I just returned from Cancun a few days ago. Since there was a chance I might extend my stay, I postponed paying online as they were asking for the date of my return flight. Then I forgot all about it until I was on the way to the airport. When I first looked into paying, I read that it would take a few days to process my payment and receive a QR code, so I figured at this point my only option was to pay in cash at the airport. I checked a source online which said I could pay in cash at the airport. At terminal 4 I found a large desk marked as the tax payment spot, but it was deserted. Then I approached two uniformed individuals who shrugged and said the tax could not be paid at the airport. I proceeded with check-in and security, expecting to be stopped and directed to where I could pay the tax, but it never came up. Most peculiar!
Wow! This was so helpful. Thanks for arranging to have Tim join and set us straight. I had NO idea. I'm sure it sounds pretty straightforward from his perspective, but this is a royal fubar cluster of execution and clarity on behalf of the QR government. How in the world they expect tourists to comply with this tax with inconsistent and misappropriated information is beyond me. It's already a royal headache to get through customs and maneuver your way through the airport without being bombarded with people selling you stuff. Why make this more complicated? Streamline it through the airlines or set up a payment queue at the airport so that it can be over and done (we did something similar when traveling to Egypt: you have to either purchase your tourist visa online in advance or purchase on site prior to going through customs). Kudos to you for getting to the source and getting the facts straight for all of us!
Cancun is changing,not much people trying to sell you Time shares...in fact not one approached me a cpl weeks ago..also nothing about visitax except a sign by the gate 57 about paying it to avoid delay,but no one is asking for it...Customes and immigration is a breeze now,no more red tape.
After watching this video, I decided to pay the Visitax using the official site to have peace of mind at the airport. However, I must testify that, for something that is mandatory, it was in no way enforced while leaving the Cancun airport. We traveled for a week and returned two days ago (April 25th, 2024). Not one person asked if we paid the Visitax, and after speaking to a few travelers, I found out most were not aware about Visitax. We visited Cancun in 2022 and had no idea about the tax then nor was it mentioned to us... I must say that for something that was implemented 3 years ago, the enforcement or lack-there-of makes you question its credibility.
I would question the veracity of this information. Unfortunately in Mexico things work way different than abroad. trains and upgrades like This guy says are not paid from visitax. That’s BS, to me as a Mexican residing legally in US and traveling frequently to Quintana Roo this sounds very squetchy
@@3Days3Noches I think everyone would have some hesitation regarding this issue. I truly appreciate your concern and support to inform the community! Excellent work
I came back from Cancun on December 2nd. Maybe it depends on the airport terminal (I was at Terminal 2), but no one asked me about QR codes and I didn't see any posters about them. This gentlemen was hired by the State government to collect this "tax". He will use any means at his disposal to persuade everyone to pay the "tax": it's illegal, no one should avoid paying, pay in advance, etc. An extra 3 dollars is added to each transaction by them. The annual number of visitors is 9.5 million, resulting in a revenue of about 30 million annually from thin air. It's not too bad.
Great information! One day prior to my departure (February 2024), I received an email from the Cancun airport's authority - their official site - which mentioned the necessity of paying for VisiTax prior to the arrival and provided a link to pay for it on the airport's site (not the official site specified in this video's description). After paying, a few minutes later I received a 10-character code - it was not a QR code, just a plain text format. The code is linked to my passport #. Seems like the rules of notifying international travelers are definitely in effect now.
Just got back from Cancun yesterday and no one I talked to there who were visiting from the US even heard of this. It was never mentioned/enforced anywhere. I never got notice about it in any process of booking the trip. The only place I’d heard of this was your videos.
I just read that tourist are not paying the Visitax and no one at the airport is asking for it..I am leaving on Monday for 10 days and let's see what happens...i also plan not to pay it..
It is very important to use the official link. My friend just got charged $48 USD per person. Some people are really taking advantage of tourists. I suggested she get the charge cancelled and go through the official site.
As a tax professional, it is clear that the implementation and administration of this tax violates every element that is supposed to be used for a good tax: fairness, adequacy, simplicity, transparency, and administrative ease. As demonstrated by the mere fact that this representative stated that they could not get the airlines to agree to the tax, there is a question as to administration since it is apparent that the state government could not require it of the airlines (meaning they don't have jurisdiction/authority over the airline for some legal reason). Also, I understand that this tax is not collected at immigration, which demonstrates that it is not in harmony with that agency's objectives. Candidly, I'm wondering if this could be an issue worthy of the international court of justice as often local jurisdictions impose taxes, fees, and other charges that are at odds with certain treaties and protocols.
