Mexico Restores Electronic Visa for Brazilian Travellers for 2026 FIFA World Cup: What New Updates You Need to Know

Mexican authorities announced the reinstatement of the electronic visa for Brazilian travelers, which will allow users to travel to Mexico using the new Sistema de Autorización Electrónica (SAE). SAE’s launch date is set for February 5, 2026, and will be available to users located in the Federative Republic of Brazil. Within 18 months of the new sistema being in effect, this system will electronically process travel authorizations instead of using a cumbersome, paper-based method, which will allow for streamlined travel and business access to Mexico.

The Return of the Electronic Visa:

The reinstatement of the Sistema de Autorización Electrónica (SAE) comes after public dismay and frustration regarding the new paper visa system, which was introduced in August of 2022. At that time, the government of Mexico was concerned regarding the irregular migration of Brazilian citizens to the U.S, therefore implementing the considered “travel restriction”. This policy change created additional obstacles, as it required Brazilian citizens to visit and wait for visa appointments at the consulates located in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Brasília, which a large number of people considered to be an inefficient and time-consuming process.

The new digital process will allow Brazilian travellers to get their Mexican tourist, business, or airport-transit visas without the previous hassle of completing paper forms. This will likely encourage an increase in Mexican tourist and business visas for Brazilians, which will be especially beneficial for Mexico’s economy and tourism due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Impact on Tourism and Business Mobility

The impact from the previous policy was extremely severe. Within the first year of implementing the paper-based visa policy, airlines recorded a staggering 40% decrease in Brazilian bookings to Cancun. It was estimated that the Riviera Maya Hotel Association lost approximately US $400 million due to the paper visa policy. With the electronic visa, tourism to Cancun and Riviera Maya will likely help to compensate for the losses sustained during the paper visa policy.

The new changes with Mexico’s electronic visa system coincide with the World Cup that is set to take place in Mexico, Canada, and the United States in 2026. This means that World Cup attendees and tourists, in general, will find it much easier to visit Mexico to take advantage of the electronic visa. This will no doubt boost the travel and tourism industry in Mexico, and is especially beneficial to the hospitality industry.

Benefits for Business Travel

With the reinstatement of electronic visas, business travel has also become much simpler. Business travellers and professionals in/traveling to Monterrey for industrial activities or business-related travel to Mexico City no longer have to courier visa documents, navigate consular procedures, or book appointments months in advance. The electronic visa also offers a 180-day, single entry, free of charge. This new system also means that Brazilian passport holders with a valid U.S. visa, Canadian visa, Japanese visa, British, or Schengen visa will not have to enter Mexico to continue traveling as they could prior to the new system.

Adapting to New Requirements

As airlines start adding the new electronic visa requirement into their check-in processes, it is important that travelers keep their QR codes handy, either printed or on their phones. These codes show proof of entry approval, allowing travelers coming from Brazil to immigration without issues.

Although travellers’ experiences have become digital once again, it is crucial to stay cautious during this policy transition period. Unsure travellers should browse the Mexican government site to learn the steps to complete the online visa application, which should help them avoid hassles during their trip.

A Brand New Chapter for Travel Between Mexico and Brazil:

In essence, the Mexican Government’s renewed e-visa system for Brazilian citizens is a significant step in the reactivation of both the Mexican tourism sector and business mobility. With the emphasis on the ease of the e-visa compared to the cumbersome application requirements of a paper visa, Mexico has for the first time invited a growing number of professional travelers and tourists from Brazil. Mexico’s tourism business will be positively impacted by the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As the barriers to travel for Mexican citizens are lifted, the anticipated travel for Mexicans to Brazil is expected to be a catalyst for the Mexico travel industry and the North America tourism sector, especially for business travelers.

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