General Info

[The Cane]

I could be wrong, but I think they initially took the visa away expecting it to boost travel in Brazil but it did not. So I guess they are just reinstating it in that case.

Again, the reason why the visa requirement is being reinstated is based on the principle of reciprocity, not because they thought not requiring one would boost travel but didn't. Why do people keep making this hard to understand? It's very easy to understand, and it's an approach that other countries choose to follow as well.

https://www.afar.com/magazine/u-s-tr...azil?_amp=true

[TjBrazil]

You are right about the reasons given. What makes it a silly argument is that the majority of the time a visa wasn't required was during Covid. When no one could travel, so how could they effectively measure the effect of the no visa policy?

Nobody ever accused the Brazilian government of being smart. They need to compare 2019 numbers to the 2024 calendar year when it ends. They will see a difference.

Who said Americans don't spend a lot there. That's ridiculous.

[Houston Player]

I could be wrong, but I think they initially took the visa away expecting it to boost travel in Brazil but it did not. So I guess they are just reinstating it in that case.

You are right about the reasons given. What makes it a silly argument is that the majority of the time a visa wasn't required was during Covid. When no one could travel, so how could they effectively measure the effect of the no visa policy?

[Fewdie]

The only tourist that they lost so far is you. They don't really care. Americans don't spend too much money when they travel anyways.

Debatable. Us mongers, no? But tourism in general is a vital revenue stream. Pre-Covid numbers:

Tourism in Brazil accounts directly for 3.1% of GDP, rising to 9.6% if indirect effects are also included. The sector supported 2.1 million jobs in 2018, which accounts for 2.5% of total employment.

It's also estimated US travelers spend $3,825 in Brazil per trip.

I think it's safe to say that the visa issue isn't going to boost travel to Brazil. I have no clue how many people will change plans. So I cannot possibly predict the impact.

As Nounce pointed out (as have I, repeatedly,) this decision was not made based on financial data. It was punitive. But from a financial impact, this move is a loser. In a country that should be more concerned about the financial impact. But again, I think it was Nounce that pointed out the politics of it all.

[Mr Enternational]

I think it's safe to say that the visa issue isn't going to boost travel to Brazil. I have no clue how many people will change plans. So I cannot possibly predict the impact.

I could be wrong, but I think they initially took the visa away expecting it to boost travel in Brazil but it did not. So I guess they are just reinstating it in that case.

[Sperto]

For God's sake, if somebody don't want to travel to Brazil, stay at home. Stop crying and accept the current situation.

[The Cane]

For what it's worth, I would put good money that I have had many more international trips over the last 10 years than you. To claim to know it all. Well, I'll leave that to the blowhards.

That means a lot coming from a guy who said he no longer wanted to talk about the matter, and then turns around and posts several more messages on the same topic. The bottom line is that nobody cares whether you choose to seek a visa to go to Brazil or not. We don't care! And for what it's worth, my travel experience extends literally over my entire lifetime, so I'm not too impressed with how much travel someone may have done over the last decade LOL! All I know is that I've been to over 50 countries on 5 continents. That's more than enough to know about visa requirements from countries all over the world. And I'm not finished yet!

[Dcrist0527]

All of us combined won't make a dent in their economy.

Debatable. Us mongers, no? But tourism in general is a vital revenue stream. Pre-Covid numbers:

Tourism in Brazil accounts directly for 3.1% of GDP, rising to 9.6% if indirect effects are also included. The sector supported 2.1 million jobs in 2018, which accounts for 2.5% of total employment.

It's also estimated US travelers spend $3,825 in Brazil per trip.

I think it's safe to say that the visa issue isn't going to boost travel to Brazil. I have no clue how many people will change plans. So I cannot possibly predict the impact.

As Nounce pointed out (as have I, repeatedly,) this decision was not made based on financial data. It was punitive. But from a financial impact, this move is a loser. In a country that should be more concerned about the financial impact. But again, I think it was Nounce that pointed out the politics of it all.

[Dcrist0527]

You really think a multi-billion dollar cartel is worried about the $2000 on your bank statement? Man please. If you are that worried then it only takes 5 minutes to open a bank account online and deposit $2,000. You can close it right after they give you a visa. You are making something out of nothing.

With all due respect, you've missed the point. It's not the $2,000 that is the issue. It's the information. Do you have any idea how much an identity is worth to an organized crime network? I do. I know how it works because I see it it every single day in my job.

But that's only one of the risks. Some tourists will turn over their normal bank statements, with far more than $2,000. You don't think that elevates their risk? Extortion happens every day. Now arm the bad guys with your net worth? Yeah, no risk there. Smh.

Clearly, you doubt the risk or think I'm full of shit. Either way, I respect your opinion. I don't have a dog in that fight.