@lleyko I'm not trying to attack a country's sovereignty or the right to choose how it manages its affairs, but when a nation decides to join in some agreement with other nations (which covers everything from taxes to the use of phone lines), I feel that the country should keep its promise. I'm aware of many of the multi-national agreements involving taxes. This tax imposed by the state appears to violate the terms the United States of Mexico has agreed to follow when dealing with other countries (or its citizens).
@@MrDixon- ahora te vas hacer la ingenua cuando en estados unidos te cobran literalmente por hechar te un pedo. No mames no seas hipocrita. Callase y obedezca las órdenes el gobierno de México así como los mexicanos hacemos en estados unidos.
@lleyko Hmm. Since I was living in CDMX in 1985, I guess I'm just too old to know the current issues of international law. Oh well. At least I still get to see Los Bukis where I live.
Travelling to Cancun on Monday 11th September from the UK and our travel agent (TUI) sent us the Visitax information and link for payment (same link as you have included for the official website). Your videos have been great in preparation for us travelling to Cancun for the first time, thank you!
Great video. There was a ton of confusion when I was there in May, 2023. Going back in 2024. Am in agreement that I’m not 100% thrilled with a website having all my passport information, not a QR code that could be copied without RDIF in my bag/purse.
We were there in October We paid the tax in advance to avoid any hassels and no one asked for any proof at all We were probably the only people on our flight that paid lol I guess if they are using the money for infrastructure its not so bad but it still feels like a shakedown The whole area is funded by the tourism industry and we always spend money while we are there as well as tip generously
Thank you for clearing this up. We'll be back in Mexico in November. I'll refer back to your video if i need to so I'll have the correct website. Great job.
This isn't a Federal tax and airports are Federal jurisdictions. The local government can make as many pretend taxes they want, but they have no authority to enforce it at the airport.
So, we did pay this online in November. Our entire group. Today, I choose to pay it again on the “ official website”, and when filling it out I decided to ask a question about departure date. The info email like it on the home page of the site. Anyway, I send the email, and immediately it bounces. Now I have to wonder ….
So we returned from Cancun airport to the UK on the 26th Aug. Tui (UK travel agent) had sent us the link to visitax through the Tui app. However... Our rep on site at our hotel said it wasn't "mandatory" and the current system had no way of checking if you'd paid it or not. ... For the sake of £24 approx $20 for 2 people, we paid it online just didn't want any hassle at the airport. From getting to the airport, checking in, security and boarding the plane we were never asked ONCE if we had paid the tax fee. We spoke to others on the flight who said the same, any many hadn't paid it. So seems it's all in all a bit of a scam.
We used to have a similar tax to come in to the Dominican Republic and it was collected directly by the immigration officer when you checked into the country.
Thank you for this info and clarification. As long as the money truely gets used as intended, I have no problem . But, Mexico has a terrible track record on money abuse and corruption. Love Cancun , always have since my first trip over 30 years and trips ago .
This was very good content. It reminds me of the form you have to fill out when you go to the Dominican Republic. It's not a tax but it's something you MUST do and its easy to do if you take care of it in advance but a pain if you wait until you are there and it's panic time. Even with the DR form I was asked for it way before I expected to be asked for it. BTW this brings up a topic that you don't see very often on any of these travel RU-vid channels. People do plenty of videos on what to pack but there is also a planning angle to these trips. A lot of it is obvious but the game is making the whole process as smooth as possible and for that you have to do your research and line those ducks up carefully.
It is an abuse. When you visit the parks or other tourist areas they charge you the amounts to maintain their eco premises. For sure this tax will not change or be eliminated in the long term but most tourists will not appreciate it and this will affect tourism in Cancun. Even a 10 dollars fee would have been too much but acceptable. Thanks for the update.
Why would a government impose the same tax twice? We already pay the eco-tax per day of stay in Riviera Maya, and it is enforced. This seems like it just goes in somebody's pocket and their website is so full of scare tactic lies that are not real. They want it paid before you leave because they will stop you n the Cancun Aeroport ---completely FALSE They will demand it at the hotel --FALSE They will demand it when you exit Mexico - FALSE The connect it with your passport - ABSOLUTELY FALSE AND ILLEGAL!!! They have electronic enforcement - WHERE? on Tim's desktop PC? He is just a webpage code writer with many failed business attempts. He can't keep his story straight.
