Visa: Brazil slams entry restrictions on US, Canadian, Australian citizens

In a sharp policy reversal, Brazil has reintroduced visa requirements for American, Canadian, and Australian citizens effective from Thursday April 10, 2025, ending six years of free entry.

The United States Embassy in Brasília confirmed Americans must apply electronically if visiting from April 10.

Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro removed visa rules in 2019 to boost tourism and strengthen ties with Western allies.

Bolsonaro, a known ally of Donald Trump, made the decision without securing reciprocal access for Brazilian citizens.

His action broke Brazil’s long-standing policy of reciprocity in international visa agreements.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reversed the policy in March 2023, citing fairness and mutual treatment.

He insisted Brazil must treat countries the way they treat Brazilians.

However, his administration postponed the enforcement three times while negotiating visa waivers with the three nations.

Talks failed, and none of the countries lifted their visa requirements for Brazilian travelers.

Earlier this year, Brazil’s Senate passed a bill to maintain the visa exemption.

But the mood changed in the lower house after Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff on Brazilian goods.

Speaker Hugo Motta’s allies shelved the bill, claiming the U.S. action disrespected Brazil’s trade and sovereignty.

Last week, lawmakers quickly passed a reciprocity bill allowing Brazil to hit back at unfair trade practices.

The bill gives the President powers to impose retaliatory tariffs against countries targeting Brazilian exports.

President Lula has not yet signed the bill into law.

Analysts believe Lula will approve it to assert Brazil’s global position and protect its economy.

Meanwhile, citizens of the affected countries must now follow formal visa procedures to enter Brazil.

The Foreign Ministry stated Brazil remains open to fair and respectful diplomatic negotiations.

Experts in tourism say tensions may rise if the U.S. and allies fail to respond with similar openness.

Brazil is pushing back boldly, defending its national interest with firm policy decisions.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook