Starting Thursday, Brazil will reinstate visa requirements for travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia, effectively ending a six-year period of open entry for citizens of those nations. The move marks a return to Brazil’s long-standing diplomatic practice of reciprocal visa policies. While the United States Embassy in Brasilia confirmed that Americans can still apply for e-visas beginning April 10, the shift signals a notable recalibration in Brazil’s approach to international travel policy.
The original visa waiver, enacted in 2019 under former President Jair Bolsonaro, had aimed to stimulate tourism by easing access for visitors from key Western nations. Bolsonaro’s decision, however, broke from Brazil’s tradition of seeking parity in visa agreements — Brazilians still require visas to enter the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Upon assuming office, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made clear his intent to reverse that policy, citing fairness and diplomatic balance. Although Lula postponed implementation three times in hopes of negotiating mutual visa waivers for Brazilian travelers, no reciprocal arrangements were achieved.
Recent geopolitical developments have further influenced the legislative climate. Though Brazil’s Senate earlier this year approved a bill that would maintain the visa exemption, momentum shifted after former President Donald Trump introduced a 10% tariff on Brazilian goods. This prompted a swift response from Brazil’s Congress, which passed a broader reciprocity bill allowing the executive branch to retaliate against trade barriers. The visa reinstatement now unfolds against that broader backdrop of assertive foreign policy, as Brazil reasserts its expectations of mutual respect in both tourism and trade.
“Your donation helps us cover global events, ensuring everyone stays informed.”
(Source: The Daily Corinthian | MSN | CTV News)
