The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil's ambassador in Washington, escalating a growing diplomatic dispute between the two countries over ambassadorial appointments and the treatment of diplomats.
The move affects Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, although she has not been ordered to leave the United States. A senior U.S. State Department official said her visa would be reinstated if the current diplomatic impasse is resolved.
"The action was that the visa of a senior diplomat here was revoked or cancelled. That is not the same thing as kicking the person out of the country," the official said.
The row centres on Brazil's refusal to grant formal approval, known as agrément, for President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as U.S. ambassador to Brazil.
Washington also accused Brazil of denying visas to several American diplomats, saying it had responded with reciprocal measures after weeks of unsuccessful negotiations.
"Basically we've had a situation in which our diplomats were being denied the ability to do routine common work between the two countries," the State Department official said.
"We've taken reciprocal action with respect to a Brazilian diplomat here to make the point that it can't always be one-sided."
Brazil has yet to publicly respond to the visa revocation.
Relations between Washington and Brasília have become increasingly strained in recent months.
Last month, Brazil refused visas for officials from the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour. Brazilian authorities said the planned visit was intended to interfere with the country's electoral system ahead of October's elections.
The diplomatic standoff follows wider disagreements between President Donald Trump's administration and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. U.S. officials have accused Lula's government of restricting conservative voices and influencing judicial proceedings.
Brazil has rejected those claims and accused Washington of trying to shape politics in Latin America.
Despite the latest escalation, the State Department said it wanted to restore normal relations.
"We want to be back in a situation where we have a normal, productive, transparent relationship with our colleagues," an official said.
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