Brazil grants visa-free entry to Chinese citizens starting May 11, 2026

The policy allows stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, transit, or artistic and sporting activities

Brazil has implemented a visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens holding valid ordinary passports, with the measure taking effect on May 11, 2026.

According to a statement shared by the Chinese Government, published on May 8, 2026, the Brazilian government announced the policy in observance of the principle of reciprocity. Chinese travelers can now visit Brazil without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, which are non-extendable.

The measure covers travel for tourism, business, transit, or participation in artistic or sporting activities, according to the official Brazilian gazette. The policy is valid until December 31, 2026.

First flights depart from Shanghai

According to Global Times, Shanghai Pudong International Airport welcomed the first outbound travelers taking Qatar Airways following the policy's implementation. The flight departed from Shanghai at 0:35 am, made a stop in Doha, Qatar, and arrived in São Paulo at 6:45 pm local time.

Trip.com data shows that from Beijing, connecting flights are available to destinations including Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Vitória, with one-way journeys lasting at least 26 hours.

Travel agencies launch new packages

Following the official implementation of Brazil's visa-free policy, travel agencies have begun offering more group tour packages to Brazil.

Guangzhou-based GZL International Travel Service has promoted a 22-day group tour combining Brazil with other South American countries, including Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, with prices starting at 76,999 yuan ($11,322). The tour features highlights such as Iguazu Falls, Machu Picchu, and the Moreno Glacier.

Guan Jian, spokesperson for GZL International Travel Service, told the Global Times, "We have increased the promotion and marketing of travel sections related to South America, as well as launched new travel experiences and activities, and some travelers have already shown interest."

As Chinese tourists venture farther in their outbound travels, Brazil has gradually emerged as a popular destination in the long-haul tourism market. As the largest country in South America in terms of both land area and population, Brazil offers abundant tourism resources and distinctive cultural attractions.

China's reciprocal policy approaches one-year mark

While Brazil has implemented its visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, China's unilateral visa-free policy for Brazil is about to mark its first anniversary.

From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, China has operated a pilot program allowing Brazilian holders of ordinary passports to enter without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit.

According to data provided by Shanghai immigration inspection authorities cited by chinanews.com.cn, from the implementation of the policy until noon on Monday, 85,000 Brazilian nationals entered or exited China through Shanghai ports, a year-on-year increase of 39.7%.

Their purposes for visiting China included tourism, business negotiations, cultural exchanges, and other reasons, reflecting sustained growth in person-to-person exchanges between China and Brazil.