Brazil to Reinstate Visa Requirements for Western Tourists: What You Need to Know
Learn about the impact of Brazil's decision to reintroduce visa requirements for tourists from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan, and discover an alternative for traveling to Brazil


The New President of Brazil, Lula, Plans to Reinstate Visa Requirements for Western Tourists
On October 1st, Brazil's new president, Lula da Silva, announced his plan to reverse the country's visa policy for western tourists. This decision will have a significant impact on Brazil's tourism industry and economy as a whole.
Previously, Brazil had a no-visa policy for tourists from several western countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. This policy was implemented to boost tourism and encourage foreign investment in Brazil. However, the new government believes that this policy is not benefiting the country as much as it could, and is causing Brazil to lose out on potential economic opportunities.
As a result, President Lula has proposed that Brazil reintroduce visa requirements for tourists from these countries. The government's reasoning is that Brazil wants reciprocity with countries that require visas from Brazilians, but do not receive the same treatment in return. By requiring visas from western tourists, Brazil aims to pressure other countries to reciprocate the visa requirement.
However, this decision is likely to have negative consequences for Brazil's tourism industry, which has already been struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies, the previous visa waiver program increased the number of tourists from the United States by 57% and from Canada by 80%. Without this policy, Brazil may lose a significant portion of its western tourist market.
Fortunately, there is an alternative for those who still want to travel to Brazil without the need for a visa. If you have permanent residency in Paraguay, you can travel visa-free to all Mercosur countries, including Brazil. Paraguay is a member of the Mercosur trade bloc, which allows free movement of people between member states for short-term stays. This means that if you obtain permanent residency in Paraguay, you can visit Brazil and other Mercosur countries without a visa for up to 90 days.
In conclusion, the reversal of Brazil's no-visa policy for western tourists is a decision that could have significant negative impacts on the country's tourism industry and economy. However, if you're still interested in visiting Brazil without a visa, obtaining permanent residency in Paraguay is a viable alternative.