Brazil welcomed over 5.2 million international tourists in the first half of 2026, marking a 13.3% increase in air arrivals, according to data from Visit Brasil/Embratur, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Federal Police. This surge in air travel, which accounted for 67% of all international arrivals, reflects Brazil's expanding international connectivity and increased flight availability.
In total, 5,261,733 international tourists visited Brazil between January and June, the second-highest figure on record for this period. June alone saw 442,048 arrivals, with airports handling 360,496 of these, a 1% rise from June 2025. Visit Brasil/Embratur President Bruno Reis highlighted the benefits of enhanced connectivity, stating, “More flights and a broader presence in key source markets are bringing the country closer to travellers from Latin America, Europe, and other regions.”
Neighbouring South American countries led the charge, with air arrivals from the region increasing by 13.82%. Argentina, the largest source market, saw a 15.90% rise, whilst Colombia and Peru posted significant growth rates of 33.45% and 20.87%, respectively.
Long-haul markets also contributed to the growth, with Asia recording an 18.83% increase, driven by a 55.12% rise in Chinese visitors. European arrivals grew by 16.23%, with notable increases from Portugal, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom, which saw an 11.29% rise from the previous year. North American arrivals edged up by 1.76%, with Mexico showing a standout growth of 28.97%.
The increase in international tourism is expected to bolster Brazil's economic and social development, as EMBRATUR continues to promote the country's diverse destinations globally
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