Thank you for all your hard work. My husband and I will be going back to Cancun for our wedding anniversary. You took my anxiety away from planning our trip.
I was in Cancun in Mid-Oct 2023 and there was no notice of this tax and no means to collect this at the airport. There is not information being shared at the airport and they are not enforcing this anywhere.
Thanks for the video. This is such a mess for collecting sub $20 admission. It's like going to aquarium, got stopped at the parking lot, asked to go to the website, pay and save the QR code that you get asked place to place. Great way to ruin the experience. Did the state government actually tried to negotiate airlines or hotels? His explanation sounds like total neglect of the proper process to introduce a new tax. They cut the wrong corner and the tax now belongs to the airport shark tank. We were thinking to go back to Cancun next year, but we have to find a new destination.
Hello, just wanted to let you know that we paid the visitax before we left for our trip to Cancun on September 6, 2023. There were some signs in the Cancun airport, but no one asked to see our QR code, or even mentioned that we needed to pay the visitax. We just left Cancun on September 14,2023. We paid it because it's the right thing to do but just wanted to give you a heads up that absolutely no one from the airline check in counter, to TSA to customs at either Cancun airport or Denver airport said a word about it at all. If they want people to pay it, they have to enforce it in some way. I only saw two signs in the Cancun airport and they were difficult to spot, not very prominent.
Thank you so much! Yes it def seems like there is contention between the airports and hotels versus this tax. It will be interesting to see over the next few months how the enforcement goes because starting Sat they are supposed to be checking the QR
@indysteve2875 supposedly! But I don’t know if that’s just trying to get more people to pay it. Here is the official Facebook page m.facebook.com/groups/673266771151773/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF
@@indysteve2875 No! The Aeroports are federal and this is supposedly a State Tax by a Canadian and not legal to have a presence there.. Americans and Europeans and South Americans have never heard of it.
Came back from Cancun December 12 after a week with Sunwing. Didn't see any signs or booths about Visitax on entry & flight attendant(s) didn't mention it except passing out the declaration form. On return trip, Sunwing is at Terminal 2; Air Canada is at Terminal 3 & Westjet is at Terminal 4. Again did not see any signs or booths about Visitax either at Terminal 2. Went through airport security check & that's it. No immigration to go through like Canada when one leaves Canada to another country. May be Terminal 3 & 4 is different? I feel pity for the people who paid for this Visitax.
If I did not see your video before we left for our Rivera Maya trip in Mid-October 2023, I would have had no idea about this tax. I looked everywhere upon our arrival at CUN and did not see any notice at the airport for this tax. Upon our return to the USA in Terminal 4, I did see a small and unmanned mobile kiosk that was shoved in a back hallway. It is obvious that there is ZERO official information being shared upon arrival and absolutely ZERO enforcement. I have to say this is probably par for the course on how Mexico rolls out policies. My advice, do not fret about paying this tax.
We've paid th Visitax since inception as it's the right thing to do. We left Cancun in October with receipts ready, we saw an unmanned Visitax stand. We have been approached in the past by Visitax workers who were very timid in asking and wouldn't even make eye contact. Guess I can see why many think this is a joke.
We're in Mexico now. Just paid the visitax. It was VERY EASY. Thank you so much for this video. I referred back to it for the website. Also, thanks again for the suggestion to not check a bag. We took a carry on and backpack each and it's incredible how much easier that has made our trip so far. We're staying 6 days and had plenty of space. You're awesome.
Maybe the hundreds of millions of dollars they want to collect could go to speeding up the arrival process in the cancun airport so that people can get outside and on with their holiday and start spending money in their state.
@@esh1877 We went through the e-gates last time and got through very quickly. I know what you mean, though. I've been there before and there was literally just a sea of people in every direction.
I have paid this the last couple of years. I just don't want to take any chances of there being a hiccup at the airport. I see alot of comments about "they never ask to see a QR code." When you pay the tax, you enter your passport number. Wonder when you are leaving Cancun, if they see you paid the tax when they scan your passport at security? Also, whats the little piece of paper they give you after going through the e-gate when arriving? That has been confusing also. Once, it seemed like they were collecting it at the gate and other time, they did not ask for it at all. Thanks. I enjoy your videos and information.
