Brazil Extends Visitor Visa Exemption Again

For the third time in less than a year, Brazil has postponed the visitor visa requirement for US nationals. Since 2019, Americans traveling to Brazil for tourism or business have been exempt from needing a visa. This was set to change in October 2023. However, as the date approached, the government announced it would postpone the requirement. It did so again in January 2024.

Now, Brazil has changed its mind once more. On April 9, just a day before the visa requirement was expected to be reinstated, Brazil announced that it was giving US visitors another year to travel visa-free. The exemption has been extended until April 10, 2025.

With all these changes, one has to wonder whether Brazil will ever go back to requiring visitor visas for US passport holders. Perhaps it’s merely a tactic to prompt the US government to waive visa requirements for Brazilians. Either way, it’s confusing for any American with travel plans to Brazil.

When the visa requirement is reinstated, travelers will need to obtain an e-visa. The e-visa is valid for ten years and getting one is relatively straightforward: complete an online form, pay a fee, and download your e-visa. That’s all there is to it.

For now, US passport holders have nothing to worry about when planning trips to Brazil for tourism or business. But come 2025, we’ll find ourselves in the familiar position of navigating visa requirements once again. The frequent changes are a reminder for travelers to always check for the latest visa information.