Brazil to grant visa exemptions for Chinese citizens for short-term stays

President Lula announced the decision in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, reciprocating China's visa-free policy for Brazilians

Brazil will grant visa exemptions for Chinese citizens for certain categories of short-term travel, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced. The decision reciprocates China's visa-free policy for Brazilian nationals, which has been in effect since June 1, 2025.

President Lula shared the news with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a phone call on Thursday evening, January 22, 2026. Agência Brasil, the Brazilian government's public news agency, reported the announcement the following day.

The presidential palace released a statement explaining that the decision comes in the context of growing cooperation in areas of "frontier knowledge" between the two nations.

China's visa exemption for Brazilians

China added Brazilian nationals to its visa exemption policy on June 1, 2025. The policy was initially valid for one year and has since been extended until December 31, 2026.

Under the policy, holders of valid ordinary passports can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visiting family or friends, exchange programs, and transit.

Brazil joins 44 other nations covered by China's unilateral visa exemption policy, including South American neighbors Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. Most European countries, as well as Japan and South Korea, have been included since 2024.