Brazil

Your Gateway to South America's Largest Nation

If you are planning to explore Brazil's stunning beaches, vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, or conduct business in Latin America's economic powerhouse, understanding visa requirements is your crucial first step. Whether you are drawn to the Amazon rainforest, Carnival festivities, or expanding your professional network, Brazil's immigration policies directly impact your travel plans.

Navigating Brazil's Visa Landscape

Brazil has progressively reinstated electronic visa (e-Visa) requirements for previously exempt nationalities. Citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia have been required to obtain an e-Visa since April 10, 2025, after repeated postponements of an earlier reinstatement. From January 2026, this requirement was extended to citizens of Mexico, France, and more than 20 additional previously exempt countries, permanently reversing the unilateral visa waiver that had been in place since 2019. The policy operates on a reciprocity principle, requiring e-Visas from nationals of countries that impose visa requirements on Brazilians. As of mid-2026, Brazil's Senate voted to reverse the e-Visa requirement for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens, but the measure remained under review by the House of Representatives and the requirement continues in force. Many nationals of most European Union countries, the United Kingdom, and much of Latin America continue to enter visa-free for visits of up to 90 days.

Key traveler categories requiring guidance:

• International tourists from visa-required and visa-exempt countries
• Business professionals pursuing commercial opportunities and short-term assignments
• Students planning educational exchanges and academic programs
• Transit passengers with extended layovers

Under the current electronic visa system, travelers complete an online application form, upload a passport scan, and pay the applicable e-Visa fee (USD $80.90 for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens; fees for other nationalities vary and should be confirmed on the official VFSeVisa portal), with most approvals issued within 48–72 hours. Our comprehensive guide transforms complex Brazilian immigration requirements into clear, actionable strategies, ensuring your South American journey begins smoothly and compliantly with current regulations.

Whether you need a visa for Brazil depends on your nationality and purpose of travel. Brazil has reinstated visa requirements for citizens of several previously exempt countries in two phases: citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia have been required to hold an e-Visa since April 10, 2025; and from January 2026 this requirement was extended to citizens of Mexico, France, and more than 20 other previously exempt nationalities. Many other visitors can still enter visa-free for tourism or business.

Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of the following countries can enter Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period:

• Most European Union member states (note: France has been added to the e-Visa requirement from January 2026; travelers holding EU passports other than French should verify their country's current status with the Brazilian consulate)
• United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland
• South American countries including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and other Mercosur members
• South Korea, Japan, New Zealand

United States, Canada, and Australia citizens have been required to obtain an e-Visa since April 10, 2025. Mexico was added to the e-Visa requirement from January 2026. Note: Brazil's Senate voted to reverse the US, Canadian, and Australian e-Visa requirement, but as of mid-2026 this remained under review by the House of Representatives, and the requirement continues in force.

Passport Requirements

All travelers to Brazil must have:

• Passport valid for minimum 6 months from entry date
• At least one blank page for entry stamp
• Return or onward ticket out of Brazil
• Proof of sufficient funds of at least R$248 per day

Who Needs a Visa

Citizens from the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and France must obtain an e-Visa before travel. The e-Visa fee is USD $80.90 for US citizens (comprising a USD $80.00 consular fee and a USD $0.90 processing fee); fees for Canadian, Australian, and other e-Visa-required nationalities are set on a reciprocity basis and should be confirmed on the official VFSeVisa portal before applying. US citizens receive a 10-year multiple-entry e-Visa, while Canadian and Australian nationals receive a 5-year multiple-entry e-Visa. All e-Visa holders are limited to stays of up to 90 days per visit. Citizens from China, India, Russia, and most African and Middle Eastern countries continue to require a traditional tourist visa applied for through the nearest Brazilian consulate or embassy. Business travelers engaging in short-term activities can use the visitor e-Visa, but longer stays for paid work require a proper work visa.

Transit Requirements

Transit passengers remaining in international areas do not need visas for connections, as long as the traveler does not leave the international transit area. However, airlines will deny boarding without proper authorization for passengers who require an e-Visa, so verify requirements for your specific nationality before travel.

