In 2024, the International Airports of Cancun, Cozumel, and Mérida rejected over 32,000 foreign travelers, with the majority hailing from South America. Official data from the Migration Policy Unit of the Ministry of the Interior (Segob) revealed that 17,012 of these rejected travelers were from Colombia.
At Cancun International Airport alone, 31,981 foreigners were denied entry, while Cozumel International Airport and Mérida Airport rejected 25 and 22 international travelers, respectively.
Erika Cornelio, the general director of the Office of International, Migration and Tourism Affairs of Mexico, explained that Colombian tourists have faced significant challenges since 2023 due to national security concerns. Some Colombian visitors had previously been involved in serious crimes, leading to increased scrutiny.
The Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ) reported a 40% decrease in Colombian tourist arrivals to Quintana Roo destinations in 2024 compared to 2023, largely due to the rise in inadmissibility cases. This decline was even more pronounced than the 20% drop in Brazilian tourism.
Andrés Martínez, director of the CPTQ, emphasized efforts to ensure tourists have the necessary documents to avoid being denied entry. He mentioned that the council collaborates with tour operators and airlines to address the issue. At the Anato fair in Colombia, they discussed the importance of having return tickets, hotel reservations, and sufficient resources for the stay to facilitate entry into Mexico.
Source: Reportur
