Brazil's Visa Whiplash

Here we go again. In 2019, the Brazilian government waived the requirement that US citizens have a visa when visiting Brazil. Then, it changed its mind and said it would require tourist visas starting October 1, 2023. Next, it pushed the date back to January 10, 2024. Now, the date has been pushed back again.

It feels like déjà vu. Starting on April 10, 2024, Brazil will once again require visitor visas for citizens of the United States. But who knows? Maybe they’ll postpone it again.

The constant changing of the visa rules is bound to leave American visitors feeling confused. The initial waiver of the visa requirement, which began around the time of the Covid pandemic, aimed to simplify travel and boost tourism. Yet, the reinstatement of the old policy reflects a return to the principle of reciprocity. Brazil is simply mirroring the US visa policy for Brazilian citizens.

The good news for travelers is the adoption of electronic visas. The application process to get an eVisa is done completely online and doesn’t require that you submit any physical documents. The cost is US$80.90, and you should have your eVisa within 5 working days. Brazilian visitor visas are generally valid for up to 10 years and allow for stays in Brazil of up to 90 days per entry.

Before planning your trip, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest visa requirements and make sure you have the correct visa type. For now, mark your calendar for April 10, 2024, and let’s hope there are no more changes anytime soon.