Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Dominican Republic, and Sint Maarten are driving a major Caribbean tourism revival and infrastructure transformation in 2025 by strategically introducing new tourist taxes and streamlined eVisa systems that directly fund development. These targeted measures are not only boosting revenue but are also being reinvested into critical upgrades—ranging from cleaner ports and sustainable beach projects to smarter immigration processing and modernized airports—ensuring that tourism growth is both economically impactful and future-ready.

Mexico

Tourist Tax
Mexico has taken major steps to adjust its tourism tax policy, especially for cruise travelers. After strong backlash over an originally proposed flat US $42 cruise passenger tax, the government implemented a new phased approach. Starting July 1, 2025, cruise visitors will pay US $5, which will gradually rise each year until it reaches US $21 by 2028. These funds are being allocated to improve coastal infrastructure, maintain cleaner ports, and directly support communities that rely on cruise tourism.

eVisa and Entry Fees
Mexico requires most travelers to fill out a Tourist Card (FMM), which is free for visits under seven days. For stays longer than that, a fee of around MXN $861 (approximately US $43) applies. This fee is often included in airline ticket prices. In addition, travelers from select countries—including Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine—must obtain an SAE (Electronic Travel Authorization) online. This digital approval allows them to enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days without needing to visit a consulate.

Jamaica

Tourist Tax
Jamaica has long applied a US $20 Tourism Enhancement Fee, which is embedded in all airfare for incoming visitors. This fee goes toward essential development projects such as airport expansions, beach preservation in Negril, and marketing campaigns to attract high-value travelers from North America and Europe. The fee is non-negotiable and helps fund ongoing improvements across the country’s hospitality and tourism infrastructure.

eVisa and Entry Fees
Most travelers from countries such as the U.S., Canada, and the EU do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, for travelers from visa-required countries, Jamaica now supports eVisa processing through authorized digital platforms like VisaHQ. The base visa fee is usually US $100, with additional charges depending on nationality or service used. Applications are submitted online and approvals are typically emailed within days, offering a smoother alternative to in-person consulate visits.

Bahamas

Tourist Tax
The Bahamas is expanding its tax structure, especially in relation to cruise tourism and private island development. The government has introduced new levies on cruise ship staff permits, import fees for cruise-owned properties, and taxes on recreational rentals like jet skis and paddleboards. These changes ensure cruise giants contribute more directly to the local economy and help fund infrastructure upgrades in smaller island communities that support heavy tourist activity.

eVisa and Entry Fees
For travelers from visa-required countries, the Bahamas now offers a seamless Electronic Entry Visa (EEV) system. The application is done entirely online, and documents are emailed directly to the applicant. A single-entry visa costs US $160, while a multiple-entry visa valid for up to one year costs US $250. Processing time typically ranges from 3 to 5 business days, making it one of the more streamlined eVisa offerings in the Caribbean.

Aruba

Tourist Tax
Aruba has introduced a US $20 sustainability fee that applies to all overnight visitors aged 8 and older. This mandatory payment is submitted through the island’s online ED Card system prior to arrival. The funds raised support environmental initiatives like coral reef preservation, solar energy infrastructure, and eco-tourism certification programs for hotels and tour operators. Aruba positions this tax as a direct investment in keeping the island clean, safe, and sustainable.

eVisa and Entry Fees
Although Aruba doesn’t require a traditional visa for most U.S., Canadian, and EU citizens, all travelers must complete the ED Card application online before arrival. While not a visa in name, the system functions similarly to an electronic travel authorization. The process is simple: submit your personal details, upload your travel documents, and pay the sustainability fee. Travelers from countries that do require a visa must apply through Dutch consular services, as Aruba follows the Kingdom of the Netherlands visa policy.

