Visa requirements to be waived for travelers from Australia, Canada, Japan, U.S.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Brazil will soon lift visit visa requirements for nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States.

What does the change mean? Travelers from Australia, Canada, Japan and the U.S. will be able to visit Brazil for stays of 90 days, renewable once for an additional 90 days, without first obtaining a visa.

• Implementation time frame: The change will take effect June 17.
• Visas/permits affected: Visit visa waivers.
• Who is affected: Nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan and the U.S. planning travel to Brazil for tourism, business, transit or artistic or sports activities.
• Impact on processing times: The change will save affected travelers the time it takes to obtain a visa.
• Business impact: The visa waiver will ease business travel procedures for nationals of the countries listed above.

Background: Brazil waived visa requirements for nationals of the four countries during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, but they were put back in place after the Olympics ended. Brazil made e-visas available for nationals of the four countries in 2017 and has now moved to fully lift visa requirements, publishing a decree that will take effect on June 17.

Analysis & Comments: The visa waiver will make it easier for nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan and the U.S. to visit Brazil for business, tourism, transit or artistic or sports activities. Travelers are reminded, however, that the visa waiver is not provided for travelers who intend to take up residence in Brazil or who are engaged in activities that require work authorization. Travelers should also note that the visa waiver will be implemented unilaterally; visa policies for Brazilian nationals traveling to Australia, Canada, Japan or the U.S. have not changed.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.