Canadian passport holders will be required to secure a visa for entry into Brazil beginning April 10.
The new policy marks a change from the current guidelines that enable visa-free travel for a maximum of 90 days for purposes related to tourism and business. Visas are not required for business or student travel for visits lasting up to 90 days.
The change is also being implemented for American and Australian tourists.
The VFS website, which is authorized by the Brazilian government to issue eVisas, indicates that travellers who already possess a valid physical visa in their passport for the purpose of their visit are not required to apply for a new visa.
Those intending to stay more than 90 days must secure an extension from the Federal Police of Brazil prior to the expiration of their authorized stay. Document authentication may be required, Canada’s website says.
Entry requirements differ based on the type of passport used for travel. Standard Canadian passports are required to be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the departure date from Brazil.
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Those in need of a visa can apply through the online application process here.
The Canadian government is also warning visitors to Brazil to “exercise a high degree of caution” when visiting certain regions of the South American country “due to high crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related and other violence in urban areas.”
It advises Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel to within 20 kilometres of the border with Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, and Suriname. It also suggests avoiding travel within 20 kilometres of the border with Argentina, excluding Iguaçu National Park, within 20 kilometres of the border with Bolivia, excluding Pantanal National Park, and within 50 kilometres of the border with Venezuela.
These border areas tend to have higher criminal activity related to narcotics trafficking and arms smuggling, which can pose a threat to visitors’ personal safety, the website says.
The site also warns of high crime rates throughout the country, particularly in Brasilia, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo.
“Tourists are mostly affected by theft, but incidents of violent crime have occurred,” the site says, noting that violent crimes include armed robbery, carjackings, burglary, and sexual assault.
“Violent crime, often involving weapons, is common. Incidents of mass shootings occur, often resulting in casualties,” the advisory says. “Although tourists are rarely involved, you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
