Tatiana Cesso
Brazil has postponed the reintroduction of tourist visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Australia, and Canada. This marks the second delay in implementing the visa restrictions, which were initially scrapped by former president Jair Bolsonaro in 2019 to boost the country’s tourism industry. However, the three aforementioned countries continued to demand visas from Brazilian travelers, leading to a reevaluation of the visa policy based on principles of historical reciprocity and equal treatment.
The Brazilian government had initially planned to reinstate the visa requirements on January 10, but President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva later set a new deadline for April 10. The government explained that they are still finalizing the new visa system and aim to avoid implementing it close to the high season, especially during the New Year’s celebrations and Carnival festivities in February, which attract tens of thousands of tourists.
The decision to delay the implementation until April is a strategic move to steer clear of the peak tourism period, ensuring a smoother transition for both travelers and officials. By doing so, the government aims to minimize disruptions during significant events like New Year’s and Carnival, maintaining a positive experience for the multitude of tourists who visit the country during these celebrations.
It’s worth noting that President Lula, who assumed office a year ago, reinstated the visa requirements as part of a broader diplomatic strategy. Originally, the countries subject to the new visa restrictions included Japan. However, in September, Japan successfully negotiated with Brazilian authorities to ease travel provisions, securing an exemption for its citizens and keeping them off the revised list.
How to apply:
- Register: Head to the brazil.vfsevisa.com website and sign up.
- Submit: Provide the necessary personal information and make the payment through the user-friendly portal.
- Wait for the Pass: Keep an eye on your email for a confirmation of your application status. Once approved, a PDF file containing your golden ticket, aka the e-Visa, will be sent your way.
Pro tip: Print a physical copy to showcase to border authorities and keep a downloaded version on your smartphone for added convenience.
Dual citizenship? No worries! Apply under the country that issued your travel documents. If you’ve got a valid physical visa on your passport, you’re all set—no need for a new one.
