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China and Brazil have signed an agreement for the mutual issuance of visas lasting up to ten years, effective from February 19, 2024. This measure allows for multiple entries with a stay of up to 90 days per visit, totaling a maximum of 180 days per year, a significant increase from the previous maximum visa duration of five years. The pact, signed during the IV Global Strategic Dialogue between Brazil and China, aims to facilitate travel, promote direct contacts between business communities, and strengthen tourism between the two nations.
This initiative is expected to have a positive impact in the tourism sector, as 42.500 Chinese tourists visited Brazil in 2023, although this number is still below the 68.580 recorded in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. China has been Brazil's biggest trading partner since 2009 and a significant source of foreign investment in the South American country. The bilateral trade between the two nations reached a record $1.5 billion in 2023, with Brazilian exports totaling over $1 billion and imports at $53.2 billion.
This change aligns with agreements made in January between the Foreign Ministers of China and Brazil, expressing a strong commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. This commitment is part of efforts to enhance collaboration across various sectors in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, intending to reinforce strategic coordination and bilateral and regional collaboration.
The opening of Chinese borders a year ago and subsequent agreements for visa waivers with various countries reflect China's strategy to attract visitors and stimulate foreign investment, contributing to economic recovery. In September, China streamlined visa application procedures and facilitated foreigners' access to electronic payment systems in the country. Additionally, in recent months, visa waiver agreements have been signed with countries such as Thailand and Singapore.
