Brazil has made an important choice concerning visa rules for tourists from Australia, Canada, and the United States, delaying the need for entry visas for these travellers until April 10, marking the second postponement of this requirement. Initially set for October 1, it was later rescheduled to January 10 before being further extended to April.
The details about the policy reversal
Here are the key details about the policy reversal of Brazil’s visa requirements for tourists from Australia, Canada, and the United States:
Initial Deadline: The original deadline for imposing the visa requirement was January 10, but it has been postponed until April 10.
Visa Requirements: Citizens of Australia, Canada, and the United States holding ordinary passports will now be required to present a visa when entering Brazil. This visa will be mandatory at ports, airports, and land borders.
Background: The former President Jair Bolsonaro’s government had previously waived the visa requirement for US, Canadian, Australian, and Japanese tourists visiting Brazil in March 2019. However, this decision has been reversed, and the new visa requirement aligns with Brazilian diplomacy’s principle of reciprocity.
Electronic Visa (e-Visa): Starting April 10, tourists from these three countries must apply for an electronic visa, known as an e-Visa, through the platform. The e-Visa process is entirely online, eliminating the need to visit a consulate in Brazil. Applicants can submit required documentation, including images and a recent photo, and receive the visa electronically via email. To enter Brazil, they only need to present their valid passport and a printed copy of the temporary visa.
Visa Fees: The visa issuance fee for the e-Visa. The e-Visa allows multiple entries and has the same validity period as conventional visas: ten years for Americans and five years for Canadians and Australians.
Visa Validity and Entry Conditions: The e-Visa will allow multiple entries and will have the same validity period as conventional visas, ten years for Americans and five years for Canadians and Australians. The new rules will apply to those staying in Brazilian territory for up to 90 days, with the possibility of extension for an additional 90 days, as long as they do not exceed 180 days within a 12-month period.
Reciprocal agreement with Japan
The reciprocal agreement with Japan refers to a mutual arrangement between Brazil and Japan regarding visa requirements for their respective citizens. Initially, in March 2019, former President Jair Bolsonaro's government waived the visa requirement for tourists from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan visiting Brazil. However, this waiver was unilateral, meaning that Brazilians still needed a visa to travel to these countries, adhering to the visa regulations set by each nation.
Subsequently, in May 2023, Brazil and Japan signed an agreement to waive reciprocal visa requirements between the two countries. This agreement came into effect in September of the same year. As a result, citizens of Brazil and Japan are exempt from requiring visas for trips of up to 90 days when travelling between the two countries.
This reciprocal agreement aligns with the principle of reciprocity in Brazilian diplomacy, where actions taken by Brazil are matched with similar actions from other countries. The removal of Japan from the list of countries subject to visa requirements underscores the importance of reciprocal actions in shaping Brazil's visa policies and diplomatic relations with other nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Brazil delayed visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia?
Brazil has postponed the implementation of visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia until April to allow more time for the completion of the visa system implementation process and to prevent negative impacts on Brazilian tourism during the high travel season.
Will citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia need visas to enter Brazil after April?
Yes, citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia will be required to obtain visas to enter Brazil starting from April onwards.
What type of visas will citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia need?
Citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia will need to apply for electronic visas (e-Visas) through the designated online platform.
How long will the visas be valid for?
The validity period of the electronic visas will be ten years for Americans and five years for Canadians and Australians.
Can citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia apply for visas in advance?
Yes, citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia are encouraged to apply for electronic visas in advance to avoid travel disruptions caused by delays or missed connections.