Mexico to Significantly Increase Tourist Site Fees for Foreign Visitors in 2026

New Fee Structure for Foreign Visitors

Mexico's Ministry of Culture, in conjunction with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), has announced a substantial increase in admission fees for foreign visitors to the country's archaeological sites and museums, effective January 1, 2026. This adjustment is part of the 2026 Economic Package, which was signed by President Claudia Sheinbaum and approved by the Chamber of Deputies on October 15, 2025, and awaits final confirmation from the Senate.

The new fee structure categorizes sites, with significant hikes for popular destinations. For instance, entrance costs for Category I sites, which include iconic locations such as Chichén Itzá, Teotihuacán, the National Museum of Anthropology, Tulum, and Cobá, are set to rise from 100 pesos to 209 pesos for foreign tourists, effectively more than doubling the current rate.

Details of the Increases Across Categories

The fee adjustments extend across various site categories:

• Category I Sites: Including major attractions like Chichén Itzá, Teotihuacán, National Museum of Anthropology, Tulum, Cobá, Palenque, and Calakmul, fees will increase from 100 pesos to 209 pesos for foreign visitors.
• Category II Sites: Such as Malinalco, Pahñu, La Quemada, Toniná, Comalcalco, Dzibanché, and museums like El Carmen and de la Cultura Huasteca, will see fees jump from 80 pesos to 156.75 pesos.
• Category III Sites: Including the National Museum of World Cultures and the Ex Convent of Yanhuitlán, fees will increase from 75 pesos to 143.69 pesos.
• Category IV Sites: A newly established category for archaeological zones connected to the Tren Maya corridor, such as Uxmal and Dzibilchaltún, along with the Museo del Pueblo Maya in Mérida, will have a fixed fee of 104.50 pesos, with no discount options for foreign tourists.
• After-Hours Visits: These special visits will also see a sharp increase, rising from 355 pesos to 731 or 732 pesos.

Mexican nationals and foreign residents with proper documentation will continue to enjoy either unchanged fees or receive significant discounts, with some Category I sites seeing a smaller increase from 100 pesos to 105 pesos for nationals and residents, or a 50 percent discount on the new foreign rate, resulting in a price of 104.50 pesos.

Rationale and Impact

The Ministry of Culture has stated that the fee increases are intended to generate additional revenue for the maintenance, research, preservation, and promotion of Mexico's rich cultural heritage and infrastructure. Officials noted that current prices have remained largely unchanged for over a decade.

While the government aims to boost revenue from international tourism and ensure the sustainability of its cultural sites, critics have voiced concerns that the significant hikes could render access to some iconic sites a 'luxury,' potentially deterring international tourism and limiting educational opportunities. The policy seeks to balance economic sustainability with inclusive access to Mexico's historical treasures.