Brazil considering free visa waiver for US travelers
Saturday, 25 Oct, 2016
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Government officials in Brazil are mulling a permanent visa waiver for travelers from several countries including the US and Canada.
Tourism minister Marx Beltrao told The Wall Street Journal it would also include Australian and Japanese visitors as the country looks to build on the success of the Olympic Games.
"We need to take advantage of the legacy of the games," he said.
US citizens were given visa-free entry during the Olympics and Paralympics and Brazil will offer the waiver for 12 months as a trial program.
This may be extended to include travelers from China, Beltrao said.
Last year, nearly 600,000 Americans visited Brazil, and despite a slowing economy, far more Brazilians visit the US each year.
Current visa costs can be as high as $160 for foreign tourists depending on reciprocal agreements with other countries.
The tourism ministry said it is also considering the removal of hotel taxes for customers paying with international credit cards.
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