Brazil/Mexico: Reciprocal Adoption of e-Visas Announced

According to press releases published on both governments’ websites, Brazil and Mexico have agreed to establish a reciprocal system of electronic visas in the coming months, with a shared goal of gradually reaching visa waiver agreements in the future. According to the announcement, the reciprocal use of e-visas will enable Brazilian and Mexican citizens to apply for visitor visas for tourism and business purposes in both countries without the need to visit a consulate. Further details have not yet been announced but are expected to be forthcoming. Currently, Mexican nationals are visa-exempt when entering Brazil for tourism or business for up to 90 days (with an extension available for another 90 days). Brazilian nationals, on the other hand, need to obtain a consular Visitor Visa to travel to Mexico for tourism or business (unless exempt if they hold an eligible visa or immigration status from Canada, Japan, Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others). In December 2021, the government of Mexico revoked the visa exemption for nationals of Brazil but allowed those entering by air to apply for an e-Visa in lieu of a consular visitor visa. However, in August 2022, the government revoked the e-Visa option for Brazilian nationals for better control of irregular migration. We will report on relevant updates as they occur.