Mexico Joins United States, Canada, South Korea, UK, Australia and more as it Revives Electronic Visa Authorisation For Brazilian Travellers To Propel Tourism Growth ahead Of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Mexico Joins United States, Canada, South Korea, UK, Australia and more as it Revives Electronic Visa Authorisation For Brazilian Travellers To Propel Tourism Growth Ahead Of 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a bid to rejuvenate its tourism sector ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico has reintroduced the Sistema de Autorización Electrónica (SAE) for Brazilian travellers, enabling a streamlined online visa application process. This move aligns Mexico with other global leaders like the United States, Canada, South Korea, UK, and Australia, which have already embraced digital authorisation systems to simplify entry for international visitors. By reactivating the SAE system, Mexico is not only making it easier for Brazilian tourists to visit, but also positioning itself to reclaim lost revenue and boost inbound tourism in the lead-up to the World Cup, a critical period for tourism growth and economic recovery.

In a significant move to boost its tourism and corporate sectors, Mexico has revived the Sistema de Autorización Electrónica (SAE) for Brazilian passport holders, effective from February 5, 2026. This online travel clearance system, suspended since 2021, marks a major step toward rebuilding Mexico’s tourism ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup. By joining other global leaders in the realm of electronic visa authorisation, Mexico is signalling its commitment to facilitating entry for international travellers—and reviving a crucial market in Brazilian tourism.

What is the SAE System and How Does It Work?

The SAE (Sistema de Autorización Electrónica) allows Brazilian nationals to apply for entry clearance to Mexico online, replacing the previous cumbersome physical visa sticker process. This fast-tracked system requires applicants to submit basic documents, including:

• Passport scan
• Travel itinerary
• Proof of onward travel

Once the application is submitted, Brazilian travellers typically receive approval in the form of a QR code via email within an hour. This electronic visa is free of charge, valid for up to 180 days for tourism, business meetings, and airport transit. The newly reintroduced system promises to make travelling to Mexico faster, easier, and more convenient than ever before.

Why Mexico Revived the SAE System Now

Economic Recovery Post-Pandemic

The global pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown affected Mexico’s tourism revenue, particularly from Brazil—a country with a historically strong connection to Mexican travel destinations. After Brazilian arrivals dropped by over 40% following the implementation of a full visa sticker system in 2022, Mexico is now taking proactive steps to reverse the decline. The revived SAE system is part of a broader push to re-establish Brazil’s dominance as one of Mexico’s top tourism markets.

According to the Banco de México, spending by Brazilian cardholders in Mexico fell by approximately $400 million in 2023. This lost revenue makes the revival of the SAE system crucial for Mexico’s economic recovery, especially in the face of global competition for international tourists.

Preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

With Mexico playing a key role as a host country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the revival of the SAE system is strategically timed. Brazilian fans are expected to flood Mexico in support of their team, and simplifying the entry process for them will undoubtedly encourage higher travel volumes.

Mexico’s tourism authorities aim to capitalize on this surge in interest by ensuring that Brazilian fans, tourists, and corporate travellers alike can enter smoothly and efficiently. The revived SAE system provides an easy, online solution for tourists planning trips in the run-up to the World Cup.

Streamlining Corporate Mobility

Beyond tourism, the SAE system also provides an incredible benefit for corporate mobility. Many Brazilian businesses are involved in sectors that require frequent travel to Mexico, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and sales. With the SAE, corporate executives, technicians, and service teams can obtain their travel clearance much faster, without the need for courier fees or in-person consular interviews.

In some cases, the approval process can take as little as 24 hours, compared to the former 10-day processing time for physical visa stickers. This efficiency is invaluable for companies that require last-minute site visits, business meetings, or emergency repairs.

Countries Joining Mexico in Reviving or Implementing Electronic Visa Authorisation Systems

Mexico’s decision to revive the SAE system aligns with a growing global trend towards digital travel authorisation systems. Here’s how Mexico joins other countries in adopting a similar electronic visa framework to enhance the travel experience:

United States – ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)

• Purpose: The ESTA is used for visa-exempt visitors from participating countries arriving in the United States.
• How it works: The application process involves completing an online form and receiving approval within minutes. It’s valid for two years for tourism, business, and transit purposes.
• Why it matters: Like Mexico’s SAE system, the ESTA system facilitates a seamless travel experience and helps maintain security by pre-screening travellers before they board a flight to the United States.

Canada – eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

• Purpose: The eTA is for visitors from visa-exempt countries flying to Canada.
• How it works: Similar to ESTA, the eTA requires travelers to complete an online application and receive approval within minutes. It’s valid for five years.
• Why it matters: The eTA helps expedite entry into Canada while enhancing security, making it easier for business and leisure travellers to visit without the traditional visa requirements.

South Korea – K‑ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)

• Purpose: The K‑ETA is mandatory for visa-exempt nationals entering South Korea for tourism or business.
• How it works: The online application is quick and easy, requiring basic personal and travel information. Approved travellers receive an electronic clearance for their trip.
• Why it matters: South Korea’s adoption of the K‑ETA system is a key step in streamlining its border control processes and encouraging tourism from countries that don’t require a visa.

United Kingdom – ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

• Purpose: The ETA system, effective February 2026, will be a requirement for visa-exempt travellers arriving in the UK.
• How it works: Similar to the U.S. ESTA, applicants will submit their information online and receive approval within minutes.
• Why it matters: The ETA aligns with the UK’s push for modernized border security and smoother entry processes, ensuring efficient travel without compromising security.

Australia – ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)

• Purpose: The ETA is used for tourists and business visitors from select countries.
• How it works: Applicants complete an online form and receive quick approval to travel to Australia for up to three months.
• Why it matters: Australia’s ETA system accelerates travel for visitors while maintaining stringent security measures.

New Zealand – NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)

• Purpose: The NZeTA is required for visa-exempt travellers to enter New Zealand for tourism, business, or transit.
• How it works: The application process is easy and can be completed online, with approval often granted within hours.
• Why it matters: This system enhances border security while enabling smoother entry for short-term visitors, akin to Mexico’s digital approach.

The Wider Trend: Moving Toward Paperless Border Controls

Mexico’s decision to revive its SAE system mirrors a wider global trend towards paperless border controls. Countries such as Colombia, Chile, and the Dominican Republic have already implemented similar e-gate or digital-arrival systems. By joining the ranks of these nations, Mexico is ensuring that Brazilian visitors and business travellers enjoy a seamless and efficient travel experience—directly boosting its tourism numbers.

The revival of the SAE system is a crucial step for Mexico to regain its tourism market share, particularly from Brazil, which represents one of the largest visitor segments to the country. By joining the ranks of countries like the United States, Canada, South Korea, and Australia, Mexico is streamlining its entry process and making it easier for tourists and business travellers to visit.

Mexico Joins United States, Canada, South Korea, UK, Australia And More As It Revives Electronic Visa Authorisation For Brazilian Travellers To Propel Tourism Growth Ahead Of 2026 FIFA World Cup. By reintroducing the SAE system, Mexico simplifies entry for Brazilian tourists, aiming to boost tourism and recover lost revenue ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, the timing of this decision couldn’t be better. Mexico is poised to reclaim its position as a top destination for Brazilian tourists while also facilitating business travel and corporate mobility. Through digital innovation, Mexico is ensuring that it remains a competitive and attractive destination for all types of international travellers.

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