A favorite Mexican escape for many Californians is raising its tourism tax again. The government of Baja California Sur, home to popular destinations including Los Cabos, has announced that its mandatory tourism tax, known as the “Embrace It” fee, will increase for the 2026 season.
Beginning in January, international visitors over the age of 12 who stay longer than 24 hours will be required to pay 488 Mexican pesos, approximately $28 USD. The previous rate was 470 pesos. The fee applies only to foreign travelers and is not charged to Mexican citizens.
Unlike many travel-related taxes that are bundled into airfare or hotel bookings, this tourism levy must be paid separately. Visitors are required to complete the payment online before arrival. After payment, they receive a QR code that must be presented upon entry into the state.
State authorities say the tourism tax funds environmental conservation, local community development, and tourism infrastructure improvements. According to officials, the money supports beach preservation, wildlife protection, and public services used by millions of visitors each year.
In a news release, Hugo Chapoy Córdova, director of revenue at Tourist Tax México, said that clear requirements help foreign travelers prepare. He stated that the agency remains committed to maintaining a secure, simple, and accessible digital process for those visiting Baja California Sur.
Supreme Court lawyer and SCOTUSBlog Co-founder Thomas Goldstein convicted of tax and mortgage fraud
Despite concerns over rising travel expenses, officials confirmed in December that the tourism tax will remain in effect through the end of the year.
Cartel Violence Raises Travel Concerns
The tax increase comes at a time of heightened instability in Mexico. On February 22, Mexican security forces conducted a major military operation in Jalisco. During that operation, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” was killed. He was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, commonly referred to as CJNG.
Following the operation, cartel members responded with violent actions across several states. Reports described burning roadblocks and retaliatory attacks, creating unrest in multiple regions. The situation prompted U.S. government personnel in certain areas to follow “shelter-in-place” orders.
Air travel was also affected. Dozens of flights were canceled as airlines responded to the security developments. Some travelers experienced delays and disruptions, while others reconsidered their travel plans due to safety concerns.
Although the violence did not occur in Baja California Sur itself, the national headlines have influenced traveler confidence. Mexico remains one of the most visited countries by American tourists, and Los Cabos continues to be especially popular among Californians because of its proximity and luxury resort offerings. However, security developments in other parts of the country can impact tourism across regions.
Nevada employer kept worker tax withholdings for a decade, pleads guilty in federal case
Higher Costs During a Sensitive Period
The timing of the tourism tax hike has drawn attention because it coincides with national security concerns. Travelers planning visits to Baja California Sur now face both increased costs and heightened awareness of unrest in parts of Mexico.
The 488-peso fee may appear modest in comparison to overall vacation expenses, but it adds to the total cost, especially for families or groups. Since it is not automatically included in travel bookings, visitors must take an additional step to complete the payment before arriving.
The “Embrace It” tourism tax was designed specifically for Baja California Sur, with funds directed toward maintaining the state’s environmental and tourism assets. Officials maintain that the program supports sustainability efforts and ensures the region continues to meet international tourism standards.
At the same time, the broader security situation following the February 22 military operation in Jalisco remains part of the national conversation. The violent response that followed has led to temporary disruptions and increased caution among some travelers.
For many Californians, Los Cabos and surrounding beach communities have long served as convenient getaway destinations. With the tourism tax set to rise in January 2026 and national security concerns still making headlines, visitors are navigating a changing travel environment in one of Mexico’s most well-known vacation regions.