Looks like Brazil is likely to miss yet another deadline for its implementation of new visa requirements. Earlier set for January 10, 2024, the authorities have now released a statement postponing the new visa system till April 10, 2024. This new system is mainly in the works for tourists from the US, Australia, and Canada. This is the second time the new visa system has been delayed by the South American country. Read on to know more.
Delayed To Avoid Implementation Close To Carnival Festivities In February
Back in 2019, former president Jair Bolsonaro decided to scrap the visa requirements to boost the tourism sector in Brazil. Before that, foreign tourists in Brazil had to apply for a visa prior to travel. This was simply based on Brazil’s principles of historical reciprocity and equal treatment.
When Brazil’s now President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office, he decided to reinstate the visa requirements. Ever since then, a new visa system has been under work and was supposed to be implemented on October 1, 2023. However, it was postponed and a new date of implementation was announced as January 10, 2024. This too, as mentioned earlier, has been put off till April.
According to an official statement by the government, they are still finalising the finer details of the new visa system. Furthermore, they wanted to avoid its implementation close to the high tourist season in the country, especially the carnival festivities that are to take place in Brazil in February. These festivities see thousands and thousands of foreign tourists flocking to Brazil. Well, that does make sense!
Also Read: Take A Virtual Tour Of Brazil’s Museu do Café, A Coffee Lovers Paradise, Sitting Right At Home
Bid Adieu To Visa-Free Travel & How The New Visa Is Likely To Work
Ever since 2019, tourists from the US, Australia, and Canada have enjoyed visa-free stays in Brazil for up to 90 days. This is followed by the possibility of an extension that could last for up to 180 days. This however will not be possible after the new visa system that will require citizens from these countries to fill documents on arrival. The expected price for the visa for these tourists is likely to be $80.90 and will last for 10 years for American citizens, and 5 years for Canadian and Australian citizens, respectively.
While the experts are divided on these new visa policies, we believe in the age-old saying that goes – ain’t no such thing as a free lunch, folks!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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