Verify Your Status

Check current requirements through official Brazilian consulate websites or the VFSeVisa portal, as visa policies continue to evolve. Consider your specific travel purpose, as work, study, or extended stays require appropriate visas regardless of visa-free agreements. Brazil applies its entry rules based on reciprocity, meaning requirements depend heavily on whether your country requires visas for Brazilian citizens.

Brazil offers multiple visa categories designed to accommodate diverse travel purposes, from brief business meetings to extended academic programs. Understanding the specific requirements and validity periods for each visa type ensures you select the most appropriate authorization for your journey.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

The Visitor Visa (VIVIS) allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism, cultural activities, family visits, attending conferences, volunteer work, research, study and teaching. The visa is typically valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries, though validity varies by nationality. You can extend your initial 90-day stay for an additional 90 days, but total stays cannot exceed 180 days within any 12-month period. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days, with expedited options available for urgent travel needs. Electronic visa systems are now available for nationals of the United States, Canada, and Australia, who must apply through the VFSeVisa portal and pay USD 80.90. These electronic visas are valid for 10 years for US citizens and 5 years for Canadian and Australian nationals.

Business Visa Categories

Business travelers can choose between several temporary visa options:

• Visitor visas for business meetings, conferences, negotiations, filming, surveying, signing contracts, audits and consulting (up to 90 days)
• VITEM II business trip visas valid for up to 10 years, allowing stays up to 90 days per year without receiving payment from Brazilian companies
• VITEM V work visas for technical assistance, research skills, and professional services tied to specific employment contracts with Brazilian companies, valid for 2 years and renewable
• VITEM IX investment visas for managers and executives whose companies invest at least R$600,000 (approximately USD 120,000) in a Brazilian company, or at least R$150,000 with creation of 10 new jobs within two years

Academic and Student Visas

VITEM IV student visas correspond to program duration, requiring enrollment confirmation from a Brazilian educational institution and proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay. VITEM I research visas accommodate academic collaborations, teaching engagements, and research activities extending beyond 90 days. Both categories require specific documentation including educational credentials and institutional sponsorship.

Specialized Categories

Transit visas permit airport layovers when leaving the international transit area, valid for 10 days maximum. VITEM XI family reunion visas facilitate visits to Brazilian residents or citizens, including spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, and dependent siblings. VITEM VI working holiday visas are available through bilateral agreements with Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand, and South Korea for applicants aged 18-30 (up to 34 for South Koreans), allowing stays of up to one year with tourism as primary purpose but paid work also permitted. VITEM XIV digital nomad visas accommodate remote workers employed by foreign companies, requiring monthly income of at least USD 1,500 or bank funds of at least USD 18,000, valid for one year and renewable for an additional year. VITEM II humanitarian visas serve nationals from countries experiencing serious instability or conflict. Diplomatic and official visas serve government representatives and international organization staff.

Each visa type requires specific documentation, with processing times varying from standard 5-10 business day periods to expedited services for urgent travel needs. Work visas typically require employer sponsorship and authorization from the General Coordination of Immigration before visa issuance.

Standard Processing Times

Tourist and business e-visas: most approvals are issued within 48–72 hours, with published standard processing times of up to 10 business days. Work visas: up to 5 business days for urgent cases, though additional administrative procedures may extend processing time. Student visas: up to 20 business days with complete documentation. Processing times may extend during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel to allow sufficient time for processing or corrections.

Visa Costs & Fees

• Tourist/visitor e-visa (US citizens): USD $80.90 total (USD $80.00 consular fee plus USD $0.90 processing fee), non-refundable
• Tourist/visitor e-visa (other nationalities requiring e-Visa): fees are set by the Brazilian government on a reciprocity basis and vary by passport country; confirm the exact fee for your nationality on the official VFSeVisa portal before applying
• Work visa: approximately USD $160–200; confirm the exact amount with the relevant Brazilian consulate or embassy
• Student visa: approximately USD $40–80; confirm with the relevant Brazilian consulate or embassy

Application Locations

E-visa applications are processed fully online through the official VFSeVisa portal. The application can be completed from home, with payment via credit or debit card. For traditional consular visas (work, student, long-stay), applications are processed through Brazilian consulates, embassies, or authorized visa centers in your jurisdiction.

