By rikififi90 
Starting this Thursday, April 10, travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia will need a visa to enter Brazil, reversing a policy in place since 2019. The decision, enacted through a presidential decree, stems from the principle of reciprocity, as Brazilians also require visas to visit these countries. The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that unilateral visa waivers are not part of the country’s diplomatic practice, prompting this shift. With the e-Visa system, costing US$ 80.90, the process aims to be streamlined, but the change raises questions about its effects on tourism, especially as Brazil welcomed over 878,000 visitors from these nations in 2024. As the high season approaches, authorities and the tourism industry brace for potential shifts in travel patterns.
This move aligns with Brazil’s long-standing foreign policy, which prioritizes equal treatment between nations. The previous administration had waived visas for these countries without reciprocal benefits for Brazilians, a decision now undone. Negotiations for mutual visa exemptions continue, though only Japan, among the previously exempt nations, agreed to a reciprocal deal in 2023. The new requirement will apply at airports, ports, and land borders, with the government betting on the electronic visa platform to ease the transition. Meanwhile, the tourism sector watches closely, anticipating both challenges and opportunities.
To prepare, Embratur, Brazil’s tourism agency, has ramped up efforts to inform travelers. Campaigns across social media, videos, and embassy notices urge visitors to apply for the e-Visa in advance. The online system promises convenience, but the added cost and planning may deter spontaneous trips. In 2024, Brazil saw a record 6.7 million international visitors, and with the USA, Canada, and Australia contributing significantly, the stakes are high. The coming months will reveal whether this policy strengthens diplomatic ties or strains Brazil’s growing tourism appeal.
Initial effects of the visa policy shift
The reinstatement of visa requirements comes as Brazil’s tourism industry enjoys a boom. Last year, the country hosted 6.7 million foreign visitors, up 14.6% from 2023. Among them, 728,000 came from the USA, 96,000 from Canada, and 52,000 from Australia, making these nations key players in Brazil’s travel market. The new rule could disrupt this upward trend, particularly for short-term or last-minute travelers who may find the added step inconvenient.
Tourism businesses are already voicing concerns. In popular destinations like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where these nationalities are a strong presence, there’s worry that the extra bureaucracy might reduce visitor numbers. However, the e-Visa offers some reassurance: valid for up to 10 years for Americans and 5 years for Canadians and Australians, it allows multiple entries with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit, extendable once per year. This flexibility could encourage repeat visits over time.
- E-Visa validity: 10 years for US citizens, 5 years for Canadians and Australians.
- Issuance cost: US$ 80.90, approximately R$ 479 at current rates.
- Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per entry, extendable for another 90 days annually.
What changes for travelers starting tomorrow
Traveling to Brazil now demands extra preparation for citizens of the affected countries. The e-Visa process is straightforward: applicants access the official platform, submit a form with details like passport information and a recent photo, and pay the fee. Once approved, the visa arrives via email, sparing travelers the need for consular visits. Still, officials advise applying well ahead of travel to avoid issues at boarding gates or entry points.
The rule applies across all entry methods—air, sea, and land. At major hubs like Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo and Galeão in Rio de Janeiro, immigration teams are set to enforce compliance starting tomorrow. Travelers arriving without a visa face denial of entry, potentially leading to flight rescheduling costs. Embratur reports that 62,000 e-Visas have been issued since the system launched in December 2023, indicating many have already adapted to the change.
For dual nationals holding Brazilian citizenship alongside American, Canadian, or Australian passports, a key detail applies: Brazil does not issue visas to its own citizens. They must enter using a Brazilian passport, and those without an updated document may face delays. Embassies have urged these individuals to renew their Brazilian passports in advance to ensure smooth travel.
Reciprocity driving the policy
At the heart of this change lies Brazil’s commitment to reciprocity in international relations. In 2019, former President Jair Bolsonaro waived visa requirements for the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan, aiming to boost tourism without securing similar benefits for Brazilians. The move drew criticism for breaking with diplomatic norms, and the current administration reversed it to restore balance. Since 2023, efforts to negotiate mutual exemptions have yielded results only with Japan, which agreed to a reciprocal deal effective from September of that year.
