The government of Brazil has once again delayed the visa rules for travelers from Australia, Canada, and the United States, pushing the deadline to April 10, 2024. This decision comes after the initial postponement from January 10, 2024.
Brazil’s government had initially announced the removal of visa exemptions for tourists and business travelers from Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States starting October 1, 2023, VisaGuide.World reports.
This means citizens from these countries must now apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) before visiting Brazil for tourism, business, sports events, or artistic performances or when transiting through Brazilian airports.
Extended Validity & Entry Conditions for US, Japan, Canadians, & Australians
To obtain an e-visa, citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States need to apply online before their trip. The e-visa typically takes five business days to process and costs US$80.90. It allows multiple entries and remains valid for ten years for North Americans and five years for Canadians and Australians.
Previously, the e-visa was valid for up to two years and allowed a 90-day stay per entry for tourism or business purposes. Those traveling for sports or artistic performances could stay for up to 90 cumulative days per year.
While Japan was initially included in the list of countries facing visa requirements, it has been removed due to a reciprocal agreement, which exempts Brazilians from needing a visa for trips of up to 90 days until September 29, 2026.
During a House hearing last year, Fabio Bentes, a senior economist at the industry association CNC, mentioned that the visa waiver could have helped Brazil attract an extra USD 510 million in 2019. This was seen as a significant improvement, especially considering that foreign tourists spent nearly USD 6 million in Brazil then.
MFA: Visa Waiver Resulted in Loss of USD 15.9 Million in Fees
On the other hand, according to a document obtained through the country’s public records law, the Foreign Affairs Ministry estimated that the visa waiver resulted in a loss of USD 15.9 million in fees for the federal government.
As of March 2024, the Brazilian passport holds the 48th position globally, according to the VisaGuide Passport Index. This ranking grants Brazilian citizens visa-free access to 136 countries around the world. However, Brazilian passport holders must apply for a visa in advance for entry into the remaining countries.
For those 136 countries where visa-free travel is permitted, travelers are still required to possess a valid passport, typically valid for at least six months beyond the departure date.