Brazil Reinstates Visa Requirements for U.S., Canadian, and Australian Citizens
Brazil will reinstate visa requirements for U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens effective Thursday, ending an open entry policy initiated by former President Bolsonaro in 2019. The measure was driven by a reciprocity principle, as Brazilian citizens still need visas for those countries. Legislative dynamics shifted after recent tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Brazilian goods, impacting the visa exemption discussions.
Brazil is set to reinstitute visa requirements for United States, Canadian, and Australian citizens, which will take effect on Thursday. This decision marks a departure from the open-entry policy that was in place for these nationalities for six years. The United States Embassy in Brasilia announced that Americans can continue to request visas electronically starting from April 10, 2023.
This policy reversal stems from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration, which suspended free entry for these citizens in March 2023. Lula referenced the principle of reciprocity, noting that Brazilian citizens still require visas to enter the United States, Canada, and Australia. This move contrasts with the previous administration under Jair Bolsonaro, who eliminated visa requirements in an effort to promote tourism.
Despite legislative attempts to maintain the exemption, Brazil’s Senate passed a bill earlier this year favoring visa-free travel, yet the sentiment shifted in the lower house following economic tensions. The recent imposition of a 10% tariff on Brazilian goods by former President Trump influenced the discussion, leading Speaker Hugo Motta’s allies to suggest that the bill will not advance to a final vote in the near future.
Additionally, last week, Brazil’s Congress swiftly approved a reciprocity bill allowing the government to enact retaliatory measures, such as tariffs, against countries placing barriers to Brazilian exports. The bill is awaiting President Lula’s approval to be enacted into law.
In summary, Brazil’s decision to reinstate visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia marks a significant policy shift aimed at establishing reciprocity. This development highlights the evolving bilateral relations influenced by economic and political factors. Lula’s administration continues to navigate the implications of this decision in response to prior visa exemptions and recent tariff actions.
Original Source: apnews.com
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