Tourism in Brazil surge as 114 countries eligible under visa waiver program – Check now if your country is eligible

Published on June 17, 2024

As of 2024, Brazil has strategically expanded its visa-free entry policy to include citizens from 114 countries. This inclusive approach is set to significantly boost international tourism, opening Brazil’s doors wider to travelers from Europe, South America, Asia, Oceania, and North America. Here’s how this development is poised to impact Brazil’s airports, airlines, and tourism industry.

Anup Kumar Keshan (TTW Editor in Chief) said: “This thoughtful policy not only streamlines travel for business and event attendees but also enriches leisure travel experiences. It effectively enhances the Brazil’s appeal as a top destination for international meetings, professional collaborations, and holidaymakers. By facilitating smoother and more sustainable travel, this initiative boosts economic ties and fosters deeper cultural exchanges. Also Brazil’s travel and tourism industry set to boom fueled by international surge with record braking tourist arrival in 2024″

Travel and Tourism in Brazil is surging as 114 countries are now eligible under a visa waiver program. In 2023, Brazil welcomed 5.9 million international travelers, surpassing pre-COVID-19 tourist arrival figures. The number of international tourist in 2023 increased by 62.7% compared to the 3.6 million visitors in 2022, although it still fell short of the record 6.3 million travelers in 2019. The 2023 international tourist numbers reached 93% of pre-COVID-19 totals, highlighting significant infrastructure development and its impact on the GDP.

The United States remains the largest source of tourists to Brazil, contributing a record 0.068 Million travelers in 2023. That year, Brazil’s real gross domestic product growth rate increased by 2.91%, surpassing the United States’ GDP growth rate of 2.51%.

Check now if your country is eligible, here’s the full list of visa free countries in Brazil:

Europe

• Albania
• Andorra
• Austria
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Russia
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City

Africa

• Angola
• Botswana
• Cape Verde
• Eswatini
• Mauritius
• Morocco
• Namibia
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• South Africa
• Tunisia

Americas

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bolivia
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Jamaica
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

Asia

• Armenia
• Georgia
• Iran
• Israel
• Japan
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Malaysia
• Mongolia
• Oman
• Philippines
• Qatar
• Singapore
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan

Oceania

• Fiji
• Kiribati
• Micronesia
• Vanuatu

Key Airports to Gain from Visa-Free Entry

1. São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)

• Primary Hub: As the busiest airport in Brazil, São Paulo-Guarulhos handles a substantial portion of the country’s international traffic.
• Increased Arrivals: Visa-free entry is likely to boost the number of international tourists arriving at GRU, enhancing its role as a gateway to Brazil.
• Economic Impact: More passengers mean greater economic activity within the airport, benefiting retail, dining, and service sectors.

2. Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG)

• Tourism Magnet: Rio de Janeiro is one of Brazil’s top tourist destinations, known for its beaches, Carnival, and iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer.
• Passenger Surge: The visa-free policy will attract more international visitors to Rio, boosting passenger numbers at GIG and increasing tourism revenue for the city.
• Event Hub: With the city hosting numerous cultural and sporting events, easier access will make it a more attractive destination for global audiences.

3. Brasília International Airport (BSB)

• Strategic Location: As the capital city’s main airport, Brasília International plays a crucial role in connecting domestic and international flights.
• Business Travel: Visa-free entry will facilitate easier travel for business professionals, potentially increasing the volume of corporate travelers.
• Gateway to Brazil: The airport can leverage its central location to serve as a convenient entry point for international tourists exploring different parts of Brazil.

4. Salvador Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA)

• Cultural Hub: Salvador is known for its rich Afro-Brazilian culture, historical sites, and vibrant festivals.
• Tourism Boost: With easier entry requirements, Salvador can expect an uptick in international visitors, enhancing the city’s status as a cultural and historical tourism destination.
• Regional Growth: Increased tourism can spur economic development in the northeastern region of Brazil.

5. Confins International Airport (CNF), Belo Horizonte

• Expanding Connectivity: CNF serves as a major hub for the southeastern region, offering connections to both domestic and international destinations.
• Tourism and Commerce: Visa-free entry will likely enhance both leisure and business travel to Belo Horizonte, known for its mining and manufacturing industries as well as cultural attractions.
• Economic Development: Increased passenger traffic can drive growth in ancillary services such as hospitality and transportation.

Airlines to Benefit from the Visa-Free Policy

1. LATAM Airlines

• Market Leader: As the largest airline in Latin America, LATAM is well-positioned to capitalize on increased international travel to Brazil.
• Expanded Routes: Visa-free entry could lead LATAM to expand its network and add new routes, especially from regions with newly eligible travelers.
• Increased Demand: The policy may result in higher demand for LATAM’s flights, both within South America and on intercontinental routes.

2. GOL Linhas Aéreas

• Domestic Strength: GOL’s extensive domestic network means it can effectively connect international travelers to various destinations across Brazil.
• Growth Opportunities: Visa-free entry could boost GOL’s international flight offerings and enhance its partnerships with global carriers.
• Passenger Volume: The policy is expected to increase passenger numbers, supporting GOL’s revenue growth and operational expansion.

3. Azul Brazilian Airlines

• Regional Connectivity: Azul’s strong focus on serving Brazil’s regional markets positions it to benefit from increased international arrivals needing onward domestic connections.
• Fleet Expansion: To meet the anticipated rise in demand, Azul may expand its fleet and frequency of flights.
• Tourist Appeal: Azul can attract tourists to lesser-known destinations within Brazil, promoting regional tourism.

4. Avianca Brazil

• International Network: Avianca’s existing international routes will likely see increased traffic as visa-free entry makes Brazil a more attractive destination.
• Alliance Benefits: As a member of the Star Alliance, Avianca can leverage partnerships to offer seamless travel experiences for international passengers.
• Competitive Advantage: The visa policy could provide a competitive edge, enabling Avianca to increase market share in international travel to Brazil.

The introduction of visa-free entry for select travelers is set to be a game-changer for Brazil’s travel and tourism industry. Major airports like São Paulo-Guarulhos, Rio de Janeiro-Galeão, and Brasília International are likely to see significant increases in international arrivals, boosting economic activity and enhancing Brazil’s appeal as a travel destination. Leading airlines such as LATAM, GOL, Azul, and Avianca are expected to benefit from the surge in tourism and business travel, with opportunities to expand routes and increase passenger volumes. This policy is poised to make Brazil more accessible and attractive to travelers worldwide, driving growth across the aviation and tourism sectors.