Brazil rolling out visa-free entry for Americans

Americans will soon be able to visit Brazil visa-free.

The Brazilian government announced a visa waiver program for US travelers, as well as nationals of Canada, Australia, and Japan.

Brasilia hopes the move will boost tourism from these key high-spending markets and increase the average length of stay.

Visa-free entry allows for stays up to 90 days with an extension of up to 180 days.

The Rio Press Office believes it could see an increase in tourism of about 25%, citing data from the World Tourism Organization.

The announcement coincides with Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro’s visit to Washington this week.

Brazil’s ministry of tourism has a goal of 12 million foreign visitor arrivals annually by 2022, and believes the visa-free facility will be key to this.

“We are confident that it will be extremely beneficial to the country,” said Marcelo Alvaro Antônio, minister of tourism.

Brazil welcomed 6.6 million visitors in 2018.

The visa waiver will take effect on June 17 and the current e-visa program will continue until then.

source: Travel Mole