Thanks for watching!! I pay it as well just to make sure there are no issues. The piece of paper is at the egates only. They don’t give you anything at the staffed passport gates. I don’t think they see if people have paid or not
We are travelling to Cancun in June 2024 for the first time and we were a little apprehensive about choosing this destination. After watching particularly this and other videos on Cancun the word "scam" comes up all the time. In fact I would say the word "Scam" came up at least 10 times during this video alone. Since watching we are even more apprehensive about this trip as it just seems to be a destination of scammers, from airport taxis to Government taxes, bad shopping experiences et al. Is it really worth all the hassle?
People who drive into the state, stay there for 3 weeks then drive out of state, they don’t have to pay. It’s literally just for people flying in or out
We left Cancun this afternoon from Terminal 3. There wasn’t any Visitax signs or QR code at all. The only thing I saw was an old Visitax kiosk that was pushed off into a corner with nothing in it nor anyone around it. No airport personnel said anything about it. So I don’t know what’s going on.
This happened to me! I was going with my sons Xmas presents and clothes. I made a scene and speak spanish so i like whats this about? My son was not flying with me and as the reason thry pulled this. They went from $130+ down to $35. The shit hit the fan because I showed my ID of working in latin television called Univision and said this is Illegal and will be reporting them so the public knows this. A lady came nicely to talk to me on the down low because they knew they were in the wrong!
At this point, still two different sites that charge different amounts, He says they will be aligning "Soon". He's a representative of the company and he doesn't even have a firm date when this will happen so the confusion will continue. He also mentioned you will end up being "Enforced" if you don't pay the tax, so what exactly does this mean? It's the law now but I have never heard of a single incident of anyone being "Enforced" by a fine, detained, or otherwise. If they start scanning Qr codes before you get on a plane in the next few months there will be absolute pandemonium at the airport. This Visitax implementation was handled very badly.
What came to mind after doing research and watching your video is how do they enforce this with cruises going to Cozumel? It is a part of QR and according to Tim/the law is every person de-boarding the ship needs to pay if they are visiting the State. I assume it isn't built in the cruise tax and the ship personnel aren't going to check on behalf of the government unless required. Plus, what about those that board only using their birth certificate? Can't enter in passport info if you don't have one going through that way.
I was in Cancun in August, 2024. I DID NOT see or hear anything about said tax. Nobody asked or told me about it. The only place I have ever heard of this is on this or other RU-vid videos only. No notices in the airport, from my airline or anything. They can ask if and when I ever return. Not sure? Because there is no information. Make sure you use the correct website?! Seems it has been changed. What did I learn in Mexico? Don't trust anyone farther than you can throw them - not at all. You will be told 3 different things by as many people.
helpful video as always!l but had a quick question does the visitax cover departure tax in that fee? some sites says no.... you have to pay departure tax separate at the airport and others say its included in visitax so confusing. keep up the good work! never been to mexico and your videos help me so much!
I have just travelled to Cancun from the UK and I did not see anything about the Visitax. It would have been useful for the information to be provided by the airline crew in terms of informing us about it or instructing us where and how to pay it.
As your guest says, this needs to be clearly stated somewhere. Good that travel agencies are doing it, but not everyone uses a travel agency. I’m going to Cancun in a few weeks and if I didn’t run across your video, I would’ve never known about this. When I saw their kiosk, I would assume it was a scam or extortion. As an example, when I get to my hotel, I understand I have to pay an environmental fee. This is clearly stated.
Ooops, we forgot to pay the State Mexican tax while in Cancun, there was staff for Visitax at 0430am, asked around and told we have to go online, unfortunately, I did'nt carry my laptop or Ipad , Wifi is not secure, I will look into it now since I am back home and try to pay it.
My TA said that although they have been inconsistent with checking, it is the law, so she recommend that I just pay it. So, I paid it. It's not that expensive.
Visitax is not mandatory. I just went to Cancun on 11th May. No body at Airport has asked anything about Visitax for Departure and arrival both time. It's voluntary contribution thing.
I believe you are correct. The website even states this is a contribution. "Visitax is the State Government application for the payment of contributions from foreign tourists." If it were a law, I'm quite sure the word "Law" would be in there somewhere in order to encourage payment.
