Brazil is a beautiful country you should visit. As is generally required, the first step in planning to travel to Brazil is to obtain a Brazil visa that suits the purpose of your travel, unless you are coming from a visa-exempt country.
Brazilian beaches, rainforests, and various towns are world-famous. As the birthplace of famous footballers like Pelé and Neymar, it is recognized as the footballing nation. The Christ the Redeemer monument and Lencois Maranhenses National Park, two of the most well-known man-made and natural attractions in the world, are both located there.
Going to Brazil and experiencing it for yourself is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the things that Brazil is known for.
This page will guide you through everything you need to know about applying for a visa to the beautiful cities in Brazil. So, relax and enjoy this ride!
When Do You Need a Visa To Brazil?
Nationals of the nations not represented in the table below must apply for a visa to Brazil. However, during stays up to 90 days, nationals of the following nations are not required to apply for a visa to enter Brazil (unless otherwise specified):
| European Union | Albania (90 days during 180 days) | Andorra |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Argentina* | Armenia |
| Australia | Bahamas | Barbados |
| Belarus | Belize | Bolivia* |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Canada | Chile* |
| Colombia* | Costa Rica | Dominica (90 days during 180 days) |
| Ecuador* | El Salvador | Fiji |
| Georgia (90 days during 180 days) | Grenada | Guatemala |
| Guyana | Honduras | Hong Kong |
| Iceland | Indonesia (up to 30 days) | Israel |
| Jamaica | Japan | Kazakhstan (up to 30 days) |
| Liechtenstein | Macau | Malaysia |
| Mexico | Monaco | Mongolia |
| Montenegro (90 days during 180 days) | Morocco | Namibia |
| New Zealand | Nicaragua | North Macedonia (90 days during 180 days) |
| Norway | Panama | Paraguay* |
| Peru* | Philippines | Qatar |
| Russia | Saint Kitts and Nevis | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| San Marino | Serbia | Seychelles (90 days during 180 days) |
| Singapore (up to 30 days) | South Africa | South Korea |
| Sovereign Military Order of Malta | Suriname | Switzerland (90 days during 180 days) |
| Thailand | Trinidad and Tobago | Tunisia |
| Turkey | Ukraine (90 days during 180 days) | United Arab Emirates |
| United Kingdom | United States | Uruguay* |
| Vatican City | Venezuela* (up to 60 days) |
Nationals of these countries are eligible to enter with only their ID cards.
Brazil eVisa
The Brazilian government does not issue foreigners visas. It used to be possible for residents of the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan to apply for a visa online and receive a Brazil visa via email. Brazil’s eVisa program began in January 2018 and ended on June 17, 2019.
As an alternative, nationals of these nations can now visit Brazil without a visa for durations of up to 90 days. They must apply for a Brazilian visa at a Brazilian Consulate if they intend to stay for longer.
Types of Brazil Visas
Brazil visas are of two main types:
- Brazil Visit Visa (VIVIS), also referred to as a Tourist Visa. These types of visas are issued for short-term stays, no longer than 90 days. The types of the visit visa for Brazil are:
- Brazil Tourist Visa.
- Brazil Business Visa.
- Brazil Transit Visa
- Brazil Temporary Visa (VITEM). These long-term visas enable the holder to remain in Brazil for an extended period—more than 90 days. As soon as you get into Brazil with a temporary visa, you must register with the local PDF office within 90 days of your arrival. You will receive your Migration Registration Card (CRNM) and temporary residency (usually one to three years). The registration card may be renewed before it expires. Brazil offers the following categories of temporary visas:
- Brazil Work Visa
- Brazil Student Visa
- Brazil Family Reunion Visa
- Brazil Retirement Visa
- Brazil Digital Nomad Visa
What Are the Brazil Visa Requirements?
When you apply for a Brazil visa, you have to submit documents that will support your visa application. The documents change based on the specific visa as well as the country from which you are applying, but they include:
- Your passport. It must be valid for at least another six months and with at least two blank visa pages.
- The Brazil Visa Application Form Receipt.
- Passport-size picture.
- A return flight/round-trip ticket.
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the duration of your stay. For example, bank statements from the past three months.
- Proof of employment status:
- If employed: Letter from your employer, stating your name, position, salary, how long you have worked there, etc.
- If self-employed: Notarized affidavit, tax assessment.
- If you are a student: A letter from your school or university, confirming your enrollment.
- Proof of accommodation in Brazil, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation (if you are staying with friends/family).
- Any documents related to your purpose of travel. For example:
- For Brazil business visa:
- Letter of invitation from the company in Brazil
- Letter from your employer explaining the reason behind your visit
- For Brazil work visa:
- Approval from the Ministry of Labour
- Certificate of good conduct from police authorities in your country
- Work contract, the hiring company’s registration documents, etc.
- For Brazil family reunion visa:
- Proof of family relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc)
- Certificate of good conduct from police authorities in your country
- For Brazil student visa:
- Letter of enrollment in the educational institution
- Certificate of good conduct from police authorities in your country
- Proof of financial means to cover your stay
- Proof of having paid the Brazil visa fee
- Pre-paid return envelope
- Any additional documents that the Consular staff requests
Note: The documents that you submit must be Apostilled or legalized by the Brazilian Embassy in your country before you submit them.
Brazil Visa Photo Requirements
The visa photo that you have to attach with your Brazil visa application must follow these specifications:
- Dimensions: 4cm x 5cm (or 2 inch x 2 inch)
- Taken within the last six months
- Taken in front of a white and plain background
- You must be centred in the picture and staring straight at the camera
- Your face must be fully visible
- You must have a neutral facial expression
- There must not be any reflections, shadows or glares in the picture
- You cannot wear any head-gear unless it is for religious purposes. Even so, make sure it does not cover your face.
