Embrace It Tax

I read in a local Vancouver paper that the State of Baja California Sur has instituted a mandatory tax called the “Embrace It Tax” for tourists staying longer than 24 hours.

The Tax is MX470 or approximately US$23.50, CAN$34. Also tourists arriving via Cruise Ships will be required to pay approximately US$5.00 each instead of the proposed US$42.00, CAN$56.97.

This fund is to support development initiatives to improve local communities, including state projects for safety, sports and culture.

I’m of the opinion this is the proverbial “thin edge of the wedge” and if other MX states decide to follow suit with their own tax scheme, it may give tourists pause to reconsider their travel plans and destinations.

It isn’t that easy to pay the tax either, especially if one is taking side trips to nearby states that have instituted a similar tax. One has to fill out a form with passport number and the entry/exit dates of one’s visit and then after paying they will get a QR code to present at the port of entry.

It will be interesting to see how other MX states react to the Baja Embrace It Tax.

Roberto!