Fresh data released on 8 February 2026 show that Brazil welcomed 9.29 million foreign visitors in 2025—an eye-catching 37 % jump on the previous year and the highest figure since records began in 1970. The numbers, compiled by Embratur and published by Travel and Tour World, push Brazil ahead of tourism heavyweights such as Egypt and Morocco and cap a banner year in which travel-related revenue hit R$ 185 billion.
Three source markets did the heavy lifting: Argentina supplied 2.4 million visitors, Chile 1.1 million and the United States just over one million. Analysts credit a bigger international air network—up 16 % in seat capacity—as well as a data-driven marketing strategy that targeted diaspora communities and promoted second-tier destinations. São Paulo and Rio remained gateways, but regional airports in the Northeast logged double-digit growth as airlines like LATAM and Azul added seasonal routes to Recife, Fortaleza and Salvador.
To help travellers and mobility managers stay ahead of Brazil’s fast-evolving entry rules, VisaHQ offers a streamlined online service for obtaining tourist, business and crew visas, plus real-time status tracking and expert support. Whether you’re jetting in from New York for a trade fair or coordinating a team from Santiago, you can start the process in minutes at https://www.visahq.com/brazil/
![Brazil Posts Record 9.3 Million International Arrivals in 2025]()
For corporate-mobility planners the surge has two immediate implications. First, competition for hotel rooms during trade-show season will intensify, especially around São Paulo’s Expo Center Norte and Rio’s Riocentro. Advance booking windows have already lengthened from 19 to 26 days on average, according to HRS. Second, airports are approaching capacity: Guarulhos handled a record 42 million passengers last year, and concessionaire GRU Airport warns that peak-hour slots are now fully allocated.
Government officials are capitalising on the momentum. The Ministry of Tourism is fast-tracking a bill to refund 100 % of VAT on convention spending by foreign companies, while infrastructure agency ANAC has published draft rules to speed up e-gates for Mercosur nationals. If approved, both measures could further boost inbound MICE traffic and shorten arrival queues ahead of COP30 in Belém.
Yet challenges remain. Industry groups caution that Brazil still ranks 57th on the World Economic Forum’s visa-openness index and that airport-rail links lag behind competitors. Even so, consultants at Deloitte project another 11 % rise in arrivals for 2026, assuming exchange-rate stability and no major health shocks. For multinationals eyeing Latin America’s biggest economy, the takeaway is clear: plan for fuller flights, busier airports and bigger audiences.
Three source markets did the heavy lifting: Argentina supplied 2.4 million visitors, Chile 1.1 million and the United States just over one million. Analysts credit a bigger international air network—up 16 % in seat capacity—as well as a data-driven marketing strategy that targeted diaspora communities and promoted second-tier destinations. São Paulo and Rio remained gateways, but regional airports in the Northeast logged double-digit growth as airlines like LATAM and Azul added seasonal routes to Recife, Fortaleza and Salvador.
To help travellers and mobility managers stay ahead of Brazil’s fast-evolving entry rules, VisaHQ offers a streamlined online service for obtaining tourist, business and crew visas, plus real-time status tracking and expert support. Whether you’re jetting in from New York for a trade fair or coordinating a team from Santiago, you can start the process in minutes at https://www.visahq.com/brazil/
For corporate-mobility planners the surge has two immediate implications. First, competition for hotel rooms during trade-show season will intensify, especially around São Paulo’s Expo Center Norte and Rio’s Riocentro. Advance booking windows have already lengthened from 19 to 26 days on average, according to HRS. Second, airports are approaching capacity: Guarulhos handled a record 42 million passengers last year, and concessionaire GRU Airport warns that peak-hour slots are now fully allocated.
Government officials are capitalising on the momentum. The Ministry of Tourism is fast-tracking a bill to refund 100 % of VAT on convention spending by foreign companies, while infrastructure agency ANAC has published draft rules to speed up e-gates for Mercosur nationals. If approved, both measures could further boost inbound MICE traffic and shorten arrival queues ahead of COP30 in Belém.
Yet challenges remain. Industry groups caution that Brazil still ranks 57th on the World Economic Forum’s visa-openness index and that airport-rail links lag behind competitors. Even so, consultants at Deloitte project another 11 % rise in arrivals for 2026, assuming exchange-rate stability and no major health shocks. For multinationals eyeing Latin America’s biggest economy, the takeaway is clear: plan for fuller flights, busier airports and bigger audiences.
