Brazil postpones visa requirement for citizens of Australia, Canada, and the United States

BRASILIA, August 30, 2023 – In a recent development, the Brazilian government has decided to delay the reinstatement of visa requirements for travelers from Australia, Canada, and the United States of America.

The new decision means that citizens from these countries can continue visiting Brazil without needing a Brazil Visa until at least January 10, 2024, even if their departure occurs after this date.

To streamline the transition, the Brazilian Government plans to introduce an electronic visa (E-Visa) system, expected to be operational at least 30 days before the revised visa requirement takes effect on January 10, 2024. Travelers intending to visit Brazil from that date onward will have the opportunity to apply for E-Visas in advance.

In a notable provision, the Embassy of Brazil may issue physical visas to Australian passport holders before the official reinstatement of the visa requirement, but only in exceptional cases. The cost for a physical visa is set at AUD 228, while the fee for an E-Visa will be AUD 152.

It’s important to note that the Brazilian government retains the right to further postpone the introduction of the visa requirement, and travelers should consider this possibility when making visa applications during the current exemption period, which remains valid until January 9, 2024.

This decision marks a significant change from Brazil’s prior announcement to reinstate visitor visa requirements for citizens from Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States on October 1. While a reciprocal visa waiver agreement was reached with Japan, no such agreements were established with the other three countries.

The initial visa exemption for these countries was granted by Brazil in 2019-20 as a measure to support its tourism industry. However, as these countries did not reciprocate the exemption, it prompted Brazil to withdraw the previously extended privileges.

Japan was initially among the countries subject to these alterations in visa policies, but later adjustments were made through renegotiations of their mutual visa exemption agreement. As a result, a new visa waiver arrangement has been announced between Brazil and Japan. This means that Japanese nationals currently enjoying visa-free travel to Brazil will continue to do so, with no changes anticipated in the near future.