Brazil has announced plans to introduce visa-free entry for Chinese citizens travelling on short-term visits, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Brasília and Beijing.
The move follows China’s decision to grant visa-free access to Brazilian nationals, a policy in effect since mid-2025 and extended through the end of 2026.
The announcement was confirmed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Under the policy, holders of ordinary passports may enter Brazil for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.
An official statement said the measure forms part of broader efforts to expand cooperation in advanced knowledge sectors and to facilitate greater mobility between the two countries. The report was carried by Toda Palavra, a partner of TV BRICS.
China’s unilateral visa-free regime already applies to citizens of several South American countries, as well as numerous Asian states.
Brazilian authorities said the reciprocal visa liberalisation is intended to foster closer people-to-people contact, encourage academic and cultural exchanges, and support economic and technological collaboration between Latin America and Asia.
During the call, the two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral relations following recent high-level engagements and reaffirmed their commitment to a shared development agenda. Discussions focused on infrastructure, ecological transition, technology, and alignment of national development strategies.
The leaders also exchanged views on global affairs, emphasising the importance of multilateralism, international law, and open trade.
Brazil’s planned visa waiver for Chinese citizens is expected to further enhance connectivity between the two major emerging economies and reinforce broader South–South cooperation frameworks.
