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Following two years of negotiations, the European Commission has adopted draft decisions regarding short-stay visa waiver agreements with Brazil for holders of ordinary passports and for holders of diplomatic, service and official passports. The waiver agreements will provide reciprocal visa-free travel for all Brazilian and European Union (EU) citizens, including nationals of Malta, Estonia, Cyprus and Latvia (who currently cannot travel to Brazil without a visa). Before the proposed visa waiver can take effect, the decisions must be approved by the European Council and the agreements must be ratified by all EU member states and the Brazilian parliament.

Photo Credit: Tobias Wolter

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In its revised Travel Alert on Chile, the State Department is advising U.S. citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to Chile due to the February 27 earthquake’s aftermath. It has further advised Americans in Chile to apprise friends or family of their well-being via telephone or Internet.

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Canadian trade officials announced that the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) became effective on August 1. In addition to addressing issues of trade, investment, and the environment, the CPFTA also details how immigration will be fostered between Canada and Peru.

Under the CFPTA, each country will issue temporary business visitor visas to qualified applicants. However, work permits can be denied when that person’s entry would adversely affect: 

• settlement of an ongoing labor dispute at the intended place of employment; or
• employment of a person involved in a dispute.

Additionally, the countries will:

• limit visa application fees for temporary entry of business persons; and
• issue decisions concerning business visa applications within 45 days of submission.

The countries have also agreed to exchange information concerning business visa requirements so that each could familiarize itself with the other’s policies and procedures. Furthermore, each country has agreed to collect, maintain and—upon request—distribute data pertaining to business visa programs as it relates to citizens of the partner nation.

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