The agreement for the introduction of visa-granting facilities signed in Beijing between Brazil and China will make an important contribution to reaching the target 12 million foreign visitors by 2022, said the Brazilian Tourism Minister, Marx Beltrão.

“The Brazil More Tourism plan sets out the introduction of visa facilities, precisely to increase the flow of tourists,” said the minister, adding that although the country has many tourist attractions, it does not receive the number of tourists it should.

The agreement signed between the Chinese and Brazilian governments established that tourist visas are valid for five years, with periods of stay of 90 days, renewable for up to another 90 days, every 12 months.

The new rules come into force on 1 October, with tourist visas currently valid for three months.

The Ministry of Tourism has already acted this year to accredit 316 Brazilian travel agencies, who are now able to receive Chinese tourists in the country. This registration is mandatory in Brazilian law and is in line with a determination of the government of China.

In 2016 more than 130 million Chinese tourists sought out foreign destinations and of this total, just over 50,000 visited Brazil. (macauhub)