Returned from Cancun today, I paid the tax through is Govt web site. But no body asked me for any proof at the airport. After talking to couple of people at the gate i learned no body paid this tax, I felt stupid paying this. This is a scam, this guy cannot tell how they are going to enforce this. Never pay this tax, you do not need to.
Same thing. We tried so hard online from our resort. Our credit cards couldn’t work. We brought cash to the airport to pay in person. Couldn’t pay anywhere and more importantly official tour operator people that we asked told us “don’t worry you don’t have to pay it”. Breezed through our check in etc As the gentleman even admits it’s confusing as hell. It’s a gong show lol
I do not understand why tourists have to pay a taxes in Mexico. When you shop in Europe they return to you the taxes the stores have collected from you before you leave the country . The repair and improvements of the state should be done from the money the government collects in taxes from the citizens of that state, the hotels, resorts and all the businesses that benefit from the tourist. I think they are shooting themself on the foot. This abuse is beyond comprehension. The taxis at the airport are already damaging the reputation of Cancun. Just very shortsighted people.
I just purchased a flight/hotel to Cancun in October, and there is no mention of a Visitax by name, but does say there is a $15 charge per person "implemented by the QR govt" - is that the same thing? (p.s. another website said $2-7 per person... sigh) "...payable before you leave your home, OR at the hotel when you arrive or during your stay". Is this the same thing or will there be another extra fee? We are getting nickled and dimed on this trip, from the airlines and hotels. You think you're paying xyz and then you get the bill; dang it! 😆
I know it’s very confusing! And I agree with everything you said. Yes I believe that’s the same thing. Many people are waiting until they get to the airport. I think I’ll pay it before in January so that I can do a follow up video on it. But annoying AH lol
Rewatching this video at 13:00, it is very clear that Tim Scurry (Founder and Executive Chairman) company Travelkore has failed to make any meaningful effort in his words "our job to make us aware" that the tax exists and has to be paid before we arrive in Mexico. He and his company failed miserably on this rollout.
I have to say not heard of this, till just now. I am heading to Cancun in November to meet up with my brother who is coming from the UK. So good to know this information prior to the chaos that will ensue at the airport. Many thanks to you both. At the very least if booking direct, ( you allude to this but I did not see any information by the company when booking the flight) cannot the companies flag up this additional mandatory payment? Just seems like chaos waiting to happen. As an aside I have to say what with the additional time requirements of arriving prior to departure, to getting through security such additional stress .....for myself makes such traveling less and less appealing. I do understand the need but really should be up front. If not for your blog we would have been clueless! A question: I have " Residente Permanente" status but not yet Mexican; I would be traveling from within Mexico, would I still have to pay the tax? I appreciate you may not comment on individual cases but generally speaking. Again many thanks much appreciated!
I agree with all of what you are saying. You may not have to pay if you are a permanent resident. I’ll ask Tim! It all seems still a little convoluted to me but that’s tourism sometimes 😅
We were there in june and in mid october 2023. didn't know about this tax. did not pay. We were in and out of the airport. We were not asked about anything. Will be going back end of november... probably wont pay this time around and will see what happens.
I will be traveling with my teen son who takes ADHD pills each day. Aderal and Intuniv. By any chance do you know if, Are there measures to take beforehand? I don't want to get arrested with these amphetamines PLUS not paying my visitax! lol Thank you in advance.@@3Days3Noches
@@3Days3Noches There never were any lines and never will be. You are a scammer full of lies The only Customs lines are Canadian Customs in Canada. Cancun security isn't going to collect a state tax.
Thank you thank you thank you Blanche.. all your videos are soo informative.. We going to cancun in January 3rd-14th also. my husband and I birthdays. We are staying at TRS Yucatan have you stayed there before? I would to say you definitely respond back all the time❤
I first want to say thanks for the info and I enjoy your channel. The ways of collecting this tax is absurd. If it is a "tax" the government should be in charge of collecting it and you shouldn't need a private company to set it up or collect it. By having a private company involved, some of the money that would have gone to improvements, go to the third party. There are also some things that he said are troubling. First was that when you mentioned the kiosk that you went to and he says that it is the wrong one. Why would a government allow them to set this up in the airport when they know it isn't legit. Someone who has local law enforcement backing is using this to scam tourists and take money from the government. Another item that caught my attention was he states that this is a local state tax not a federal tax. Later on in the interview he says that the price of the tax may go up because the federal government may require it. Huh? Someone somewhere in the state government is lining their pockets with this "tax." The easiest way for the tax to be collected is to have the hotels collect the tax. The Harris County, in Houston, has a tax to pay for the stadiums that they build. The only place that you pay the tax is at hotels and car rentals. This was done to get the voters to approve the tax to build the Texans stadium. Basically just taxing visitors to Houston. Pretty simple no third party needed.