Talks with the USA, Canada, and Australia persist, but these nations continue requiring visas for Brazilians, prompting Brazil to reinstate its own. The e-Visa fee of US$ 80.90 is notably lower than what these countries charge—Americans, for instance, pay US$ 185 for a Brazilian tourist visa. Despite the cost difference, Brazilian tourism stakeholders worry that the added step could deter visitors accustomed to visa-free access since 2019.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains open to future agreements. Until mutual waivers are secured, the visa requirement stands as a symbol of Brazil’s push for equitable treatment, even at the risk of short-term tourism losses. The policy shift underscores a broader diplomatic strategy that prioritizes fairness over unilateral concessions.
Efforts to inform travelers
Ahead of the deadline, Embratur partnered with airlines and tourism operators to spread the word. Since early 2025, English-language materials—including videos, social media posts, and embassy flyers—have guided travelers on the e-Visa process. The campaign stresses the importance of applying early, aiming to prevent confusion at check-in counters or entry points.
In the USA, major carriers like American Airlines and Delta updated their booking systems to flag the visa requirement. Canadian and Australian travel associations have echoed the effort, with agencies in cities like Toronto and Sydney reporting a spike in inquiries. For events like the São Paulo Formula 1 race in November, which drew 15.8% international attendees in 2024, the timing adds urgency to ensuring visitors are prepared.
The e-Visa’s digital nature is a selling point. Unlike the pre-2019 era, when consular visits were mandatory, the online system processes applications in as little as 24 hours. This efficiency aims to soften the blow of the new rule, though its success hinges on how well travelers adapt in the coming weeks.
Brazil’s tourism by the numbers
Brazil’s tourism sector is on an upward trajectory. In 2024, the country welcomed 6.7 million international visitors, a significant jump from 5.9 million the previous year. The USA ranked as the second-largest source, with 728,000 arrivals, while Canada and Australia contributed 96,000 and 52,000, respectively. Together, these nations accounted for over 13% of foreign visitors, trailing only Argentina’s 1.9 million.
The visa waiver of 2019 didn’t drastically boost numbers from these countries—their share of total arrivals dipped slightly from 8.8% in 2019 to 8.4% in 2024. The government hopes the e-Visa’s long validity will sustain interest, but early data suggests a potential dip in spontaneous trips. Top destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu, and the Amazon remain draws, and the policy’s full impact will emerge as the summer season unfolds.
São Paulo, a business and event hub, also benefits from this traffic. In 2024, 24% of its international visitors explored nightlife, 20% shopped, and 12.5% visited landmarks like the MASP museum. The visa requirement tests Brazil’s ability to maintain this appeal while aligning with its diplomatic goals.
Tourism industry weighs in
Hoteliers and tour operators approach the change warily. In coastal cities like Florianópolis and Salvador, popular with North Americans and Australians, there’s concern that the visa could deter bookings. Planned trips, such as New Year’s Eve or Carnival packages, are less likely to suffer, but impromptu travelers might opt for visa-free alternatives like Mexico or the Caribbean.
The e-Visa’s digital format offers some relief. Pre-2019, visa processing could take weeks and cost more, whereas now it’s faster and cheaper. Still, the US$ 80.90 fee adds up for families or groups, potentially shifting budget calculations. Airlines, including United and Air Canada, have updated policies to deny boarding without the visa, placing extra responsibility on travelers.
Businesses remain cautiously optimistic. The long validity of the e-Visa could foster loyalty among repeat visitors, and the tourism ministry sees it as a modern solution to an old challenge. The next few months will show whether convenience outweighs the added cost and planning.
Key moments in Brazil’s visa policy
The path to this visa reinstatement has been marked by shifts in strategy:
- March 2019: Bolsonaro administration waives visas for USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
- May 2023: Current government announces the return of visa requirements, initially set for October.
- September 2023: Japan agrees to mutual visa waiver with Brazil, effective from September 30.
- April 2024: Deadline pushed to April 10, 2025, for system refinements.
- April 10, 2025: Visa rule takes effect for USA, Canada, and Australia.
This timeline reflects Brazil’s balancing act between tourism growth and diplomatic principles.
Congressional pushback and future outlook
The policy isn’t without domestic debate. In March, the Brazilian Senate passed a bill to suspend the visa requirement for these countries, citing economic risks to tourism-dependent sectors. The proposal awaits a vote in the Chamber of Deputies, and if approved, could override the decree—though the executive might challenge it legally, as visa rules fall under presidential authority.
The Tourism Ministry argues that reciprocity shouldn’t hinder growth. With 98,000 e-Visa applications logged in 2024 and 62,000 issued, the system shows demand. A congressional reversal could lead to refunds, complicating logistics. For now, the requirement holds, with ongoing talks aiming for mutual exemptions down the line.
