Brazil Boosts International Tourism industry with Visa Free Travel Access to 174 countries including UK, Argentina and South Africa
Brazil’s outbound tourism sector is booming due to the new visa-free policy, especially towards European countries like France and Portugal.
As 2023 ended, Brazilian travel enthusiasm remained high, anticipating more adventures in 2024.
A recent survey indicates that 56% of respondents are planning long-distance trips from January to April, with 49% favoring European destinations.
Visa-Free Travel Destinations for Brazilian Citizens:
In Europe, they can travel to Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.
In the Americas, visa-free destinations include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, French West Indies, Greenland, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
In Asia, travelers can visit Hong Kong (SAR China), Indonesia (VOA), Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan (VOA), Kazakhstan, Macao (SAR China), Malaysia, Maldives, China, Philippines, Qatar (VOA), Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste (VOA), and Uzbekistan.
In Africa, visa-free access is available to Botswana, Cape Verde Islands (VOA), Comoro Islands (VOA), Egypt (VOA), Eswatini, Ethiopia (VOA), Gabon, Kenya (ETA), Madagascar, Malawi (VOA), Mauritius, Mayotte, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Reunion, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles (VOA), Sierra Leone (VOA), South Africa, Tunisia, Zambia (VOA), and Zimbabwe.
In Oceania, destinations include Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands (VOA), Micronesia, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau Islands (VOA), Samoa (VOA), Solomon Islands (VOA), Tonga (VOA), Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Visa-Free Travel Footprint
The Brazilian passport ranks 19th globally in travel freedom, allowing access to 173 destinations visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or an eVisa. This demonstrates Brazil’s strong international relations and the travel ease for its citizens.
Insights into Brazil’s Outbound Travel Industry
Hospitality Industry: Increased Brazilian tourism has boosted hotel occupancy in popular destinations like Europe, North America, and neighboring South American countries. This influx enhances local economies and fosters the development of new accommodations.
Airlines: There has been a significant rise in airline bookings, with Brazilian travelers frequently flying to the USA, Europe, and the Caribbean. This surge has led airlines to expand routes and increase flight frequencies.
Cruise Industry: The demand for cruise vacations has risen, with Brazilians enjoying Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises. This supports the cruise industry’s growth, offering more luxurious and diverse itineraries.
Railway Industry: While not a primary travel mode, the railway industry in Europe benefits from Brazilian tourists who opt for train travel within the continent, enhancing convenience and travel experiences.
Strong Consumer Confidence Fuels Travel Aspirations
Positive travel sentiment, especially to Europe, is strong among younger Brazilians under 50 with higher disposable incomes. The allure of France, Portugal, Italy, and Spain captivates Brazilian travelers, driven by a desire to explore rich cultural histories and culinary delights.
Brazil Outbound Travel Patterns
Surveys show that 40% of Brazilians traveling to Europe prefer romantic getaways with significant others. Many travelers are willing to spend over 200 euros per person per day, reflecting a preference for high-end experiences, from historical sightseeing to gourmet dining.
Contribution of Outbound Tourism to Brazil’s GDP
Outbound tourism significantly boosts Brazil’s economy, contributing to GDP through spending on accommodation, dining, shopping, and leisure activities. This spending supports various sectors, fostering economic growth and job creation domestically.
Popular Destinations for Brazilian Travelers
European countries are top favorites among Brazilian travelers. France attracts visitors with its romantic ambiance and cultural landmarks. Portugal’s historical charm and Mediterranean allure blend tradition and modernity, Italy’s rich art and culinary heritage remains a favorite, and Spain’s vibrant cities and scenic coastlines offer a mix of culture and relaxation.
Brazil’s Outbound Tourism Reshapes European Travel Patterns
In conclusion, Brazil’s surge in outbound tourism to Europe is reshaping travel patterns and economic dynamics, benefiting both Brazilian travelers and the countries they visit. This journey promises to be enriching and transformative for all involved, with annual travel patterns varying based on economic conditions, visa requirements, and global events influencing tourism trends.
Top 5 Airports in Brazil
São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU)
Located in São Paulo, GRU is the busiest and largest airport in Brazil. It serves as a major hub for international and domestic flights, connecting Brazil with numerous global destinations. The airport features modern facilities, numerous amenities, and efficient transportation links to the city.
Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG)
Situated in Rio de Janeiro, GIG is another key international gateway. It handles a significant volume of international traffic and offers a wide range of services and amenities. The airport is known for its accessibility and connections to the city’s famous attractions.
Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB)
Located in the capital city of Brasília, BSB is a crucial airport for both international and domestic travel. It is well-regarded for its modern infrastructure, efficient operations, and strategic importance in connecting various regions of Brazil.
São Paulo/Congonhas Airport (CGH)
CGH is one of São Paulo’s primary domestic airports, situated closer to the city center compared to GRU. It is renowned for its high passenger volume and serves as a hub for domestic flights, offering quick and convenient access to the city and surrounding areas.
Belo Horizonte/Confins–Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF)
Located near Belo Horizonte, CNF is a vital airport for the southeastern region of Brazil. It handles both domestic and international flights and is known for its modern facilities and efficient operations. The airport plays a significant role in regional connectivity and economic development.