Brazil is planning to reinstate visa requirements for US visitors, halting a decision made in 2019 to encourage more visitors to the country.
Visa requirements – first time Reuters report — will also apply to visitors from Australia, Canada and Japan. The Brazilian government is set to announce its decision on Thursday.
While the administration of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro removed the entry visa requirement for US visitors, the Brazilian government found that the measure did not do much to significantly increase domestic tourism; however, the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role in hindering the initiative’s potential impact.
But when Brazil reinstates the visa process for US visitors, you can still visit the region without paying too much for airfare. Though keep in mind that now you may have to give yourself some time to get a Brazilian visa if you plan to visit. Copa Airlines, LATAM Airlines and Avianca Airlines have a few spring and summer deals to Belo Horizonte, starting at $293.
You can fly to Belo Horizonte from Boston, Miami, New York City and Washington, DC. A return flight to the Brazilian city usually costs $900, so these fares are a bargain.
basic transaction
Airlines: Avianca, Copa and LATAM.
Route: From Boston, Miami, New York and Washington to Belo Horizonte.
How to put: Search through Google Flights to find your ideal date and then book directly with the airline of your choice.
Date of department: March to mid-June.
Recorded by: Next two or three days.
Thanks to Walking to flag these flights. the Web of senior members offers up to 90% off and includes a 14-day free trial — all for just $49 a year. The elite member also look for premium economy, business and first class deals.
sample flight
Although available in March, Brazil’s impending visa requirements could affect any last minute plans so make sure to give yourself some time to apply for a visa. — it usually takes 10 business days for the visa to arrive, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Here are examples of discounted flights:
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- National Cup: Miami International Airport (MIA) to Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF), prices from 293 USD (including transit fees in Panama City).
- Poultry: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to CNF, prices start from $428 (including transit time in Bogota, Colombia).
- Poultry: Dulles International Airport (IAD) to CNF, starting at $514 (including transit in Bogota).
- LATAM: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to CNF, prices start from 592 USD (including transit fees in Sao Paulo).
We recommend using Google Flights to determine your best dates and then book flights on the airline’s website. Direct flight booking is more reliable if the flight is canceled, delayed, or undergoes a booking change.
Google Flights shows how good a $293 fare is for a round trip from Miami to Belo Horizonte—all other available flights are as little as $800.
For return flights, Copa has three options that keep fares at $293.
Also, keep in mind that Google Flights may sometimes show a lower fare than the one advertised on the airline’s website due to the availability of a third-party booking site.
The fares featured in these deals are for base economy only. Copa’s Basic Economy charges for checked baggage, seat selection and reservation changes.
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bottom line
While Brazil will introduce visa requirements again, it won’t hinder your ability to visit the country, especially when it comes to cheap flights. Basic economy may be limited, but some of these flights are so heavily discounted that even if you pay for checked baggage and seats, you’ll still save tons.