Brazil aims to hit 8 million foreign visitors by 2027, bolstered by events like the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Tourism Minister Celso Sabino believes the country’s appeal—natural wonders, vibrant culture—will endure, but the visa policy’s success depends on execution and global response.
Fun facts about tourism and visas
The interplay between Brazil and these nations offers intriguing tidbits:
- The USA accounts for 11% of Brazil’s non-Latin American visitors, the highest share.
- Pre-2019, US visas for Brazilians could take up to 6 months to process.
- Brazil’s e-Visa is cheaper than Australia’s US$ 160 electronic travel authority.
- Canadians and Australians favor nature spots like the Pantanal and Amazon, per Embratur data.
These nuggets highlight the stakes in this tourism-diplomacy dance.
Big events under the new rule
Events like Formula 1 and Rock in Rio draw significant crowds from the USA, Canada, and Australia. In 2024, Formula 1 in São Paulo saw 15.8% international attendance, up 3.6% from 2023. The visa rule could complicate logistics for fans and professionals alike, with teams securing permits months in advance.
Rock in Rio, set for September, also faces potential hiccups. Many international attendees buy tickets late, and the visa requirement might trim that spontaneity. Organizers are pushing awareness campaigns to keep turnout strong. These events pump millions into local economies, making the policy’s rollout a critical test.
In São Paulo, foreign visitors boost nightlife (24%), shopping (20%), and cultural sites (12.5%). The visa hurdle challenges Brazil to maintain this vibrancy without losing its edge against less restrictive rivals.
Travelers’ take on the change
Online chatter from affected travelers reveals mixed feelings. Some praise the e-Visa’s ease, but others balk at the cost amid rising travel expenses. “Brazil’s already pricey—now US$ 80 more per person stings,” an American planning Carnival posted. Conversely, a Canadian called it fair, noting Brazil’s tougher visa hurdles abroad.
Travel agencies in New York, Toronto, and Melbourne report surging questions about the process. For groups, the collective fee—over US$ 300 for a family of four—prompts some to rethink plans. Yet Brazil’s allure, from Nordeste beaches to Amazon treks, keeps it in contention. The real test lies in how travelers experience the shift starting tomorrow.
Starting this Thursday, April 10, travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia will need a visa to enter Brazil, reversing a policy in place since 2019. The decision, enacted through a presidential decree, stems from the principle of reciprocity, as Brazilians also require visas to visit these countries. The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that unilateral visa waivers are not part of the country’s diplomatic practice, prompting this shift. With the e-Visa system, costing US$ 80.90, the process aims to be streamlined, but the change raises questions about its effects on tourism, especially as Brazil welcomed over 878,000 visitors from these nations in 2024. As the high season approaches, authorities and the tourism industry brace for potential shifts in travel patterns.
This move aligns with Brazil’s long-standing foreign policy, which prioritizes equal treatment between nations. The previous administration had waived visas for these countries without reciprocal benefits for Brazilians, a decision now undone. Negotiations for mutual visa exemptions continue, though only Japan, among the previously exempt nations, agreed to a reciprocal deal in 2023. The new requirement will apply at airports, ports, and land borders, with the government betting on the electronic visa platform to ease the transition. Meanwhile, the tourism sector watches closely, anticipating both challenges and opportunities.
To prepare, Embratur, Brazil’s tourism agency, has ramped up efforts to inform travelers. Campaigns across social media, videos, and embassy notices urge visitors to apply for the e-Visa in advance. The online system promises convenience, but the added cost and planning may deter spontaneous trips. In 2024, Brazil saw a record 6.7 million international visitors, and with the USA, Canada, and Australia contributing significantly, the stakes are high. The coming months will reveal whether this policy strengthens diplomatic ties or strains Brazil’s growing tourism appeal.
Initial effects of the visa policy shift
The reinstatement of visa requirements comes as Brazil’s tourism industry enjoys a boom. Last year, the country hosted 6.7 million foreign visitors, up 14.6% from 2023. Among them, 728,000 came from the USA, 96,000 from Canada, and 52,000 from Australia, making these nations key players in Brazil’s travel market. The new rule could disrupt this upward trend, particularly for short-term or last-minute travelers who may find the added step inconvenient.
