The Brazilian government announced that it will extend the visa exemption for Americans, Canadians, and Australians wishing 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 postponement is due to the need for adjustments in the bidding process for contracting services for the issuance of the electronic visa.
Principle of Reciprocity
Visas for entry and stay in Brazil for citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan were waived 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 are subject to 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 reaching 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 pact 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 that date.