Brazil has recorded a landmark start to 2026, welcoming 411,804 European visitors in January and February alone — the country’s strongest early‑year performance in two decades.

The surge reflects renewed appetite for long‑haul winter sun, Carnival celebrations and Brazil’s growing reputation for nature‑led tourism.

According to Visit Brasil/Embratur, European arrivals rose 18.55% compared with the same period in 2025, contributing to a total of 2.6 million international tourists entering the country in the first two months of the year.

Where visitors are coming from

Several European markets posted record‑breaking numbers:

  • Portugal: 67,819 visitors (+29.7%) — the best start to any year on record
  • France: 63,257 visitors (+8.64%) — also a record
  • Germany: 53,986 visitors (+17.05%)
  • United Kingdom: 47,662 visitors (+14.57%) — the strongest January–February performance ever
  • Spain: 28,786 visitors (+19.98%)

For UK travellers in particular, Brazil’s appeal continues to grow. In 2025, 187,396 British tourists visited the country — a 21.88% increase on 2024 — with São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, Bahia and Ceará emerging as the most popular destinations.

Why Brazil is booming this year

Embratur credits the surge to a combination of factors:

  • Peak‑season sunshine during the European winter
  • Carnival celebrations, which continue to draw global audiences
  • Nature‑rich itineraries, from the Amazon to the Iguazu Falls
  • Strengthened international promotion campaigns
  • Improved air connectivity and competitive long‑haul fares

Marcelo Freixo, president of Visit Brasil/Embratur, said the results show Brazil “remains a global trend in 2026” and highlight the country’s potential for further growth in tourism and business travel.

What this means for travellers

For European visitors planning trips in early 2026, the data confirms what many already know: January and February are prime months to experience Brazil at its most vibrant. From Rio’s beaches and Carnival parades to the cultural energy of São Paulo and the wildlife‑rich landscapes of Bahia and Ceará, the country offers a breadth of experiences that appeal to both leisure and business travellers.

With demand rising sharply, travellers are advised to book early for next year’s peak season — particularly for Carnival‑week stays, coastal resorts and domestic connections to Brazil’s nature destinations.