[Dcrist0527]

It seems he has never been through immigration. They simply look at your passport, ask how long you are staying, then stamp your passport and write how many days you are allowed and on to the next person. They are not analyzing documents and asking you for all kind of other proof of whatever. I think they are actually contractors now. They are definitely not the federal police how they used to be. How the hell are they going to send in a request that they need to see the person's bank statement, visa application, or small pictures they had to submit before they stamp the passport. Ridiculous. Can you imagine how long the lines would be? They are not the top scammers that he is suspecting them to be. Definitely overthinking it.

I hesitate to respond to this because, Mr E, I think you add value in many ways to this board. But if you think that you don't have a profile built up in a database that is at the fingertips of the person stamping your passport, then I feel safe in saying that I am not the ridiculous one here. Maybe it's not me that's never been through immigration. I suppose they scan your passport for shits and giggles while they play solitare on their 1985 Macintosh?

[Dcrist0527]

The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of which its embassies and consulates are a part, is and will remain responsible for the visa process. You really should educate yourself on how things work before declaring that one's security will be unduly put at risk because of the announced requirements to get a Brazilian e-visa. You proclaim the danger without even understanding the machinations of the process! Best for you to just go somewhere else since your repeated warnings aren't making any inroads here with seasoned world travelers who have had to manage visa requirements for various countries many, many, many times before. I do believe you protest too much.

First, my intent is not to "make inroads" with anyone. Certainly not with people who cannot accept facts. I don't care if the immigration officer reports to Lula himself. The risk is the same. You have government employees earning pennies a day that are susceptible to being bought out. That's not a slam on Brazil; it happens all over the world. So then it comes down to what are you comfortable handing over and putting at risk. As I've said many times now, I don't fault anyone for doing it. I do fault people who think that handing over very personal information comes with no risk. That's just foolish.

Cute how you lump all visa processes in the same bucket. They aren't. But "seasoned world travelers" would already know that. (For what it's worth, I would put good money that I have had many more international trips over the last 10 years than you. I really don't care but your sad excuse for a backhand failed.) Your problem is a common issue on this board and others. Too many posters think their experience, their preferences, their issues, etc. Are the only experience. Whether it's physical appearance, desired services, where to find girls, or risk profiles, we all have different experiences. THAT was my intent. To let people know of the risk. I'm not going to go into my personal job but this is a topic I know very well. My intent is to highlight the risk and let others decide what they are comfortable with. To claim to know it all. Well, I'll leave that to the blowhards.

[Nounce]

...That said, I'm not convinced this is a net positive revenue decision....

I think the motivation is not money.

[Fewdie]

That is way too early to be buying flight tickets and reserving hotels.

. Unfortunately, I paid for my flight and hotel 6 months ago, so I don't think I can get a refund. .

[Fewdie]

All of us combined won't make a dent in their economy.

I agree with all of your points. And you're correct, the Visa would already be approved. With my data at a minimum stored somewhere, and likely a click away from thousands of government officials.

Yes, I'm overthinking this. And talking about it far more than I want. LOL But this type of theft happens in the US. CBP officials have been bought off by cartels. US bank employees have been bought off by cartels and other organized crime syndicates. So no, I do not believe Brazil officials are less susceptible. As I said earlier, your personal information is far more valuable to the criminals than an iPhone. So be it data security or extortion, I don't see it as far fetched. I don't fault anyone for taking that risk. In a perverted way, there is safety in numbers. The more bank statements, the less chance your number is chosen.

As for why they do it, you are correct. Their land, their rules. I do think Colombia has a slightly better political relationship with the US. But, yes, both leaders are unabashed communists with similar interests. But I do not complain about the visa requirement. It's simply the bank statement. That said, I'm not convinced this is a net positive revenue decision. I've canceled my plans to visit Brazil in a couple months. I am not even a drop in the bucket. But I'd have probably infused $3,000+ into the economy, between lodging, food, drinks and chicas. (Yes, chicas count. LOL) That's a $2,900 loss. That means Lula needs 36 visas to make up for one cancellation. Who knows; maybe the cancellations will be minimal I suspect not, but that's little more than speculation on my part. But my point is that this isn't necessarily the revenue boost to the economy some think it is. It's really just a pissing match between Brazil and the US.

[Mr Enternational]

With my data at a minimum stored somewhere, and likely a click away from thousands of government officials. Yes, I'm overthinking this. And talking about it far more than I want. LOL But this type of theft happens in the US. CBP officials have been bought off by cartels. US bank employees have been bought off by cartels and other organized crime syndicates. So no, I do not believe Brazil officials are less susceptible. But I'd have probably infused $3,000+ into the economy,

You really think a multi-billion dollar cartel is worried about the $2000 on your bank statement? Man please. If you are that worried then it only takes 5 minutes to open a bank account online and deposit $2,000. You can close it right after they give you a visa. You are making something out of nothing.