- You cannot wear eyeglasses with thick rims, that are tinted, too large, or not prescribed.
- For young children/babies: They must be alone in the picture (no one should be holding them and there can be no toys)
How to Apply for a Brazil Visa
One of Brazil’s embassies or consulates in your nation is where you must apply for a visa. Although the procedure varies slightly based on where you reside and where you must submit your Brazil visa application, the following points are important:
- Find the nearest Brazil Embassy/Consulate. It can be in your country or a neighbouring country.
- Contact them to learn about their requirements and what documents you need.
- Make a visa appointment.
- Some Embassies/Consulates allow you to do this online.
- Collect the required documents for the Brazil visa application.
- Complete the online Brazil Visa Application Form. Answer all the questions and attach electronic copies of the required documents and your visa photo.
- You will also receive a confirmation number.
- Print the “Receipt” of the Brazil Visa Application Form and attach the visa photo to the designated spot.
- Show up on the date of your appointment and hand in your application form and the original documents to the Consular staff. Alternatively, you may be able to send the documents to them through the mail.
- Pay the Brazil visa fee. Again, the preferred method of payment changes depending on the country and specific Embassy/Consulate.
- Wait for the visa application to process. Once that happens, the Consular staff will notify you about the outcome of your application, and you have to go back and receive your visa. If you applied by mail, you will receive the Brazil visa by mail as well.
Note the following when applying for a Brazil visa:You can submit the application through a visa or travel agency at some Brazil Embassies/Consulates, but not all of them. Similar to that, some may let you submit the application via mail, while others would insist that you give it in person. The success of your application will be based on the requirements of the particular Embassy or Consulate that will handle your Brazil visa.
Brazil Visa Fees
The fees for a Brazil visa are as follows:
- Visit/tourist visa fee: US$ 80,00 (for all countries, except the ones below)
- Angola: US$ 180,00
- Algeria: US$ 85,00
- Australia: US$ 120,00
- China: US$ 115,00
- United States of America: US$ 160,00
- Temporary visa fee: US$ 100,00*
- Diplomatic, official, and courtesy visa: Free
*In some countries, such as the UK, US, UAE, or certain EU States, the fees may be different.
How Long to Process a Brazil Visa?
The length of time it takes to process a Brazil visa varies depending on which Embassy or Consulate is handling your application. However, you should plan on waiting 10 to 15 working days after submitting your complete application. Long-term visas may require more time. But remember to apply well in advance of your intended departure.
Brazil Tourist Visa
Foreign nationals who wish to go to Brazil for brief periods of time are granted a tourist visa. It is given out for a maximum of 90 days. As the name implies, you apply for a Brazil tourist visa if you wish to travel or engage in leisure activities, including sports, while in Brazil.
Brazil Business Visa
Foreign nationals traveling to Brazil on business may be granted a certain sort of visa. This applies to the members of an airline or ship’s crew as well as those who attend meetings, engage in negotiations, report (if they are journalists), and sign contracts.
Brazil Transit Visa
If you are traveling to another country by plane and will be changing planes in a Brazilian airport, you will require a transit visa for Brazil.
You do not require a transit visa if your connecting flight in a Brazil airport is included on the same airline ticket. Curitiba (CWB), Florianopolis (FLN), Porto Alegre (POA), Porto Seguro (BPS), and Salvador airports are exempt from this rule (SSA).
If you don’t want to leave the international terminal of the airport or pass through immigration, you also don’t require a transit visa.
Brazil Work Visa
If you have a job in Brazil, you can apply for a work visa. The Brazilian Ministry of Labor must grant permission for you to work for your new employer before you can start working there. When the request is granted, the Brazilian Consulate will be notified, and you can then apply for a work visa there.
After the consulate officials have stamped your passport with the visa, you are free to depart for Brazil, where you have 90 days to register with the Federal Police.
Duration of a Brazil Visa
A tourist visa to Brazil can only be valid for up to 90 days. However, depending on the Brazilian Consular services selected, it may be issued for less. Depending on the type of visa, temporary visas might be valid for one to three years. Before it runs out, it can be extended.
Can You Extend a Brazil Visa?
Yes, practically any sort of Brazil visa may be extended by applying. You must submit your application for a visa extension at the Brazilian Federal Police branch closest to you (DPF). The application must be submitted at least two weeks, but no earlier than one month, before your visa expires.
The Federal Police department makes the decision regarding visa extensions.
Brazil Visa for US Citizens
As of 2019, US residents traveling to Brazil for tourism or other short-term activities do not require a visa. For up to 90 days if you hold a US passport, Brazil does not require a visa.
If you want to stay longer than that, you must apply for the necessary visa at one of Brazil’s US consulates.
| Consulate | Jurisdiction |
| Consulate General of Brazil in Atlanta | Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee |
| Consulate General of Brazil in Boston | Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont |
| Consulate General of Brazil in Chicago | Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin |
| Consulate General of Brazil in Hartford | Connecticut and Rhode Island |
| Consulate General of Brazil in Houston | Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas |
| Consulate General of Brazil in Los Angeles | Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. The following counties in California: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura |
| Consulate General of Brazil in Miami | Florida, Puerto Rico, US. Virgin Islands. |
| Consulate General of Brazil in New York | Bermuda Islands, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania |
| Consulate General of Brazil in San Francisco | Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. The following counties in California: Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Ladera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benedito, San Francisco, San Joaquim, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo, Yuba |
| Consulate General of Brazil in Washington, D.C. | District of Columbia, North Carolina, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, the military bases (excluding Guam) |
I believe this page has fed you richly on how to go about applying for a Brazil visa. You can start right away with planning your first or next trip to Brazil today!
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