In January 2026, Brazil announced visa exemptions for Chinese citizens in certain short-term categories, in response to China's visa exemption policy for Brazilian citizens.

On the border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, Foz do Iguaçu is one of the most international cities in the country. Now, the city can take a new step forward. The announcement of visa exemptions for Chinese tourists opens up a new strategic opportunity to increase international tourist flows.

“Foz do Iguaçu is the only city in the Americas that is part of China's Silk Road of tourist cities,’ said Jin Bruno Petrycoski, Secretary of Tourism for Foz do Iguaçu. ‘So we are working with the Chinese government and the Chinese embassy here in Brazil to better promote Foz do Iguaçu in China,”the secretary pointed out.

Tourism is the main driver of the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, transport and commerce revolve around visitors who arrive throughout the year, and the city is already preparing to welcome more tourists.

(Source: Plataforma, on 27 February)