Washington, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil’s Ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Viotti, amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries over visa approvals, ambassadorial appointments and trade issues.
According to US media reports, a senior US State Department official said the decision was taken after Brazil denied visas to two American diplomats last month and delayed approval of the Trump administration’s nominee for US ambassador to Brazil.
In June, US President Donald Trump nominated Daniel Perez as ambassador to Brazil. However, his appointment remains pending as it requires confirmation by the US Senate as well as formal approval from the Brazilian government before he can assume office.
The State Department official said Ambassador Viotti’s visa could be reinstated if the diplomatic dispute is resolved.
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the US action to Brazilian broadcaster Globonews. According to the report, Viotti was in Brazil when she was informed that her US visa had been revoked.
Relations between Washington and Brasilia have deteriorated in recent weeks. The United States has announced new visa restrictions on Brazilian officials and criticised decisions of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court concerning high-profile judicial investigations.
Trade has also emerged as another point of friction after the US imposed fresh tariffs on Brazilian exports. In response, Brazil said it would safeguard its interests through diplomatic engagement and, if required, pursue remedies under the World Trade Organization framework.
Last month, Brazil rejected visa applications submitted by two US State Department officials—Riley M. Barnes, Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Samuel Samson. The officials had planned meetings with presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, along with members of Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court and other political figures.
Brazilian authorities said the visa applications, submitted on July 20, were denied.
The Trump administration has also imposed tariff increases of up to 37.5 per cent on thousands of Brazilian export products, citing alleged unfair trade practices and Brazil’s failure to curb forced labour. The administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has rejected the allegations, describing the tariff measures as an attempt to influence Brazil’s domestic political environment.
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