On 7 May 2026, Brazil published, in its Official Gazette, an understanding implemented by the exchange of diplomatic notes providing a reciprocal visa waiver for nationals of the People’s Republic of China holding valid ordinary passports to enter Brazil without a visit visa for stays of up to 30 days, non-extendable, for specific short-visit purposes. The measure is set to take effect on 11 May 2026 and will remain valid until 31 December 2026.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This development is relevant for global mobility and travel stakeholders because it could reduce lead time and administrative steps for short-term visits to Brazil by eligible Chinese travelers (for example, business visits or transit). At the same time, because the waiver is time-limited, purpose-limited, and non-extendable, mobility teams and visitors may need to factor these parameters into travel planning, traveler communications, and internal compliance tracking–particularly where trips could approach or exceed the 30-day limit or where activities fall outside the listed categories.
Key Highlights
- Who is covered: Nationals of the People’s Republic of China holding valid ordinary passports.
- Brazil entry benefit: Visa waiver for a visit visa for stays up to 30 days, non-extendable.
- Permitted purposes (as described in the note): tourism, business, transit, or artistic/sports activities.
- Effective date/validity: Effective 11 May 2026, valid until 31 December 2026.
- Reciprocity context (China measure): China indicated that, as of 1 June 2025, Brazilian nationals holding valid ordinary passports may enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visiting family/friends, exchanges, and transit, with that policy valid until 31 December 2026. The Brazil measure is stated as being issued in observance of reciprocity.
KPMG INSIGHTS
From a global mobility perspective, a visa waiver for short visits can help organizations respond more quickly to short-notice travel needs—especially where trips are brief and align with the eligible purposes listed in the key highlights. However, the parameters here are specific: the waiver is limited to up to 30 days, is not extendable, and applies only to the enumerated purposes. As a result, organizations may want to consider trip purpose, track days in-country, and communicate scope/limitations to travelers so expectations remain aligned with the published framework.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified professional or a member of the GMS team with KPMG in Brazil (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Official Gazette, page 131 (in Portuguese),“Entendimento por troca de notas sobre a implementação da isenção de vistos, por reciprocidade, a cidadãos chineses” published on 7 May 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Brazil.
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