Travel to one of the most popular destinations in South America may become a bit more complicated this fall. The nation of Brazil is set to reimpose visa requirements for visitors from some nations as soon as October 1, 2023.
Prior to 2019, citizens of many nations, including the United States, were required to first apply for a visa in order to visit Brazil; a cumbersome process that can take some time. However, Brazil dropped these requirements in 2019, and Americans have enjoyed travel to Brazil without first needing to be approved for a visa ever since.
Starting this October, this is set to end. Those with passports from the following nations will need to be approved for the appropriate visa in order to board a flight to Brazil:
Why is Brazil Reimposing Visa Requirements?
It mainly has to do with visa reciprocity agreements. Generally, if one country allows citizens of another country to visit it without a visa, the other country will extend the same courtesy. For example, Americans do not need a visa to visit Schengen countries in Europe. In return, citizens of European Schengen countries can visit the USA without a visa.
In some cases, even if one country requires visitors from another to first apply for a visa, the second country will still allow visa-free travel for citizens of the first country in order to increase tourism.
This has been the situation between the United States and Brazil from 2019-present. Those with Brazilian passports have long needed a visa in order to visit the US. But those with US passports have been able to visit Brazil without first applying for a visa for the past several years.
The upcoming visa requirement will be a return to the standard system. If your country requires Brazilians to get a visa in order to visit it, you’ll be required to get a visa in order to visit Brazil.
What is the Brazil Visa Application Process Like?
Based on the previous system, Americans can expect to be required to provide proof of paid accommodation or an invitation letter, proof of sufficient funds for their stay, and proof of a return ticket. They will next need to fill out an online visa application form with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provide and fill out all necessary documentation, and wait until they are instructed to take their visa appointment at the nearest Brazilian Consulate. Expect to pay around $160 for a Brazilian Visitor Visa.
Will Residents of Other Nations Be Affected?
At this time, it does not appear so. If the country you are from does not require Brazilians to get a visa in order to visit it, you should continue being able to travel to Brazil without requiring an advanced visa. However, always check current visa requirements prior to booking a trip.
Travel Insurance for Brazil
Whether you need a visa or not to travel to Brazil, you need travel insurance. It isn’t legally required to enter the country, but it is undoubtedly a financial necessity.
If you get sick or hurt during your trip to Brazil, travel medical insurance can be a lifesaver. It allows you to seek the best available medical treatment in a foreign country without being solely responsible for a bill that you may not be able to afford. Private healthcare can be very expensive when you travel abroad, so it is essential to have the right coverage to protect your finances.
Americans considering a Brazil trip should look into a trip cancellation insurance. As the name implies, one of the main functions of trip cancellation insurance (also known as travel insurance) is to insure your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs like airfare and hotel bookings. If you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, you can be reimbursed for these costs.