Visa period increases from 5 years to 10

“Brazilian and American governments have closed an agreement extending visas for visitors from 5 to 10 years now. The agreement is valid for Citizens of both countries.  Brazilian National Congress needs to approve the agreement to be effective.

Os governos do Brasil e dos Estados Unidos fecharam um acordo para aumentar de cinco para dez anos o prazo de validade dos vistos para brasileiros que viajam aos EUA e vice-versa. A proposta, que estava sendo discutida entre as duas chancelarias, foi fechada por meio de troca de notas diplomáticas em novembro entre o ministro das Relações Exteriores, Celso Amorim, e o embaixador americano Clifford M. Sobel. Source: oglobo.globo.com

Hong Kong is now visa exempt: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ( HKSAR ) today ( November 25 ) received formal notification from the Consulate General of Brazil in Hong Kong that the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil had completed all outstanding formalities for the entry into force of the Agreement signed between the Governments of the HKSAR and the Federative Republic of Brazil on Exemption of Visa Requirements in October 2005. With immediate effect, HKSAR passport holders can visit Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days. “We welcome the confirmation by the Brazilian Government and believe the arrangement will enhance the travel convenience of HKSAR passport holders and promote trade, business and tourism links between Hong Kong and Brazil”, a HKSAR spokesman said.There are now 136 countries/territories that have agreed to grant visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to HKSAR passport holders. Source: media-newswire.com

Coincidentally Russia and Brazil have signed a visa agreement no long ago: Brazilian president Lula da Silva and Russian president Dmitry Medvedev have signed several agreements, including a free visa travel agreement. Source: my.nowpublic.com”

Found on Now Public

My Take

The only benefit I could see to the extension is that the embassies will essentially have less paperwork on their hands. At first glance, that would seem to be true, but examining it more closely would reveal that the increase in the visa period will initially increase paperwork for all of those people who are issued or reissued a new 10 year visa. In my case, I have a 5 year visa to Brazil which is valid for a few more years. My question is, how do I go about extending my visa? Is it automatic or must I pay another couple hundred dollar fee? My instincts tell me its the latter.

Tags: 10 years, 5 years, brazil, china, eyes on brazil, russia, united states, visas