Barbados

Tourist Tax
Barbados applies a tiered room levy to all hotel stays, ranging from BDS $5 to $20 per night (roughly US $2.50 to US $10) depending on the class of accommodation. These funds help the island invest in tourism infrastructure, road improvements near hotel districts, and hurricane resilience efforts. The tax is collected at the hotel during check-out and is mandatory for all visitors, whether staying in luxury resorts or guesthouses.

eVisa and Entry Fees
Barbados also offers a standout eVisa product known as the Welcome Stamp. This is a 12-month digital nomad visa available online, designed for remote workers and freelancers. The fee is US $2,000 for individuals or US $3,000 for families, and the application process is fully digital. Once approved, travelers can live and work from Barbados while enjoying the full benefits of its tourism services and healthcare infrastructure.

Belize

Tourist Tax
Belize charges a departure tax of about US $40, usually collected by airlines or at the airport. This tax supports the Belize Tourism Board’s conservation efforts, including funding for national parks, Mayan archaeological sites, and marine reserves like the world-famous Belize Barrier Reef. Visitors who choose to extend their stay must also pay an additional US $100 per 30-day renewal, making it one of the few Caribbean nations with a built-in fee for extended visits.

eVisa and Entry Fees
While most nationalities—including U.S., Canada, and EU citizens—don’t need a visa for stays up to 30 days, those who do can apply through Belize’s embassy or consulate. Belize currently does not offer a full eVisa system for all travelers, but it does support online appointment booking and document pre-screening to reduce in-person wait times. Extensions and long-stay permits must be handled locally, with payments made directly at immigration offices.

Dominican Republic

Tourist Tax
The Dominican Republic imposes a US $10 Tourist Card fee on all visitors, which is automatically included in airfare or cruise ticket prices. This entry tax helps fund tourism security, airport upgrades, and international promotion campaigns, particularly in new markets like Canada and South America. It is mandatory for all travelers unless explicitly exempted by bilateral agreements.

eVisa and Entry Fees
For most travelers, no visa is required for stays up to 30 days, with the option to extend up to 120 days for a fee. The country does not operate a universal eVisa platform yet, but visa-required nationals can apply through consulates. Extensions can be requested online or through local immigration offices. The process is relatively straightforward and designed to accommodate the growing number of repeat visitors and long-term guests.

Sint Maarten

Tourist Tax
In May 2025, Sint Maarten proposed a new overnight tourist tax: US $15 per adult and US $10 per child per night. While not yet finalized, the proposal is gaining traction and is expected to pass by the end of the year. If approved, it would fund upgrades to public beaches, safety lighting, and tourism training programs—especially important in a country heavily reliant on return cruise and stayover guests.

eVisa and Entry Fees
Sint Maarten does not require visas for most travelers from the U.S., Canada, EU, and several Latin American countries. For those who do need one, the country follows Dutch Kingdom visa policy, requiring applications through consulates. While Sint Maarten currently does not offer a centralized eVisa platform, the government has hinted at joining regional efforts to roll out electronic processing in the near future, especially to support growth in long-term tourism.

Why These Taxes and eVisas Matter

These targeted tourism taxes and evisas are helping Caribbean nations:

• Diversify their revenue streams
• Reduce over-reliance on mass tourism
• Fund long-term development without debt
• Improve tourist experience through better infrastructure, safety, and cleanliness

More importantly, travelers are increasingly willing to pay small fees when they know the money supports local communities and environmental preservation.

Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Dominican Republic, and Sint Maarten are fueling a Caribbean tourism revival by using new travel taxes and eVisas to boost revenue and fund major infrastructure upgrades. These initiatives are transforming visitor experiences while supporting long-term economic growth across the region.

A Regional Shift with Global Implications

What we’re witnessing is a coordinated shift across the Caribbean—from relying solely on volume-based tourism to a more quality-driven, sustainable model. Tourist taxes are no longer seen as deterrents but rather as smart tools to elevate the region’s value proposition.

As travel demand returns and competition rises, these eight nations are positioning themselves to not just recover, but thrive in a more resilient and balanced tourism economy.

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