Brazil Delays US, Canada, Australia Visa Requirement to April 10, 2024

The Brazilian government has announced a further delay in the reintroduction of visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia. Initially scheduled for January 10, 2024, the new measure will now take effect on April 10, 2024.

This adjustment follows three years of unilateral visa waivers granted by the Brazilian government. Recall that the reintroduction of visa requirements was first decided in March 2023, with an original implementation date of October 1, 2023.

Reason for the delay: avoiding issues during peak tourist season

The Brazilian government explained this postponement by stating its intention to prevent the new visa requirements from causing complications during the peak tourist season, which runs from late December through early January.

The Brazilian Ministry of Tourism also noted that the delay will allow additional time to finalize the setup of the electronic visa system. The decision follows a decree signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, amending Decree No. 11,692 issued in September 2023.

• The postponement affects citizens of Australia, Canada, and the United States.

• The new deadline for the visa requirement is April 10, 2024.

• The goal is to prevent disruptions during peak tourist season.

• Brazil is working to reactivate its e-Visa system.

Return to an electronic visa system

Before 2019, when the previous Brazilian administration unilaterally waived visas, travelers and businesspeople from the US, Canada, and Australia were required to apply for a visa in advance. The upcoming reintroduction of visa requirements for these three countries also marks the return of Brazil’s e-Visa system, which was first introduced on December 1, 2023.

As a result, nationals of these countries will soon be required to obtain an electronic visa to enter Brazilian territory as tourists, business travelers, or transit passengers.

How to apply for a Brazil e-Visa

The process for applying for a Brazil e-Visa is simple and can be completed online. Applicants must first fill out an online form and upload the required documents, then pay a processing fee of 80 USD. Once approved, the e-Visa allows travelers to stay in Brazil for a maximum period of 90 days.

Reciprocity remains at the core of Brazil’s visa policy

The reintroduction of visa requirements aligns with Brazil’s reciprocity policy, which seeks to ensure fair treatment between nations. In September 2023, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira explained that this change was driven by the fact that other countries did not offer Brazilian citizens equivalent visa-free entry under their own laws. Thus, if a country grants Brazilians visa-free access, Brazil will reciprocate by extending the same privilege.

With this latest announcement delaying the visa requirement, American, Canadian, and Australian tourists entering Brazil before April 9, 2024 will remain exempt from visa requirements. Travelers should, however, comply with the updated regulations starting April 10, 2024.