Skift Take

Brazil understandably wants equal treatment for its citizens when it comes to visa policies, but right now doesn't seem like the best time.

Brazil’s plan is to reinstate tourist visa requirements for the the U.S., Japan, Australia and Canada will reduce tourism from those markets and make the country a less competitive destination. The reinstated visa application procedure details haven't yet been announced.

Last month, the Brazilian government announced that citizens from the U.S., Japan, Australia and Canada need to have a tourist visa starting October 1. Since 2019, nationals from those countries had been allowed to stay in the country for up to 90 days with the possibility of extensions of up to 180 days. Before 2019, tourists had to apply for a visa prior to travel.

Tour operators have been surprised and confused about the new rule. “Every single person working in tourism is asking themselves at this moment, ‘Why pu