Mexico: Brazilian Nationals No Longer Eligible for Visitor e-Visas

• Visa exemption revoked. In December 2021, the government of Mexico revoked the visa exemption for nationals of Brazil entering Mexico for tourism or business. However, the government allowed Brazilian nationals entering Mexico by air to apply for the visitor visa (e-Visa) online through a more streamlined process via the  SAE – Electronic Authorization System, in lieu of a consular visitor visa.
• Control of irregular migration. According to the Mexican government, the suspension of the e-Visa is being implemented in response to the ongoing increase in Brazilian nationals who have entered Mexico for purposes other than those allowed under a visa waiver, or those who have exceeded their allowed stay, which has not decreased since the implementation of the e-Visa requirement.

As Brazilians will have to obtain consular Visitor Visas, they will be subject to the following conditions:

• Processing time. Consular Visitor Visas are generally processed in one to 20 days depending on the consular post. However, the Mexican Electronic Authorization System has had persistent technical issues since early June, resulting in ongoing delays in visa appointments due to the high volume of applications at the Mexican Embassy in Brasilia and consulates in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
• Maximum stay. The consular Visitor Visa typically allows a maximum stay of up to 180 days for each entry, the same as the e-Visa and visa-exempt entry.
• Exceptions. Certain Brazilian nationals may still be visa-exempt if they hold an eligible visa or immigration status from another country, including permanent residence or a valid visa for Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, or any Schengen Area country, among other exceptions.

This visa requirement adds administrative hurdles, possible additional costs and potential delays to Brazilian nationals seeking to enter Mexico for tourism or business.

While according to the visa revocation and e-Visa suspension decrees, the visa revocation for Brazilian nationals is temporary, the government has not yet announced a review date for the rule.

Additional immigration restrictions, changes and delays can be expected as the Mexican government continues to focus on controlling irregular migration.