Washington: The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, in a sharp escalation of an ongoing diplomatic dispute between the two countries. A senior US State Department official said the move was a reciprocal measure following Brazil’s refusal to formally approve President Donald Trump’s nominee for US ambassador and its decision to deny visas to several American diplomats.
The development marks the latest deterioration in US-Brazil relations, which have become increasingly strained over diplomatic appointments, trade disagreements and allegations of political interference ahead of Brazil’s upcoming elections.
Visa revoked amid diplomatic standoff
According to a senior US State Department official, Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti’s visa has been revoked, although she has not been expelled from the United States.
The official said the visa cancellation was intended as a reciprocal response to Brazil’s actions, particularly the delay in approving Trump’s ambassadorial nominee, Daniel (Danny) Perez, and Brazil’s refusal to issue visas to two US diplomats.
US cites lack of diplomatic reciprocity
Washington has argued that Brazil’s handling of diplomatic appointments and visa requests has disrupted normal bilateral relations.
US officials indicated that Ambassador Viotti’s visa could be restored if Brazil formally approves the appointment of Trump’s nominee and diplomatic reciprocity is re-established.
Brazil condemns the move
Brazil criticised the decision, describing it as politically motivated and inconsistent with established diplomatic norms.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration has accused the United States of attempting to influence Brazil’s domestic political environment, particularly ahead of the country’s October elections. Brazilian officials maintain that they are following standard diplomatic procedures regarding ambassadorial approvals.
Tensions extend beyond diplomacy
The latest dispute comes against a backdrop of broader disagreements between the two countries.
Relations have already been strained by US tariffs on Brazilian goods, disagreements over election-related issues and Washington’s support for former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, a political ally of Donald Trump. These issues have increasingly complicated diplomatic engagement between the two governments.
Ambassador not being expelled
Although the visa has been revoked, officials clarified that the action does not amount to expelling Brazil’s ambassador from the United States.
Instead, the measure primarily affects her diplomatic status and official travel documentation while discussions continue between the two governments.
Diplomatic negotiations likely to continue
Officials from both countries have indicated that discussions remain ongoing despite the latest escalation.
The United States has reiterated that it seeks a “respectful and functional” relationship with Brazil, while Brasília has said it remains open to dialogue provided diplomatic norms are respected.
Conclusion
The US decision to revoke the visa of Brazil’s ambassador represents a significant escalation in an already tense diplomatic relationship. While neither side has severed diplomatic ties, disputes over ambassadorial appointments, visa approvals and broader political issues continue to test relations between two of the Western Hemisphere’s largest democracies.