Brazil: Temporary Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Nationals Forthcoming

The situation 

Effective May 11, 2026 through December 31, 2026, Chinese nationals will be exempt from visa requirements for travel to Brazil for tourism, business, sports activities, artistic performances, airport transit, and certain short-term technical activities, under a temporary reciprocity-based policy. 

A closer look 

• • Period of stay. The visa waiver permits a maximum stay of up to 30 days, which is not extendable. This 30-day period is cumulative within a one-year period, calculated from the date of first entry under the waiver.
  • Restrictions. The waiver does not permit employment or any remunerated activities, residence in Brazil or long-term study. Chinese nationals intending to engage in these activities must obtain the appropriate visa or immigration authorization prior to travel.  
  • Stays exceeding 30 days. Chinese nationals intending to remain in Brazil beyond the 30-day permitted stay under the visa waiver may apply for an electronic visitor visa (eVisa), which allows for longer stays, subject to applicable conditions and validity parameters; or otherwise for a physical consular Visitor Visa.  

Impact 

This temporary visa waiver is expected to facilitate short-term travel between Brazil and China, particularly for business visitors and tourists, by removing prior visa requirements. It will also reduce administrative burdens and processing times for eligible travelers, enabling more streamlined mobility.  

More broadly, the measure is likely to support increased commercial, cultural, and diplomatic exchanges between the two countries. 

Background 

Earlier in 2026, Brazil expanded the eVisa system to Chinese nationals, enabling online applications for short-term travel and reducing reliance on consular processing. 

The newly published visa waiver builds on this measure, further facilitating travel in line with Brazil’s efforts to strengthen bilateral mobility with China. 

The measure is explicitly based on reciprocity, following China’s visa-free policy for Brazilian nationals, which will remain in effect through December 31, 2026.  

Looking ahead 

Authorities in Brazil and China are expected to monitor implementation and developments and may extend the visa waiver beyond December 31, 2026, subject to formal announcements. While extensions are common in reciprocity-based arrangements, travelers should not assume continuation beyond this date unless and until it is officially confirmed. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at  Fragomen.