Brazil has reversed its six-year visa exemption policy for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia. Starting April 10, 2025, visitors from these countries will once again be required to obtain visas before entering Brazil.
This decision marks a shift from the approach under former President Jair Bolsonaro, who opened the doors to citizens of these nations in an effort to bolster Brazil’s tourism industry.
The move comes under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who cited the principle of “reciprocity” as the driving factor behind the decision.
Brazilian citizens have long faced visa requirements when traveling to the United States, Canada, and Australia, prompting the new administration to revisit Bolsonaro’s policy.
A Shift in Policy Based on Reciprocity
When Bolsonaro introduced the entry exemption in 2019, it was seen as a step towards enhancing bilateral ties and boosting Brazil’s tourism sector. However, the move was controversial as it broke with Brazil’s long-standing practice of reciprocal travel document policies.
Under this principle, Brazil typically requires visitors from countries with similar visa requirements for Brazilian citizens to reciprocate that policy.
President Lula’s decision to reverse the visa exemption policy aligns with his broader foreign policy approach, which focuses on restoring Brazil’s standing in the international community and advocating for equal treatment.
Lula suspended the free entry of U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens in March 2023, citing the principle of reciprocity. Despite several attempts by his administration to negotiate reciprocal agreements, no progress was made with these countries.
Political and Economic Implications
The decision to reinstate the visa requirement has not only diplomatic but also economic implications. Tensions between Brazil and the United States rose recently, particularly following the imposition of a 10% tariff on Brazilian goods by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
This tariff action, according to Brazil’s political allies, has further complicated efforts to maintain the visa exemption. In response, Brazil’s Congress passed a reciprocity bill allowing the government to retaliate against nations imposing trade barriers.
The bill, which has yet to be sanctioned by Lula, demonstrates Brazil’s growing desire to protect its economic interests. With rising political tensions, the reinstatement of visas could serve as a tool for asserting Brazil’s position on the global stage.
While the visa requirement may deter some American, Canadian, and Australian visitors, it reinforces the principle of equal treatment in international diplomacy.
