Brazil: Temporary visas (VITEM) for visa-exempt travelers will be issued electronically starting in 2026

Brazil will introduce a new phase in the digitization of its immigration procedures effective September 1, 2026. As of that date, temporary VITEM visas issued to nationals of countries exempt from visa requirements for short stays (VIVIS) will be issued electronically. The change has been officially announced and applies to Brazil’s entire consular network, not just individual locations.

Important for travelers: The change does not affect the rules for short-term tourist or business stays, for which many nationals do not require a visa anyway. It applies exclusively to individuals who, despite being generally exempt from visa requirements for short-term tourist trips, need a temporary visa for another purpose—such as studying, taking up employment, joining family members, investment activities, certain professional activities, or a temporary stay as a digital nomad.

This affects nationals of numerous European and Asian countries who benefit from Brazil’s visa exemption for short stays (VIVIS). The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a list of eligible nationalities. Anyone applying for a temporary visa in the future for one of the reasons mentioned should find out well in advance whether and how the process will change for their specific situation.

In practical terms, this change means that the consular phase of the process is expected to be handled entirely remotely. In many routine cases, there will no longer be a need to present a passport solely for the purpose of having a visa sticker physically affixed to it. Instead, the visa will be issued electronically and can be verified digitally—a step intended to shorten wait times and significantly reduce the burden on applicants.

For those planning a longer-term stay in Brazil, it’s already worth taking a close look at their travel plans and the appropriate visa type. Since the requirements vary depending on the purpose of the stay—study, work, family reunification, investment, or digital nomad activities—it is advisable to carefully prepare the necessary documents. An overview of the different types of visas helps identify the appropriate application type early on.

Since electronic issuance will not begin until September 1, 2026, applicants should use the remaining time to familiarize themselves with the specific requirements for their respective purpose of stay. Those who wish to complete the process easily and without visiting government offices can conveniently submit their application online and receive assistance in compiling the necessary documents.