Tourism businesses are already voicing concerns. In popular destinations like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where these nationalities are a strong presence, there’s worry that the extra bureaucracy might reduce visitor numbers. However, the e-Visa offers some reassurance: valid for up to 10 years for Americans and 5 years for Canadians and Australians, it allows multiple entries with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit, extendable once per year. This flexibility could encourage repeat visits over time.
- E-Visa validity: 10 years for US citizens, 5 years for Canadians and Australians.
- Issuance cost: US$ 80.90, approximately R$ 479 at current rates.
- Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per entry, extendable for another 90 days annually.
What changes for travelers starting tomorrow
Traveling to Brazil now demands extra preparation for citizens of the affected countries. The e-Visa process is straightforward: applicants access the official platform, submit a form with details like passport information and a recent photo, and pay the fee. Once approved, the visa arrives via email, sparing travelers the need for consular visits. Still, officials advise applying well ahead of travel to avoid issues at boarding gates or entry points.
The rule applies across all entry methods—air, sea, and land. At major hubs like Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo and Galeão in Rio de Janeiro, immigration teams are set to enforce compliance starting tomorrow. Travelers arriving without a visa face denial of entry, potentially leading to flight rescheduling costs. Embratur reports that 62,000 e-Visas have been issued since the system launched in December 2023, indicating many have already adapted to the change.
For dual nationals holding Brazilian citizenship alongside American, Canadian, or Australian passports, a key detail applies: Brazil does not issue visas to its own citizens. They must enter using a Brazilian passport, and those without an updated document may face delays. Embassies have urged these individuals to renew their Brazilian passports in advance to ensure smooth travel.
Reciprocity driving the policy
At the heart of this change lies Brazil’s commitment to reciprocity in international relations. In 2019, former President Jair Bolsonaro waived visa requirements for the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan, aiming to boost tourism without securing similar benefits for Brazilians. The move drew criticism for breaking with diplomatic norms, and the current administration reversed it to restore balance. Since 2023, efforts to negotiate mutual exemptions have yielded results only with Japan, which agreed to a reciprocal deal effective from September of that year.
Talks with the USA, Canada, and Australia persist, but these nations continue requiring visas for Brazilians, prompting Brazil to reinstate its own. The e-Visa fee of US$ 80.90 is notably lower than what these countries charge—Americans, for instance, pay US$ 185 for a Brazilian tourist visa. Despite the cost difference, Brazilian tourism stakeholders worry that the added step could deter visitors accustomed to visa-free access since 2019.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains open to future agreements. Until mutual waivers are secured, the visa requirement stands as a symbol of Brazil’s push for equitable treatment, even at the risk of short-term tourism losses. The policy shift underscores a broader diplomatic strategy that prioritizes fairness over unilateral concessions.
Efforts to inform travelers
Ahead of the deadline, Embratur partnered with airlines and tourism operators to spread the word. Since early 2025, English-language materials—including videos, social media posts, and embassy flyers—have guided travelers on the e-Visa process. The campaign stresses the importance of applying early, aiming to prevent confusion at check-in counters or entry points.
In the USA, major carriers like American Airlines and Delta updated their booking systems to flag the visa requirement. Canadian and Australian travel associations have echoed the effort, with agencies in cities like Toronto and Sydney reporting a spike in inquiries. For events like the São Paulo Formula 1 race in November, which drew 15.8% international attendees in 2024, the timing adds urgency to ensuring visitors are prepared.
The e-Visa’s digital nature is a selling point. Unlike the pre-2019 era, when consular visits were mandatory, the online system processes applications in as little as 24 hours. This efficiency aims to soften the blow of the new rule, though its success hinges on how well travelers adapt in the coming weeks.
Brazil’s tourism by the numbers
Brazil’s tourism sector is on an upward trajectory. In 2024, the country welcomed 6.7 million international visitors, a significant jump from 5.9 million the previous year. The USA ranked as the second-largest source, with 728,000 arrivals, while Canada and Australia contributed 96,000 and 52,000, respectively. Together, these nations accounted for over 13% of foreign visitors, trailing only Argentina’s 1.9 million.
The visa waiver of 2019 didn’t drastically boost numbers from these countries—their share of total arrivals dipped slightly from 8.8% in 2019 to 8.4% in 2024. The government hopes the e-Visa’s long validity will sustain interest, but early data suggests a potential dip in spontaneous trips. Top destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu, and the Amazon remain draws, and the policy’s full impact will emerge as the summer season unfolds.
