The Brazilian government announced that it will extend the visa waiver for Americans, Canadians, and Australians planning to visit Brazil for tourism or business until January 9, 2024.
Previously, the visa requirement for citizens of these countries was set to resume on October 1, 2023.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the change is due to the need for further adjustments for the implementation of the electronic visa system.Principle of Reciprocity
The visa waiver for entry and stay in Brazil for citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan was granted in March 2019 by former President Jair Bolsonaro. The justification was that the measure would benefit the tourism sector.
However, upon taking office this year, the government of Luís Inácio Lula da Silva considered that the measure violates the principle of reciprocity, which dictates that citizens of other countries must follow the same rules that these states impose on Brazilians.
The act was then reversed by Lula in March of this year.
Japan was excluded from this resolution after signing an agreement with Brazil in which both countries will no longer require visas from citizens traveling for tourism or business for a period of up to 90 days. The agreement comes into effect on September 30.
It is worth noting that Americans, Canadians, and Australians wishing to visit Brazil can enter the country without a visa until January 9, even if their return is after this date.