Brazil Reinstates Visa Requirements for US, Canada, and Australia
Brazil will reinstate visa requirements for U.S., Canadian, and Australian travelers, which were previously lifted in 2019 to promote tourism. This decision is based on the principle of reciprocity and stems from President Lula da Silva’s administration aiming for equitable treatment in international travel. It follows recent tariff disputes and political shifts within Brazil’s Congress.
Brazil is set to reinstate visa requirements for citizens from the United States, Canada, and Australia as of Thursday, reverting to a previous policy after six years of open entry. This move follows a principle of reciprocity, as Brazilian nationals still require visas for these countries.
The U.S. Embassy in Brasilia has announced that American citizens may begin applying for electronic visas effective April 10. The exemption from visa requirements was originally introduced in 2019 by former President Jair Bolsonaro to foster tourism in Brazil.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva suspended the visa-free policy in March 2023, shortly after taking office, indicating that the reinstatement was essential for equitable treatment among nations. Despite previous attempts to negotiate reciprocity for Brazilian travelers, no agreements were reached.
Earlier this year, Brazil’s Senate approved continuation of the visa exemption for these countries; however, sentiment in the lower house shifted recently following former President Trump’s imposition of a 10% tariff on Brazilian imports. Speaker Hugo Motta’s allies have indicated that a final vote on this matter may be delayed indefinitely.
Additionally, Brazil’s Congress recently passed a reciprocity bill, allowing the executive branch the authority to impose retaliatory tariffs against nations that erect barriers to Brazilian exports. The bill is awaiting President Lula’s sanction before implementation takes place.
In summary, Brazil’s decision to reinstate visa requirements for American, Canadian, and Australian citizens underscores a shift towards reciprocal policies in international relations. President Lula da Silva’s actions emphasize the importance of equal treatment among nations while reflecting tensions related to recent tariff measures. The pending reciprocity bill may signal a significant moment in Brazil’s diplomatic and economic posture on the global stage.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
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