SCAM ALERT: 20 Fake Visitax Websites Targeting Tourists in Quintana Roo

WARNING: Only pay Visitax at visitax.gob.mx, the official cost is 224 pesos (~$11 USD). At least 20 fake websites charge 500+ pesos and may not actually pay your tax. Scam sites look legitimate but use domains other than .gob.mx. Here's how to protect yourself when visiting Puerto Morelos, Cancun, or anywhere in Quintana Roo.

The Official Visitax: What You Need to Know

The Visitax (officially called the "Right of Use of Public Domain Goods") is a mandatory tax for international visitors over 15 years old traveling to Quintana Roo. Here are the facts:

• Official cost: 224 Mexican pesos (approximately $10-11 USD)
• Who pays: International tourists aged 15 and older
• When to pay: Before departing Quintana Roo (can be done online or at the airport)
• Official website: visitax.gob.mx

The Scam: Fake Websites Charging 500+ Pesos

According to Bernardo Cueto Riestra, Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo, scammers have created at least 20 fraudulent websites that:

• Charge more than double the official rate (500+ pesos instead of 224)
• Look legitimate with professional designs mimicking official sites
• Have no government authorization to collect this tax
• May not actually pay your tax, leaving you liable at the airport

How to Identify the REAL Visitax Website

The only authorized portal is:

✅ visitax.gob.mx

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Wrong domain ending: Fake sites don't end in .gob.mx (Mexico's official government domain)
• Examples of FAKE sites: visitaxmex.com and similar variations
• Price above 224 pesos: If they're charging more, it's not official
• Pressure tactics: Legitimate government sites don't use urgency or scare tactics
• Poor Spanish/English: Many scam sites have translation errors

What Authorities Are Doing

The Quintana Roo Tourism Secretariat (Sedetur) has:

• Reported all identified fake websites to the State Attorney General's Office
• Engaged Cyber Police to track and remove fraudulent sites
• Issued public warnings through official channels
• Met with hotel industry leaders to address the problem

Important: Don't Pay Intermediaries

Officials specifically warn tourists:

• Don't pay intermediaries claiming to process Visitax for you
• Don't be intimidated at airports by people demanding immediate payment
• The procedure can be done online at your convenience before departure
• You can also pay when leaving the state at official airport kiosks

Step-by-Step: How to Pay Visitax Safely

1. Go directly to visitax.gob.mx
2. Verify the URL shows exactly "visitax.gob.mx" with the padlock icon
3. Fill out your information (passport details, flight info)
4. Pay the official fee of 224 pesos (~$10-11 USD)
5. Save your confirmation (screenshot or print the receipt)
6. Show confirmation when departing at the airport if asked

What If You Already Paid a Fake Site?

If you suspect you paid a fraudulent website:

• Document everything: Save the website URL, payment confirmation, and any emails
• Contact your bank: You may be able to dispute the charge as fraud
• Pay the real tax: Unfortunately, you'll likely need to pay again through the official site
• Report the scam: Contact Sedetur or local authorities with details

The Bigger Picture: Visitax Debate Continues

This scam situation comes amid ongoing debate between the private sector and Quintana Roo's government about how the tax should be collected. Key points:

• The government proposed having hotels collect the tax, which the hotel industry strongly opposes
• Hotel representatives argue they lack infrastructure for tax collection and it would hurt competitiveness
• Business leaders advocate for a "digital and direct" process only
• As of December 2025, the proposal was excluded from the revenue law by the Finance Secretariat

For now, the collection method remains electronic through the official government website.

Quick Reference Card

Bottom Line

Scammers are actively targeting tourists visiting Quintana Roo with fake Visitax websites. Protect yourself by:

1. Only using visitax.gob.mx
2. Never paying more than 224 pesos
3. Ignoring intermediaries and pressure tactics
4. Verifying the .gob.mx domain

Don't let scammers ruin your vacation. Bookmark the official site, pay the correct amount, and enjoy your time in paradise!

Related Quintana Roo Safety Guides

• How to Exchange USD for Pesos in Cancun
• Is Cancun Safe? 2026 Travel Guide
• Playa del Carmen City Guide

Report scams to local authorities and legitimate businesses can list on ExpatsList.