Brazil: Electronic Visitor Visa Now Available for Chinese Nationals

The situation 

Effective March 13, 2026, the government of Brazil has expanded its Electronic Visa (eVisa) program to include Chinese nationals traveling to Brazil for short-term stays. Eligible travel purposes include tourism, business, sports activities, artistic performances, airport transit, and certain short-term technical activities. 

Update July 6, 2026: Based on clarification from the Brazilian consulate in Beijing, eVisa processing is currently limited to Chinese nationals traveling to Brazil as seafarers or to attend fairs and events. Although the decree provides for eVisa availability for additional travel purposes, including tourism, business, transit, non-remunerated artistic or sports activities and certain short-term technical activities, the consulate has advised that implementation is being rolled out in phases. At this stage, only applications from seafarers and individuals attending fairs and events are being accepted, with additional travel categories expected to be introduced gradually. 

A closer look 

• • Application process. Chinese nationals may apply for a visitor eVisa online through Brazil’s official eVisa platform, eliminating the need for a physical consular Visitor Visa. If the application is approved, individuals receive a PDF file of the eVisa by email, which must be downloaded, printed and then presented when boarding their flight and upon arrival in Brazil. Travelers who fail to present the printed eVisa will not be permitted to board. It is also recommended that travelers save a copy of the eVisa on their mobile device for easy access.
  • Cost. The government filing fee is approximately USD 93, equivalent to the fee for a consular visitor visa.  
  • Processing time. The average processing time is 10 business days, although authorities recommend submitting applications at least one month before the intended travel date to minimize the risk of delays or travel disruptions. 
  • Validity and period of stay. The official validity period of the eVisa has not yet been formally confirmed but it is expected to be issued for either five or ten years. The eVisa generally allows an initial stay of up to 90 days per entry. Travelers may apply to the Federal Police in Brazil to extend their stay, with a maximum cumulative stay of up to 180 days per year.
  • Existing visa holders. Chinese nationals who already hold a valid physical consular visa for the intended travel purpose do not need to obtain an eVisa. 

Impact 

The eVisa program streamlines the travel process for Chinese nationals by eliminating the need for in-person consular appointments and reducing exposure to appointment backlogs. During peak travel seasons, consular appointment availability has, in some cases, been limited for extended periods (up to two months or more), affecting travel planning. The online process is expected to improve predictability and facilitate short-term business and visitor travel. 

Background 

The expansion of the eVisa program is intended to strengthen tourism, economic exchange and bilateral relations between Brazil and China. The implementation of this policy follows China introducing a visa-free policy for Brazilian nationals, which will remain in effect through December 31, 2026. 

Looking Ahead 

Government sources and media reporting suggest that Brazil may move toward a visa waiver arrangement for Chinese nationals in the near future. However, no formal implementation timeline has been announced. 

Until further notice, Chinese nationals must continue to obtain appropriate authorization prior to travel, either through the eVisa platform or, where applicable, by relying on an existing valid consular visa. 

We will monitor and report on relevant developments.  

Fragomen Brasil Serviços de Imigração Ltda., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in Brazil. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.