@@3Days3Noches They lie. It is not legal due to discrimination and not enforceable. This is mid-Deciembre and I don't see any enforcement yet. Will they pop out of the jungles soon? They have lied repeatedly and made a mess so that nobody trusts them and nobody pays the pretend tax.
Just returned yesterday...No one is asking or mentioning visitax at Cancun airport..one empty booth before the escalators and a sign at gate 57 about delay and the website to pay it,but no mention of this Canadian website..I think it's more of a made up rule and not a law..and that's the reason they can't enforce it..And it's up to the passenger,but scaring passengers if they don't pay for no reason is not good..Cancun has become very expensive.
We just landed today in Cancun and honestly didn't see any signs at all about this tax at the airport. Not a single person said anything about it while traveling through and then once at our hotel the concierge said they weren't certain if it was being enforced yet. Had no idea this was a thing until I saw this video tonight relaxing in our room.
Just saw your video, many thanks as we are traveling to Cancun in July. We wanted to book some tours but I see in some that they are wanting to charge an additional $20 for geological tax. Is this the same as the Visitax and if so, how can I prove that I've paid this tax to the tour agencies.
Last time I was there no one was checking, but time before that I had to show proof of tax paid at the airport upon departure. I did it all from home b4 I even left my house for the trip, and printed out proof.
This guy is getting paid. A legit state tax would just be collected at the resort like the enviro fee they implemented a few years ago to help cover tourist effects. I personally don’t care about paying, but i do care to be hassled by some third party who is getting a kickback and who doesn’t even live in the State!
Thank you for this video. It was mentioned that Mexican Citizens do not pay the tax. Would you please confirm whether Mexican Residents pay this tax. Thank you.
What about connecting flight? We use Cancun to go on to our actual destination which is domestic flight in mexico. We have a family of 6 which this will be a lot of money to just be passing through.
Great video, just curious, can you just pay cash at the airport booth and get a printed copy of the QR code at that time? I would like to avoid going on the website altogether especially at the air port. Thanks !
This video was helpful but, no disrespect to the gentleman you interviewed, they should have rolled this out better. I went in July and my wife has a wheelchair assistant help us move around the airport and the assistant didn’t know about the legality of it. If it’s a local tax the airport and all of the people working in the airport should be aware and help promote the tax. Once again the roll out of the tax should have been thought out better. Thanks for the video as always.
It is not enforceable. State borders are not policed and airports are federal and vistax people are not allowed to be present. They were previously banned in their previous attempts to harass travellers.
When I checked the link provided by my travel agent, it asked for departure date. I assume this means the date we depart from Mexico to come home. Can you please confirm,?
So I did it and I put all my information. My visa was charged and I got an email confirmation but the website looks frozen at the payment section and has been spinning for half an hour.
What’s the update on this following on your trip from January? Do you think they will eventually deny people entry at Cancun if they’ve not paid the tax before?
2022 i when to cancun no mask to enter but they mandated mask to leave they ask me for $10 for a mask .... that make me to rethink to travel to cancun ... now this taxes the i know will be alot people scammed by ... going to Colombia next time
approximately how much is this tax? When I paid something extra to go to Punta Cana last January, it was very minimal (I know, its probably a different tax) if its only a few dollars, i think its good for them to be making everything better, especially the roads
Here is the answer from Tim. Why can't the hotels collect it? The answer to that is simple. That would only cover 60% of the people that stay in the state. Airbnb is a popular option these days. There has to be a point of collection that covers 100% of international visitors.
The booth that is shown in this video is no longer there. I was there in Dec 2023. No one asks anything about this tax. If you pay the tax you get a QR code but no one will ask to see it or scan it. I didn't see anyone doing anything about this tax. Be careful about paying online many site will charge $50 fee to handle your payment. It's only a tax if you want to pay it.
Such a poorly implemented web site. FYI, the departure date on the form means the date you are leaving Cancun, not your home city. The price, as of Nov 20, 2023, is 259 MXN per person. The site collects in MXN, not USD. Also be aware of possible scam sites with very similar web address!