Brazil has announced the removal of visa requirements for Chinese citizens travelling to the country for short-term visits, a move expected to significantly strengthen tourism flows and bilateral ties between Brazil and China, reports
Metrópoles, a TV BRICS partner.
The new policy will come into force on 11 May 2026 and applies to trips of up to 30 days for tourism, business, transit, artistic and sporting activities. The decision was confirmed by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin during the opening of a major tourism event in Fortaleza.
According to Brazilian authorities, the measure is based on reciprocity after China previously granted visa-free entry for Brazilian citizens travelling for short stays. Officials believe the initiative could drive a substantial increase in visitor numbers between the two countries.
China, home to more than 1.3 billion people, is viewed as one of the world’s most strategically important outbound tourism markets. Despite previous visa requirements, the number of Chinese visitors to Brazil rose sharply in recent years. In 2025, more than 100,000 Chinese tourists travelled to Brazil, while arrivals during the first quarter of 2026 increased by 35 per cent compared with the same period a year earlier.
Brazilian officials say the easing of travel rules is intended to strengthen cultural exchange, tourism cooperation and economic engagement, while also supporting the country’s broader strategy to attract international visitors and investment.
The visa exemption was formalised through a memorandum of understanding published in Brazil’s official government gazette. Under the agreement, the simplified entry regime will remain in place until at least the end of 2026.
Analysts note that the decision could further deepen relations between the two BRICS nations, particularly in tourism, aviation and people-to-people connectivity, while reinforcing Brazil’s position as a key destination for Asian travellers.