China Joins Denmark, France, Hungary, Ireland, Saint Lucia, Jamaica And More As Brazil’s New Visa-Free Policy Ushers In A New Era Of Economic Growth And Tourism Expansion

Published on
February 26, 2026

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China joins Denmark, France, Hungary, Ireland, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, and more as Brazil’s new visa-free policy takes effect, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s approach to tourism and economic growth. This landmark move, announced on February 24, allows travelers from these nations to enter Brazil without the need for a visa, promoting easier access and fostering increased international tourism. By removing visa barriers, Brazil is set to attract high-spending visitors, boost global business connections, and solidify its position as a leading destination in the post-pandemic era.

Brazil has recently introduced a groundbreaking policy to open its doors to more international travelers by offering visa-free entry to travelers holding ordinary passports from several countries. This significant move aims to accelerate tourism growth and economic recovery in the post-pandemic era. The countries affected by this change include China, Denmark, France, Ireland, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Hungary, and more. The new policy reflects Brazil’s strategic approach to leveraging visa policy as an economic lever, with a focus on attracting high-spending long-haul visitors.

The 24th of February saw Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announce that travelers from these nations can now enter Brazil without the need for a visa for stays of up to 30 days, with an option to extend their stay to a total of 90 days within a 12-month period. This visa exemption is set to bring significant benefits, especially for Brazil’s tourism sector, and help the country recover from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This development is part of Brazil’s broader effort to increase its appeal to foreign tourists and global business travelers. By waiving visa requirements, Brazil seeks to streamline travel, boost tourism spending, and improve international trade relations. The new policy also reflects the growing importance of fostering international partnerships and strengthening Brazil’s position as a global tourist destination.

The Countries Benefiting from Brazil’s New Visa-Free Policy

The following countries are now included in Brazil’s newly implemented visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders:

• China: As the world’s largest outbound travel market, China’s inclusion in the visa-free policy will have a significant impact. By restoring direct air links from cities like Beijing and Shanghai, Brazil is set to benefit from an estimated additional US $650 million in annual spending by Chinese leisure and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) travelers alone.
• Denmark: With Denmark now part of the visa-free group, Danish travelers will have easier access to Brazil, fostering tourism and business exchanges. Denmark’s innovative wind-energy sector and frequent business exchanges with Brazil stand to benefit from this policy, which will ease the mobility of professionals working in energy and infrastructure projects.
• France: France’s inclusion will encourage more tourists from the country, particularly those looking to experience Brazil’s diverse culture, iconic landmarks, and vibrant festivals. French visitors will be able to explore Brazil’s natural beauty without the hassle of obtaining a visa, which will boost both leisure and business tourism.
• Ireland: Irish travelers, who have shown a strong interest in international travel, will now find it easier to visit Brazil for both vacations and work-related trips. Ireland has a growing business interest in Brazil, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, technology, and finance, and this policy change will help boost bilateral trade.
• Saint Lucia: Saint Lucia’s residents will benefit from the visa-free policy, allowing them to travel more freely to Brazil. This move is expected to strengthen ties between Brazil and the Caribbean, particularly in the areas of tourism and trade.
• Jamaica: Jamaican citizens will now have greater access to Brazil, opening up opportunities for tourism and economic cooperation. With a growing tourism sector, Jamaica’s citizens will be encouraged to explore Brazil’s many offerings, from its stunning beaches to its rich cultural heritage.
• Hungary: Hungary, a country with a rich cultural heritage and strong economic ties with Brazil, will see increased tourism flows under the new visa-free arrangement. Hungarian companies in sectors such as medical devices, energy, and manufacturing will benefit from easier access for their employees to engage in business in Brazil.
• Others: In addition to these countries, Brazil has included several other nations in its expanded visa-free initiative, further promoting international connectivity and collaboration.