Essential Documents

Valid passport signed and valid through the end of your stay in Brazil, with at least 2 blank visa pages; completed online visa application form; passport-style photograph meeting portal specifications (white background); e-visa fee payment by credit or debit card. Additional common requirements include confirmation of flight reservation showing entry into and exit from Brazil, and recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your stay. Yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk. Work visas require additional labor authorization from Brazilian authorities.

Key Processing Tips

US citizens receive an e-Visa valid for 10 years from the date of issue with multiple entries; Canadian and Australian citizens receive a 5-year multiple-entry e-Visa. All e-Visa holders are limited to stays of up to 90 days per visit. You will receive your approved e-Visa via email with an embedded QR code, which must be presented to airlines at check-in; carry both a printed copy and a digital copy. Submit applications at least 2 months before travel to account for potential delays. Success rates exceed 95% with complete documentation.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia have been required to obtain an electronic visitor visa (e-Visa) before traveling to Brazil since April 10, 2025. From January 2026, this requirement was extended to citizens of Mexico, France, and more than 20 other previously exempt nationalities. The e-Visa covers short-term tourism and business trips, board meetings, and technical visits, while longer stays for remunerated work still require a temporary work visa. Identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose: visitor visa for tourism or business, student visa (VITEM IV), or work visa (VITEM V).

Step 2: Document Preparation and Organization

Gather essential documents including:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond your planned stay and at least one blank page
• Digital scan or photo of your passport biographical page
• Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Brazilian specifications
• Financial statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your stay
• Travel itinerary and accommodation confirmations
• Supporting documents specific to visa type (invitation letters, enrollment certificates, employment contracts)

For traditional visa applications requiring document submission, ensure all foreign documents are apostilled or consularized and translated into Portuguese by certified translators.

Step 3: Complete Online Application

Access the VFSeVisa online portal and complete the five-step electronic application form. When entering your phone number, do not include dashes. Fill out all required fields accurately, upload your passport scan and any supporting documents in the specified formats, and review your information carefully before submission. You will receive an application reference number upon completion, which must be used for tracking.

Step 4: Payment of Visa Fee

Pay the applicable processing fee through the online portal using a credit or debit card. For US citizens, the confirmed fee is USD $80.90 (USD $80.00 consular fee plus USD $0.90 processing fee). Fees for other nationalities are set by the Brazilian government on a reciprocity basis; confirm your exact fee on the VFSeVisa portal before applying. Retain your payment confirmation for tracking and reference purposes. All fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.

Step 5: Biometric Collection (If Required)

The electronic e-Visa process does not require an in-person biometric appointment prior to travel; biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) is collected by Federal Police officers at the Brazilian port of entry upon arrival. For traditional visa categories (work, student, long-stay), you may need to schedule an in-person appointment at the nearest Brazilian consulate or authorized visa center and submit original documents personally.

Step 6: Application Processing and Tracking

E-visa approvals with embedded QR codes are being issued in as little as 48 hours according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most approvals are issued within 48–72 hours, though published processing times run 5–20 business days depending on application volume. You can track your application status in real time through the online dashboard using your reference number and download an airline-verifiable QR code once approved. Apply around 2 months prior to departure to allow time for any additional documentation requests.

Step 7: Visa Collection and Travel Preparation

Airlines have configured their departure-control systems so that boarding passes cannot be issued until the e-Visa QR code is validated at check-in. Once approved, you will receive your e-Visa via email with an embedded QR code. Bring both a printed copy and a digital copy of your e-Visa. The e-Visa validity depends on nationality: US citizens receive a 10-year multiple-entry e-Visa; Canadian and Australian citizens receive a 5-year multiple-entry e-Visa. All e-Visa holders are limited to stays of up to 90 days per visit, renewable once within a 12-month period for a maximum of 180 days. If your application is rejected, review the reasons provided and consider reapplication with additional documentation or consult the nearest Brazilian consulate for guidance.

