll now have to pay a mandatory tax.

It's going to cost you a little more to travel to the popular Mexican state that's known for its nightlife, marine life, and luxury resorts, after the government of Baja California Sur announced that the Embrace It Tax is now in effect.

That means all foreign visitors, including travellers from Canada, planning to visit the state in the northwest of Mexico will now be required to pay the tax before entry.

What is the Embrace It Tax?

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Economy, Baja welcomed 1.9 million travellers between January and May 2025, a 3.2 per cent increase from the previous year. It appears that the government is taking steps to mitigate the impact of tourism through the Embrace It Tax.

That means that if you're staying in Baja for over 24 hours, you'll have to pay the new tax. According to a release from the local government, the tax is an initiative to "support sustainable tourism."

In addition to environmental protection and social and cultural projects, the funds will also be used to improve infrastructure in the region.

How much will it cost?

Tourists visiting the state will have to pay MX$470, or approximately C$34, before entering the state. You can pay the tax online through the Travelkore platform. The tax applies to each person travelling to Baja.

It only takes a few minutes to complete the online form, which allows you to provide information and pay the fee for up to nine individuals at once. You'll need to provide your passport number, as well as your arrival and departure dates.

You can also choose the currency in which you want to pay (USD, CAD, GBP, EUR). Once you pay the fee, you'll then receive an email with a QR code, which you can present at ports of entry, such as airports, seaports, and border crossings.

"Our commitment is to provide an unforgettable tourism experience while also protecting our ecosystem and supporting the well-being of local communities," said Bertha Monaño Cota, minister of finance and administration. "Embrace It is a key tool to achieve this."

In addition to the Embrace It Tax, tourists arriving in Mexico via cruise ship are required to pay a fee starting July 1. The previously proposed amount of US$42 (approximately C$56.97) has now been reduced to US$5 (approximately C$6.78) per person.