December 3, 2024 18:54 PM

Brazil Reinstates Visa Requirements for American Tourists

Starting April 10, travelers from the US, Canada, and Australia will need to secure a visa before visiting Brazil. This new requirement marks a return to the visa policy that was in place until 2019 when Brazil temporarily removed the necessity for visas.

Brazil Reinstates Visa Requirements for American Tourists
Christ Redeemer statue, Brazil Raphael Nogueira on Unsplash

US Travelers Must Obtain Visas to Visit Brazil Starting in 2025

American tourists looking to enjoy Brazil's renowned destinations, such as Rio de Janeiro, will need to prove they have a steady income to obtain their visas.

According to the Brazilian government's website, applicants can demonstrate their financial stability by presenting either their last three bank statements or the most recent six pay stubs. Those who don't meet the minimum income requirement of $2,000 must have a sponsor.

The visa process has been made more accessible through an online e-visa application system, which eliminates the need to visit a consulate. The visa fee is set at $80.90 and is valid for ten years, allowing multiple entries into Brazil, with each stay limited to 90 days per year.

As per the New York Post, applicants are also required to submit a letter of intent detailing the length and purpose of their visit, alongside proof of US citizenship, and must show their return tickets.

The Brazilian government and US State Department suggest travelers apply for their visas at least two months prior to their planned departure. Processing times are expected to average five working days.

The reimplementation of Brazil's visa policy is part of a broader context where visa requirements are typically reciprocal. For Brazilians traveling to the US, the visa application process remains more stringent, involving an in-person appointment and a higher fee of $185.

Brazil Welcomes Nearly 6 Million International Tourists in 2023

In 2023, Brazil received 5,908,341 international visitors, a number just shy of the 6.3 million who visited in 2019. This count was slightly lower than the six million target set by Embratur's president, Marcelo Freixo, for the year.

However, Freixo praised the achievement, attributing increased global interest in Brazil to positive changes in government policies on the environment, democracy, and human rights. He emphasized Brazil's new reputation as a leading ecotourism destination, as reported by Tourism-Review News.

The Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino, expressed optimism about reaching and exceeding pre-pandemic tourist numbers by 2024 due to various initiatives aimed at developing and promoting tourism in Brazil.

The country has already seen significant economic benefits from tourism, with international visitors contributing R$31 billion to the Brazilian economy in 2023, surpassing previous records.

Argentina remains the top source of tourists to Brazil, followed by the United States and Chile. São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Rio Grande do Sul were the most visited states, with the majority of tourists arriving by air.

The upcoming report from the Central Bank, which will include data from December, is expected to further detail the economic impacts of tourism for the year.

Tags
Brazil, Visa, Usa, Travel, Travel news, Tourism
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