Brazil to Introduce Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Citizens

Brazil has announced plans to grant visa-free entry to Chinese citizens for short-term visits, a move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries. This is reported by Toda Palavra, a partner of TV BRICS.

The decision follows China’s earlier move to allow Brazilian nationals to enter visa-free, a policy in effect since mid-2025 and extended through the end of 2026.

The announcement was confirmed by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

According to an official statement, the initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance people-to-people exchanges, support cooperation in innovation and advanced knowledge sectors, and promote closer engagement on multilateral platforms.

China’s unilateral visa-free policy already applies to citizens of several South American nations, as well as numerous Asian countries. 

Under this regime, holders of ordinary passports may enter China for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.

Brazilian officials said the reciprocal visa waiver is expected to encourage greater mobility, expand academic and cultural exchanges, and support the growing economic and technological partnership between Latin America and Asia.

During their discussion, Presidents Lula and Xi reviewed recent progress in bilateral relations following high-level engagements and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a shared development agenda. 

Talks focused on cooperation in infrastructure development, ecological transition, and technology, as well as alignment between the two countries’ national development strategies.

The leaders also exchanged views on global issues, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism, adherence to international law, and open trade.

Brazil’s planned visa-free policy for Chinese citizens is expected to enhance connectivity between the two major emerging economies and further strengthen broader South–South cooperation.