Rio de Janeiro Sets Historic Record with More Than 1.2 Million Foreign Tourists in 2026

Rio de Janeiro received 1,211,748 international tourists between January and May 2026, the highest number recorded since the historical series began in 2018, according to data from Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism. The result marks a 17% increase over the same period in 2025, when the city welcomed 1,032,537 foreign visitors. Moreover, in May alone, Rio received 146,737 international tourists, 12% more than in May 2025.

Rio de Janeiro Sets a Tourism Record in 2026

The growth trend has been accelerating in recent years. In 2022, the city had received 216,961 foreign tourists over the same period. In 2023, that number jumped to 549,129. Then, in 2024, the total reached 677,878. Thus, the international flow more than quintupled in four years.

According to Tourism Minister Gustavo Feliciano, the result “confirms Rio de Janeiro’s leading role in Brazilian tourism.” He said the combination of major events and new access policies explains much of the recent surge.

Visa Exemptions and Major Events Drive Growth

Among the factors behind the surge is the “Todo Mundo no Rio” event, held in May. Its main attraction was a concert by Colombian singer Shakira in Copacabana, which drew roughly 2 million spectators along the beachfront.

Another key factor is the visa exemption for Chinese tourists, in effect from May 11 through December 31, 2026. This measure has already had a direct impact. In May, for instance, the city received 15,380 tourists from China, a 75% jump compared with May 2025. Meanwhile, over the January–May period, Chinese visitors totaled 55,260, a 43% increase year over year.

Therefore, the results cement Rio de Janeiro as Brazil’s leading gateway for international tourism. It has been a year marked by major events and visa facilitation measures that expanded the city’s reach into new source markets. More official tourism figures are available on the website of Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism. Meanwhile, readers can follow more Brazil news in OnTheNet’s Brazil section.