Brazil’s eVisa platform has experienced major technical issues, including payment failures, page freezes, timeouts, and failure to load. The eVisa platform is managed by VFS Global, which buckled under high traffic, leaving users in limbo. This is not the first time that Brazil’s eVisa platform has faced such issues; even last year, several users raised concerns highlighting similar problems. The issues intensified just before the 18 March 2026 deadline for visa reinstatement for nationals from the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
There was a flurry of posts on social media platforms by frustrated users highlighting system issues and failures. Demand for the country’s new online eVisa surged, the system failed, and users faced issues such as photo rejection by the system and failure to process applications, resulting in multiple login attempts.
Further, the eVisa platform could not process payments; several customers reported payment failures during application. Despite multiple attempts, users could not complete payments.
VFS Global, the private contractor running the eVisa platform, is trying to salvage the situation by increasing call centre agents; however, its attempt to expand server capacity also faced technical issues, and poor infrastructure has held it back. Notably, VFS Global admitted to intermittent instability during peak load, with users facing issues.
Taking note of the matter, Brazilian consulates in New York, Toronto, and Sydney issued identical advisories urging travellers not to book non-refundable flights until their digital visas are approved.
Significant gaps in system architecture, operational readiness, and user experience resulted in widespread disruptions, triggering confusion, service breakdowns, and heightened anxiety among applicants.
