A combination of flexible entry policies, expanded flight routes to the US and aggressive marketing campaigns to promote the destination have led to an unprecedented increase in arrivals, according to official data.
With four million visitors in the first half of 2024 – an increase of 10.4 percent compared to the same period last year – Brazil has broken all previous tourism records set in 2023.
“In 2023, we welcomed 5.9 million international tourists. With 4 million already registered in the first seven months of 2024, we are on track to reach at least 7 million by the end of the year, one of the federal government’s key tourism targets.” said Tourism Minister Celso Sabino.
These figures translate into a total of $4.3 billion in tourism revenues, including $615 million in July 2024 alone, benefiting several sectors of the economy.
“Tourism is very democratic. The money tourists spend goes to the beach vendor, the waiter, the Uber driver and the small business owners, creating jobs and promoting local development.” said Embratur President Marcelo Freixo.
This all sounds perfect, but Brazil is aiming to get another piece of the international tourism pie. To achieve this, a synergy between the Ministry of Ports and Airports and the International Tourism Acceleration Program (PATI) is working to expand international flight capacity to 70,000 by March 2025.
In addition, the country has invested millions in 510 mega projects to make Brazil more attractive to international travelers who are used to enjoying state-of-the-art facilities in the countries they visit.
These efforts, according to the government, are part of a country’s comprehensive strategy to attract high-quality tourists, driven by effective marketing campaigns based on big data.
“Our efforts are paying off. The world is taking note of Brazil’s return as a leader in democracy, diversity and environmental stewardship, and this is reflected in the record-breaking numbers we are seeing in tourism.” Freixo said in a statement.
Why traveling to Brazil NOW is the best decision?
In the past, Brazil had certain immigration policies that could be seen as aggressive towards Americans, but this “parity policy,” as it is known in Brazil, was eliminated in 2019 by the right-wing government of Jair Bolsonaro.
However, according to the US Embassy in Brazil, this is the case. this access restrictions are reinstated—and even increased– in April 2025, under the new left-wing government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
“On April 10, 2025, the government of Brazil will reintroduce visa requirements for all U.S. citizens visiting Brazil, with an e-visa option for qualified applicants… Currently, the visa fee is $80.90 with a validity of 10 years.”
From this date Travelers from the United States, Canada and Australia will be required to present a tourist visa to enter the country.
But unfortunately it’s not easy. Visitors will have to do the same provide evidence of their bank statements showing a consistent balance of at least $2,000 in the past three months.
A “declaration of intent” It is also necessary to specify the purpose of your visit and specific dates. Travelers should do the same Provide proof of accommodation, proof of residence in the United States, and return tickets.
Frankly, this all sounds like they don’t want us to visit their beautiful country, which is somehow counterintuitive considering that Brazil alone welcomed more than half a million American tourists in 2023, adding millions to the brought economy.