Economic and Tourism Benefits of Brazil’s New Visa-Free Policy

This visa-free policy is expected to provide significant economic and tourism benefits to Brazil. The move is particularly focused on attracting high-spending international tourists, who contribute significantly to local economies through spending on accommodation, transportation, dining, and leisure activities. With the lifting of visa requirements, the travel experience for visitors from these countries will be streamlined, encouraging more visitors to explore Brazil’s diverse offerings.

Brazil is aiming to become a more competitive player in the global tourism market by eliminating one of the common barriers to entry for travelers—visa applications. This shift is expected to improve the country’s standing as a sought-after destination for tourists, particularly those from long-haul markets. By simplifying the process for visitors, Brazil is positioning itself as a hub for both leisure and business tourism.

For business travelers, this policy will also reduce the time and effort spent obtaining entry permits, thus fostering more seamless interactions and collaborations with international companies. With an increasing number of businesses in sectors such as wind energy, technology, and medical devices looking to expand their presence in Brazil, the visa-free policy is likely to facilitate smoother business operations and investments in the country.

Airlines and Hotels Respond to the New Policy

Brazil’s new visa-free policy has already begun to have an impact on the aviation and hospitality industries. Airlines like Azul and Air China have already requested additional charter slots for the upcoming holiday season in July, signaling increased demand for flights between China and Brazil. The expansion of air services will help accommodate the expected surge in tourists and business travelers from China and other countries included in the visa exemption list.

In the hospitality sector, hotel chains such as Accor have reported a surge in inquiries for group bookings, especially in cities like São Paulo and Foz do Iguaçu. The easing of entry restrictions has led to an increase in interest from international travelers, who are now looking to take advantage of the more straightforward travel process to explore Brazil’s unique offerings.

How the Visa-Free Policy Will Benefit Specific Industries

Several industries will see direct benefits from the visa-free policy, particularly those that rely heavily on international visitors and business partners. Some of the key sectors poised to gain include:

• Tourism and Hospitality: Brazil’s tourism sector is set to benefit immensely, with more tourists likely to visit the country to experience its world-renowned beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture. The hospitality industry is expected to see increased bookings, especially during the peak seasons.
• Wind Energy: Danish companies specializing in wind energy will now find it easier to send engineers and technicians to Brazil for on-site projects and inspections, without the need for lengthy visa procedures.
• Medical Devices: Hungarian companies exporting medical devices to Brazil will see improved mobility for their employees, allowing them to more easily manage installations and provide technical support for clients.
• Corporate Business and MICE: As Brazil strengthens its position as a global business hub, this visa exemption will simplify travel for executives, sales teams, and MICE groups, making Brazil an even more attractive destination for international conferences, meetings, and corporate events.

Practical Tips for Travelers

While the new visa-free policy is set to make travel to Brazil easier for travelers from the eligible countries, there are a few important points to note:

• Onward Travel: Passports must be valid for six months beyond the intended arrival date. Additionally, travelers may still be required to show proof of onward travel when checking in at the airport.
• Monitoring Stay Limits: Travelers from the eligible countries must ensure they do not exceed the 30-day stay limit, as overstaying could lead to issues with immigration and potential penalties. Businesses coordinating employee travel should be aware of the cumulative stay limits to avoid triggering payroll tax liabilities.
• Pre-Trip Assessment: Mobility managers should update their pre-trip assessment tools to reflect the new visa-free status for the eligible countries. However, travelers with other nationalities may still need a visa to enter Brazil.

China joins Denmark, France, Hungary, Ireland, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, and more in benefiting from Brazil’s new visa-free policy, designed to boost tourism and economic growth by attracting high-spending international visitors with easier access.

Brazil’s new visa-free policy marks a strategic shift in the country’s approach to international travel and economic development. By extending visa exemptions to several high-potential markets, Brazil is signaling its readiness to welcome a new wave of tourists and business visitors. The policy is expected to bolster the country’s tourism sector, create new business opportunities, and promote economic growth. As more countries become part of Brazil’s visa-free initiative, the nation is well-positioned to emerge as a key destination for global travelers and international business ventures alike.