Mexico Implements E-Visa for Brazilian Passport Holders, While United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, and Schengen Area Nationals Remain Exempt from Visa Requirements: New Update You Need to Know

Starting February 5, 2026, Brazil’s citizens heading to Mexico for tourism, business, or transit will benefit from a new e-Visa system, eliminating the need for consular visits. This change allows Brazilian travelers to complete the entire visa application online and receive approval via a digital QR code, streamlining the entry process and making it faster and more convenient.

While the new e-Visa system applies to Brazilian passport holders, travelers from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen Area will continue to be exempt from visa requirements due to existing agreements. By introducing this simplified e-Visa for Brazil, Mexico ensures smooth entry for Brazilian visitors while maintaining efficient procedures for nationals from other regions with established visa exemptions, thus enhancing both tourism and business relations.

This update also signals the end of the physical visa sticker, which was reinstated in 2022 in response to migration concerns. While the physical visa will be phased out, those already holding one can continue using it until it expires.

Airlines have already begun notifying passengers that proof of the e-Visa, whether in digital or printed format, will be required for check-in. However, as of now, the Mexican government has not yet released the official application portal. Consular officials have indicated that the new portal will resemble the previous electronic authorization system that Mexico used until it was discontinued four years ago. While details of the portal are still being finalized, travelers can expect a user-friendly interface that will make the application process simple and efficient.

For those who may feel uncertain about navigating the new system on their own, a number of online services are available to assist. A platform specifically tailored to Brazilian travellers provides step-by-step guidance, document checklists, and customer support in Portuguese. This service will be ready to process Mexico’s e-Visa applications as soon as the official portal launches. It will also provide updates on the status of the visa application and manage additional visa applications, such as for the United States, Canada, or the Schengen Area, all from the same platform. This service aims to simplify the process and support Brazilian travellers by centralizing their visa management in one place.

The timing of this policy change is especially strategic, as Mexico will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup along with the United States and Canada. Tourism authorities are expecting a significant influx of Brazilian fans to the event, and the introduction of e-Visas is seen as a way to accommodate this surge in visitors. The move is also viewed as a competitive response to neighboring countries like Colombia and Peru, which have already implemented digital visa systems. By streamlining the entry process, Mexico hopes to enhance its attractiveness as a destination for Brazilian tourists and businesspeople.

The e-Visa system is anticipated to have a major impact, significantly boosting both tourism and business travel. In 2025, Brazilian card spending in Mexico surpassed USD 820 million, according to Brazil’s Central Bank. With the introduction of the e-Visa system, experts predict a substantial increase in both spending and travel, with double-digit growth expected as the system becomes fully operational.

From a corporate mobility perspective, the e-Visa system will provide substantial benefits. Brazilian businesses, particularly those with operations in cities like Monterrey and Querétaro, will no longer face lengthy delays and additional costs associated with obtaining a visa. Previously, short-notice travel approvals for business trips could take up to ten working days, which involved courier fees, translation of financial documents, and consular visits. Now, with the new system in place, businesses report that travel approvals can be processed within just 48 hours. This efficiency will greatly benefit companies that need to send employees abroad on short notice, especially for urgent or time-sensitive projects.

However, travel-risk teams caution that while the new system simplifies the visa process, it does not guarantee entry into the country. Immigration officers at the border still reserve the right to request additional documentation, such as proof of return travel, accommodation arrangements, and evidence of sufficient financial means. Travelers should be prepared to provide these documents if asked.

The policy change will not affect all Brazilian travelers equally. Brazilians who hold valid visas or permanent residency for countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the Schengen Area will continue to be exempt from needing a visa to enter Mexico. This exemption remains in place, allowing those with valid visas for these regions to bypass the e-Visa process entirely.

The introduction of the e-Visa is also part of a broader trend across Latin America towards paperless entry systems. Several countries in the region, including Colombia and Peru, have already transitioned to digital visa systems, and Mexico’s move to adopt e-Visas is seen as a natural progression in this direction. Industry associations in both Brazil and Mexico have welcomed the change, noting that it will help to streamline the visa application process, reduce administrative burdens, and support the recovery of the tourism industry in the post-pandemic era.

Starting February 5, 2026, Mexico will introduce an e-Visa system for Brazilian passport holders, simplifying entry for tourism, business, and transit. However, nationals from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen Area will remain exempt from visa requirements due to existing agreements.

In conclusion, the introduction of e-Visas for Brazilian travelers marks a significant step towards simplifying the visa application process and boosting tourism and business travel between Brazil and Mexico. As more details about the application portal emerge, travelers can expect a smoother and more efficient process, while businesses stand to benefit from reduced lead times and lower costs associated with obtaining visas. With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon and the promise of increased Brazilian tourism, this policy shift is expected to have a lasting positive impact on both countries’ economies.

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