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Brazil and China have achieved a significant milestone in their bilateral relations by implementing a reciprocal visa-free entry policy, designed to foster tourism, business exchanges, and diplomatic ties. It is scheduled to be in effect from 11 May 2026 until 31 December 2026
Exchange of Notes on the Implementation of visa waiver, by reciprocity, to Chinese citizensFree Download
Temporary Waiver
The new visa policy
Effective 11 May 2026, Chinese citizens holding valid passports will be exempt from visa requirements when entering Brazil for short-term stays. This policy is based on the principle of reciprocity, following China’s offering of similar exceptions to Brazilian nationals since June 2025.
Limited length of stay
The new policy permits a maximum cumulative stay of 30 days within a migratory year (a twelve-month period from the date of first entry). The waiver applies to tourism, business meetings, unpaid artistic or sports activities, and international transit. This entry is non-extendable; Chinese visitors requiring a longer stay must seek alternative visa arrangements.
Alleviating Challenges for Chinese Seafarers
Seafarer’s identity document (SID)
As China has not ratified the International Labour Organisation’s Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (ILO C-185), Chinese seafarers have typically encountered stricter entry requirements in Brazil than those holding a C-185-compliant SID, which permits entries of up to 90 days (with a maximum of 180 days per migratory year) without a visa.
Bridging the gap
The new 30-day visa waiver offers a simplified process for Chinese crew members aboard non-Chinese-flagged ships to enter Brazil for shore leave, vessel joins, or repatriation using a standard passport. This change removes the administrative burden of securing traditional consular visas for short visits.
Alternative for Extended Stays
Brazil-China Agreement
It is important to distinguish the new visa waiver from the existing Brazil-China Maritime Transport Agreement. This agreement applies specifically to Chinese seafarers employed on vessels flying the flag of the People’s Republic of China, including its provinces, autonomous regions, and direct-administered municipalities.
Last year, the Brazilian immigration authority (Federal Police) broadened its interpretation of the agreement to specifically include the autonomous regions of Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Xinjiang and Tibet, as well as Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Therefore, shipowners carrying Chinese seafarers on board vessels flagged in these territories are no longer subject to fines, provided that their stay in the country does not exceed 90 days.
The eVisa
For Chinese nationals whose stay will exceed the 30-day limit, or who are not eligible under the 90-day maximum stay of the Maritime Transport Agreement, the Electronic Visitor Visa (eVisa) remains the primary alternative. The electronic visa is valid for 5-10 years and permits multiple entries of up to 90 days (maximum 180 days per migratory year) and features a fully online application process, eliminating the need for consular appointments.
The average processing time is ten business days, but consular authorities recommend applying for the eVisa at least one month in advance of the intended travel. Applications can be submitted through Brazil’s official eVisa platform, which also serves Australian, Canadian, and US citizens. Travellers must present a printed PDF copy of the approved eVisa during boarding and upon arrival.
Those already holding a valid physical visa for the intended travel purpose do not need to apply for an eVisa.
Migratory Compliance and Future Outlook
While the waiver simplifies entry into Brazil, ship operators and manning agents must ensure that Chinese seafarers entering with a passport do not exceed the 30-day limit, to avoid immigrations fines for overstaying. Vessel agents are reminded to notify the Federal Police of all crew movements and ensure that those entering under the 30-day waiver are accurately recorded on the crew list.
As this reciprocal agreement is set to expire at the end of 2026, authorities will monitor its effects on tourism, bilateral mobility and trade exchanges. This shift represents a deepening partnership with China, which remains by far Brazil’s leading trade partner.
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