It turns out that in this jewel of the Mexican Caribbean, Tulum’s mayor, Diego Castañón, reached an agreement that allowed local residents free entry to Jaguar Park, a federal nature reserve where admission is normally required. The condition? Showing their INE (National Institute of Statistics) ID. In other words, being Mexican and living there.
The problem is that since 2015, thousands of foreigners have made Tulum their permanent home, many working in hotels, restaurants, or as digital nomads, but without becoming citizens or regularizing their status. So, they don’t have INE (National Institute of Statistics) ID cards and, therefore, were left out of the benefits.
That’s the problem. Foreigners want to enter for free like locals, but without paying taxes, completing the same procedures, or submitting to the Mexican system. Many use the famous “visa run” technique: every six months they make an express trip to Belize to renew their tourist status and avoid facing the monster of income tax and other tax obligations they would have if they regularized their status.
Now, however, when there are benefits, they organize and demand equal treatment. That’s why they are protesting what they consider an unfair exclusion.
How can we know who actually lives in Tulum?
There’s been talk of a proposal to accept electricity or water bills as proof of residency, but it’s been tried before… and surprise: up to 60 foreigners arrived with the same bill for a single apartment. So, there’s no way to help. Park authorities say that wouldn’t be fair, not even for other Mexicans who come from outside Quintana Roo and also have to pay.
For his part, the mayor was also clear: he can only manage benefits for citizens legally recognized as residents of Tulum, and not even for those from other Mexican states. Because, be careful, Jaguar Park is under federal jurisdiction.
