Brazil weighs visa-free travel for Chinese nationals to capture booming outbound market

Brazil is preparing to waive visa requirements for Chinese citizens travelling for tourism and business, local media reported on Wednesday citing government sources, in a move that would mark a significant shift in policy and deepen ties with its largest trading partner.

According to local newspaper Valor Economico, the decision reflects a growing view within President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government that easing entry rules would boost tourism, trade and investment, outweighing long-standing concerns about migration risks. China is Brazil’s largest commercial partner and one of the fastest-growing sources of foreign visitors, with more than 76,000 visitors just in 2024.

The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs could not be immediately reached for a comment.

If confirmed, Brazil would become only the third country in South America to offer full visa-free entry to Chinese nationals for short stays. At present, only Ecuador and Suriname allow Chinese citizens to enter without a visa for tourism or business.

Other countries in the region, including Argentina, Chile, Peru and Colombia, waive visas only for Chinese travellers who already hold valid visas from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia or the Schengen area.