São Paulo, a business and event hub, also benefits from this traffic. In 2024, 24% of its international visitors explored nightlife, 20% shopped, and 12.5% visited landmarks like the MASP museum. The visa requirement tests Brazil’s ability to maintain this appeal while aligning with its diplomatic goals.
Tourism industry weighs in
Hoteliers and tour operators approach the change warily. In coastal cities like Florianópolis and Salvador, popular with North Americans and Australians, there’s concern that the visa could deter bookings. Planned trips, such as New Year’s Eve or Carnival packages, are less likely to suffer, but impromptu travelers might opt for visa-free alternatives like Mexico or the Caribbean.
The e-Visa’s digital format offers some relief. Pre-2019, visa processing could take weeks and cost more, whereas now it’s faster and cheaper. Still, the US$ 80.90 fee adds up for families or groups, potentially shifting budget calculations. Airlines, including United and Air Canada, have updated policies to deny boarding without the visa, placing extra responsibility on travelers.
Businesses remain cautiously optimistic. The long validity of the e-Visa could foster loyalty among repeat visitors, and the tourism ministry sees it as a modern solution to an old challenge. The next few months will show whether convenience outweighs the added cost and planning.
Key moments in Brazil’s visa policy
The path to this visa reinstatement has been marked by shifts in strategy:
- March 2019: Bolsonaro administration waives visas for USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
- May 2023: Current government announces the return of visa requirements, initially set for October.
- September 2023: Japan agrees to mutual visa waiver with Brazil, effective from September 30.
- April 2024: Deadline pushed to April 10, 2025, for system refinements.
- April 10, 2025: Visa rule takes effect for USA, Canada, and Australia.
This timeline reflects Brazil’s balancing act between tourism growth and diplomatic principles.
Congressional pushback and future outlook
The policy isn’t without domestic debate. In March, the Brazilian Senate passed a bill to suspend the visa requirement for these countries, citing economic risks to tourism-dependent sectors. The proposal awaits a vote in the Chamber of Deputies, and if approved, could override the decree—though the executive might challenge it legally, as visa rules fall under presidential authority.
The Tourism Ministry argues that reciprocity shouldn’t hinder growth. With 98,000 e-Visa applications logged in 2024 and 62,000 issued, the system shows demand. A congressional reversal could lead to refunds, complicating logistics. For now, the requirement holds, with ongoing talks aiming for mutual exemptions down the line.
Brazil aims to hit 8 million foreign visitors by 2027, bolstered by events like the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Tourism Minister Celso Sabino believes the country’s appeal—natural wonders, vibrant culture—will endure, but the visa policy’s success depends on execution and global response.
Fun facts about tourism and visas
The interplay between Brazil and these nations offers intriguing tidbits:
- The USA accounts for 11% of Brazil’s non-Latin American visitors, the highest share.
- Pre-2019, US visas for Brazilians could take up to 6 months to process.
- Brazil’s e-Visa is cheaper than Australia’s US$ 160 electronic travel authority.
- Canadians and Australians favor nature spots like the Pantanal and Amazon, per Embratur data.
These nuggets highlight the stakes in this tourism-diplomacy dance.
Big events under the new rule
Events like Formula 1 and Rock in Rio draw significant crowds from the USA, Canada, and Australia. In 2024, Formula 1 in São Paulo saw 15.8% international attendance, up 3.6% from 2023. The visa rule could complicate logistics for fans and professionals alike, with teams securing permits months in advance.
Rock in Rio, set for September, also faces potential hiccups. Many international attendees buy tickets late, and the visa requirement might trim that spontaneity. Organizers are pushing awareness campaigns to keep turnout strong. These events pump millions into local economies, making the policy’s rollout a critical test.
In São Paulo, foreign visitors boost nightlife (24%), shopping (20%), and cultural sites (12.5%). The visa hurdle challenges Brazil to maintain this vibrancy without losing its edge against less restrictive rivals.
Travelers’ take on the change
Online chatter from affected travelers reveals mixed feelings. Some praise the e-Visa’s ease, but others balk at the cost amid rising travel expenses. “Brazil’s already pricey—now US$ 80 more per person stings,” an American planning Carnival posted. Conversely, a Canadian called it fair, noting Brazil’s tougher visa hurdles abroad.
Travel agencies in New York, Toronto, and Melbourne report surging questions about the process. For groups, the collective fee—over US$ 300 for a family of four—prompts some to rethink plans. Yet Brazil’s allure, from Nordeste beaches to Amazon treks, keeps it in contention. The real test lies in how travelers experience the shift starting tomorrow.
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