E-visa issuances rise 87%

published: Mar 06, 2018 08:30 PM, last modified: Mar 07, 2018 11:30 AM

Since January, U.S., Australian, Japanese and Canadian travellers have the right to request travel permits over the internet

Agência Brasil

The number of e-visas issued to tourists from the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan rose by 87% compared to last year. Altogether, 14,600 travellers from these countries came to Brazil in the last month after obtaining an electronic visitor visa.

Modernisation

The new online visa application system for visitors from these countries was gradually released beginning in November. The entire process happens through the VFS Global website, and has already brought positive impacts to tourism in the country.

Document

After applying, travellers receive an e-mail with the necessary info and a QR Code, which can be used to track notifications from the Brazilian consulate.

Foreigners visiting Brazil must print the document or present it in some electronic form to their airline and Customs authorities. Visitor visas are valid for stays of up to 90 days, and do not allow visitors to work in the country.

Revenue

By simplifying the entry of foreigners in the country, e-visas also help heat up the Brazilian economy. The World Trade Organisation estimates the strategy should increase tourist inflows from these countries by 25%.

January 2018 (the first month with a fully implemented e-visa system) saw a record number of foreign tourists: 6.6 million travellers spent US$ 779 million in Brazil, 17.8% more than in the same period of last year.

More demand

The e-visa system led to increased applications from all benefited countries in February. The U.S. saw the biggest rise (70%), followed by Australia (57%), Japan (26%) and Canada (4%).