In a series of delays, Brazil has once again postponed the implementation of visa requirements for certain tourists, including Americans.
According to an announcement from the Brazilian government last week, American, Canadian, and Australian tourists will not need to apply for a visa to visit until April 10, 2025. This decision comes after previous postponements, with visa requirements initially dropped in 2019 and subsequent resumption dates slated for January and April 2024.
The reasoning behind this latest delay remains unclear. However, the Brazilian Tourist Board had previously stated the need for additional time to finalize the implementation of the eVisa requirement system, aiming to avoid disruption to tourist flows during peak seasons.
Should the visa requirement come into effect as planned next year, passport holders from the aforementioned countries will be required to apply online for an electronic visa before entering Brazil for stays of up to 90 days or three months. Eligible travelers can submit their visa applications through VFS Global, a third-party site authorized by the Brazilian government for visa processing.
Visa applications typically take five business days to process and cost $80.90 per person through VFS Global. The issued visas allow for multiple entries within specified time periods: five years for Canadians and Australians and 10 years for Americans.
It’s important to note that the validity period of the eVisa differs from the duration of stay. Travelers may enter Brazil at any time within the eVisa’s validity period. Those planning to stay longer than 90 days must apply for a regular visa at the nearest Brazilian Consulate.
Travelers with existing visas do not need to reapply, and the application process involves several steps, including providing documentation such as passport details, flight reservations, and financial statements.
The decision to delay the visa requirement for Americans could be linked to the lack of reciprocal action from the U.S. government to remove visa requirements for Brazilians visiting the United States.
Brazil initially waived visa requirements for Americans in March 2019, as a gesture to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations, preceding then-President Jair Bolsonaro’s inaugural visit to the U.S. However, Brazilians still require visas to travel to the U.S., including for transit purposes.
In addition to the United States, Brazil has also established a bilateral visa waiver agreement with Japan since September 30, 2023, allowing citizens of both countries to visit each other for up to 90 days without a visa.
