International arrivals to Mexico rose by 9.3% in the first two months of 2026 Between January and February 2026, Mexico welcomed 16.85 million international visitors, which is a 9.3% increase from the same period last year, according to Mexico’s Tourism Ministry (SCTUR).
Of the total, 8.17 million were international tourists, meaning overnight visitors rather than day-trippers or cruise passengers. This marks a 6.5% increase from last year, according to INEGI’s International Traveler Survey (EVI). The majority of overnight visitors came from North America, led by the United States, which accounted for approximately 65% of arrivals. Canada was the second largest source country, followed by visitors from South America, particularly Colombia and Brazil. European travelers accounted for about 10% of overnight visitors, with the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany among the top countries in that region. Asia-Pacific and other regions combined contributed around 5% of overnight arrivals. Breaking this down helps illustrate Mexico’s appeal across diverse international markets and can inform targeted tourism marketing strategies.
In February alone, Mexico welcomed 8.01 million international visitors, 8.5% more than in February 2025. The number of international tourists that month was 3.88 million, a 4.2% increase from the previous year. Foreign visitors generated US $6.75 billion in foreign-exchange earnings during the two-month period, a 2.2% increase from the same stretch in 2025. February alone brought in $3.27 billion.
Revenue from Tourist passes
The Mexico tourist pass (Forma Migratoria Múltiple, or FMM) costs approximately 861 Mexican pesos (about US$45–$55) for stays up to 180 days. It is included in the price of all air tickets and collected by the airlines, which passes it along to the Mexican Government. Those 16.85 million international visitors that arrived in January and February paid an FMM fee (MX $861) for a total of MX $14.5 billion.
Average Tourist Expenditure Per Day
International visitors to Mexico spend, on average, the following amounts per day during their stay:
Food: Approximately US $30–$50 per person per day, depending on dining preferences and location. Street food and casual eateries are more affordable, while upscale restaurants can be more expensive.
Lodging: The average daily cost for accommodations ranges from US$ 40 for budget hotels and hostels to over US$ 150 for mid-range and luxury hotels. The national average for hotel stays is around US $90 per night.
Transportation: Visitors typically spend US $10–$25 per day on local transportation. This covers options such as taxis, ride-shares, metro, and buses in major cities. Renting a car or hiring a private driver can increase this figure.
Other Expenses: Additional daily expenses—including entertainment, shopping, attraction entrance fees, and incidental purchases—average about US$ 20–$40 per day.
Thus, each tourist spends an average of US$180 per day ($3,115.48 MXN), including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. These figures provide a general guideline for planning travel budgets, but actual spending varies based on individual preferences, travel style, and the destinations visited within Mexico.
Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez Zamora described Mexico’s tourism as diverse, high-quality, and continually improving. She stated in a press release;
“The fact that more and more people are choosing to visit Mexico reflects confidence in the tourism experience our country offers.”
2026 FIFA World Cup
Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the U.S. and Canada, with matches set for Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
These strong numbers come as Mexico prepares for what could be a landmark summer. This season is expected to be especially significant because Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament is projected to drive a surge in international visitors, marking an exceptional period for the country’s tourism sector. To capitalize on this influx, hotels can develop World Cup-themed packages that include match tickets, transportation to stadiums, and local tours. Tour operators can offer curated experiences like stadium tours, fan meetups, and excursions to cultural sites in host cities. Local businesses, such as restaurants and shops, can create special menus, souvenirs, and promotions for fans while collaborating with hotels and travel agencies to enhance visibility. By preparing tailored offerings and partnerships, the Mexican tourism industry can maximize both short- and long-term benefits from the World Cup surge.
Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez Zamora expects the tournament to bring in 5.5 million more tourists than usual, along with almost US$ 3.2 billion in additional revenue. In preparation for this influx, authorities have announced infrastructure upgrades to airports and stadiums in host cities, expanded public transportation options, and launched hospitality training programs for workers to ensure visitors receive a high-quality experience. Other destinations, such as Los Cabos, are promoting themselves as “second stop” getaways for World Cup visitors who want a luxury beach vacation after the games.
Sectur said it will keep working to attract visitors from more countries and support tourism growth in different regions, calling tourism a way to create shared prosperity throughout Mexico. Recent initiatives include the “Pueblos Mágicos” program, which promotes lesser-known towns with unique cultural offerings, and targeted marketing campaigns for emerging international markets, such as Asia and South America. Sectur has also developed sustainable tourism programs to protect natural resources and support local communities, as well as incentives for airlines to increase connectivity to new regions.
To foster further engagement, industry professionals interested in participating in programs like ‘Pueblos Mágicos’ or sustainable tourism initiatives can visit Sectur’s official website for guidelines and application forms, or contact regional tourism offices to learn more about partnership opportunities. Engaging with these programs helps strengthen local tourism and encourages responsible travel across Mexico.
References
Mexico’s Tourism Ministry (SCTUR), https://www.gob.mx/sectur
Mexico Business News, https://mexicobusiness.news/trade-and-investment/news/mexicos-tourism-boom-international-travel-could-double-2050
Tourism Analytics, https://tourismanalytics.com/mexico-statistics.html
Travel Market Report, https://www.travelmarketreport.com/canada/air/articles/mexico-sees-rise-in-international-air-travel-for-2026
