DSME in Mexico (2026): What Private Pilots Need to Know
A new immigration fee (DSME) is now being charged on private flights in Mexico. While authorities confirm it applies to non-commercial operations, the law still limits when it should be charged. Here’s what pilots need to know — and how to identify when it may be applied incorrectly.
As of January 1, 2026, a fee called Derecho por Servicios Migratorios Extraordinarios (DSME) is being charged by Mexico’s immigration authority (INM) in more situations than before — including private, non-commercial flights.
This change comes from an amendment to Article 14-A, Section II of the Ley Federal de Derechos (LFD), published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on November 7, 2025, and effective January 1, 2026.
FEMPPA has engaged directly with INM on this topic. Their current position is clear:
The DSME applies to private general aviation operations, even when there is no commercial activity or profit motive.
This is a change from how things worked in the past, and it is already affecting day-to-day operations.
What is the DSME?
The DSME is a government fee charged for “extraordinary” immigration services, regulated under Article 14-A, Section II of the LFD.
The current fee is:
MXN 2,707 per operation
It is charged when INM personnel review passenger documentation for an international arrival or departure under certain conditions.
When should the DSME apply?
Even after the 2026 amendment, the DSME is still tied to the concept of an “extraordinary service.”
Under Article 14-A, Section II of the LFD, the fee applies when immigration services are provided:
On non-business days, or
Outside normal immigration hours (generally 09:00–18:00, Monday–Friday), or
In locations other than immigration offices
👉 If none of these conditions apply, the DSME should not be charged.
What changed in 2026?
Two key changes were introduced in the reform to Article 14-A, Section II:
Broader scope of flights
The law changed from referring to “charter flights” (vuelos de fletamento) to “non-regular flights” (vuelos no regulares)Removal of the private flight exemption
The previous explicit exemption for:private transportation of passengers without profit motive
was eliminated.
Today, the only explicit exemptions in the law are for:
Civil protection aircraft
Medical/health aircraft
Humanitarian aid aircraft
What is happening in practice?
We are already receiving reports from pilots of:
DSME being charged during normal business hours
DSME being charged inside standard immigration facilities
Inconsistent application depending on the airport or personnel
These situations appear inconsistent with the legal criteria for an “extraordinary” service.
What should you do if you are charged?
If you are charged DSME, we recommend:
Requesting a receipt
Confirming the reason for the charge
Noting the name of the immigration agent
If you believe the charge was applied incorrectly, please report it to us.
Help us track and escalate issues
FEMPPA is actively working with INM to ensure consistent and correct application of this fee.
If you experience a questionable DSME charge, please email:
Include the following:
Airport
Location within the airport where immigration took place
Date and time
Copy of the receipt
Name of the INM officer
This allows us to raise specific cases directly with the authorities.
Important note on humanitarian flights
We are also seeing DSME charges in humanitarian situations, where they should not apply.
FEMPPA has worked with INM to establish a mechanism to prevent these charges.
👉 [Link to humanitarian DSME article]
FEMPPA’s position
We believe the DSME should not apply to private, non-commercial aviation.
Historically, these operations were explicitly exempt, and nothing in the nature of private general aviation suggests that they should be treated the same as commercial activity.
However, INM’s current interpretation is firm:
The DSME applies to all non-regular flights, including private non-commercial operations.
Bottom line
The DSME is currently being charged on private flights in Mexico
It should only apply under “extraordinary service” conditions
There are already cases of incorrect application
FEMPPA is actively working this issue — and your reports matter