Brazil Waives Visas For US, Canada, Australia And Japan
Americans interested in visiting Brazil will have one less obstacle running interference on vacation plans.
On Monday, the Brazilian government announced that visa requirements for American, Canadian, Australian and Japanese visitors are being waived. It’s a move they hope will help increase tourism, boosting economic growth and courting foreign investment in the process. The South American country’s main draw, Rio de Janiero, saw a whopping $320 million decrease in spent tourism dollars in the first four months of 2017 compared with the same period of 2016.
The unilateral move is likely to annoy some Brazilian who have championed the prior reciprocal approach to the entry visa process. The United States is one of only a few countries requiring Brazilians to apply for a visa before visiting. That measure will stay in place for the time being despite Brazil lifting their restraints on Americans.
Editor’s Note: As someone who has had travel plans to Brazil disrupted because of the previous visa process, this is welcome news.
Eric has revolved in and out of passport controls for over 20 years. From his first archaeological field school in Belize to rural villages in Ethiopia and Buddhist temples in Laos, Eric has come smile to smile with all walks of life. A writer, photographer and entrepreneur, the LA native believes the power of connectivity and community is enriched through travel.