The 2016 Summer Olympics are right around the corner. And among other things to worry about—accommodations, tickets to specific events, packing lists, Zika virus—one thing you won’t have to fret over is acquiring a tourist Visa. Brazilian officials have stated that travelers with a US, Japan, Australia or Canadian passport, will not need the government document from June 1 through September 18.
The move comes at a time when Brazil’s economy is in the midst of a recession and the threat of the Zika virus has added to the country’s need for a tourism boost. According to Travel Pulse, the US is Brazil’s second largest source of visitors and the biggest spenders with an average expenditure of $1,427. The initiative, launched under Henrique Alves, is expected to grow tourist numbers by 20 percent. The Olympics will run from August 5-21 in various locations around the country.