Arriving at a Brazilian Airport

Brazil's Federal Police (Polícia Federal) manages immigration control at all international airports and land border crossings. The entry process is largely electronic: Brazil does not use a paper arrival or disembarkation card for most international travelers. Major international airports include São Paulo (Guarulhos — GRU), Rio de Janeiro (Galeão — GIG), Brasília (BSB), and Belo Horizonte (Confins — CNF), all with Federal Police immigration desks.

e-Visa and Document Verification

If you hold a Brazil e-Visa, airlines verify your QR code at check-in before departure — boarding passes cannot be issued without a validated e-Visa. At the immigration counter in Brazil, the Federal Police officer will scan your e-Visa QR code and passport. Carry both a printed copy and a digital copy of your e-Visa. Travelers arriving from visa-free countries present only their valid passport. Citizens of Mercosur member states (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru) may enter using their national identity card in place of a passport.

Biometric Data Collection

Brazil collects biometric data — fingerprints and a digital photograph — from most foreign nationals at the point of entry, under Law 13.445/2017. This is a routine procedure conducted at the immigration counter and takes only a few minutes. Children under 12 are generally exempt from fingerprint collection. The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and the authorized duration of stay, normally up to 90 days.

Customs and Baggage Declaration

After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim and then to customs (Receita Federal). Brazil uses a red/green channel system. Travelers carrying goods above the duty-free allowance (USD $500 for air arrivals from most international origins) must declare them through the red channel. Undeclared dutiable goods may be seized or subject to a 50% penalty tax. Brazil prohibits entry of fresh produce, uncertified meat products, and weapons without authorization. Currency and monetary instruments equivalent to BRL 10,000 or more must be declared at customs.

Length of Stay and Overstay Rules

The immigration stamp or e-Visa approval specifies the permitted length of stay, typically 90 days. Visa-free visitors and e-Visa holders may extend their stay once, up to a maximum of 180 days in any 12-month period, by applying at a Federal Police office before the original period expires. Overstaying a Brazilian visa or entry stamp results in a daily fine and may affect future entry to Brazil. Entry and exit records are stored in Brazil's SINCRE (National Registry of Foreigners) digital system.

Tips for a Smooth Entry

• Have your e-Visa QR code (printed and digital), passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation or funds ready before approaching the immigration counter
• Travelers arriving from yellow fever risk countries must carry their International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (yellow card); see the Health Requirements section for details
• Declare all currency or monetary instruments equivalent to BRL 10,000 or more at customs
• If connecting internationally within Brazil, complete immigration formalities at your first port of entry, then proceed to domestic connections

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Brazil requires proof of yellow fever vaccination from travelers arriving from, or who have recently transited through, countries classified as having a risk of yellow fever transmission. This requirement is enforced at Brazilian ports of entry. Travelers without a valid certificate may be refused entry or vaccinated at the port of arrival before being permitted to enter. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Under current World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines revised in 2016, a single dose provides lifelong protection, and certificates no longer carry an expiry date.

Which Travelers Must Show Proof

The Brazilian Ministry of Health mandates yellow fever vaccination proof for travelers arriving directly from, or having transited through, countries where yellow fever is endemic or epidemic. These include countries across sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America, such as Angola, Benin, Bolivia (forested areas), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Peru, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Uganda, among others. Check the current authoritative list with the Brazilian Ministry of Health or your national health authority before departure, as the list is updated based on WHO outbreak notifications.

Yellow Fever Risk Areas Within Brazil

Parts of Brazil itself are classified as yellow fever risk areas. The WHO and Brazilian health authorities recommend yellow fever vaccination for all travelers visiting the Amazon region, the Pantanal wetlands, the Iguaçu Falls area, and much of the interior and northern regions, including the states of Amazonas, Pará, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás, Tocantins, and parts of Bahia and Minas Gerais. Travelers visiting only the coastal cities of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Fortaleza, Recife, or Salvador are generally outside the primary risk zones, though vaccination is recommended as a precaution for flexible itineraries.

Certificate Format

The yellow fever vaccination certificate must be in the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) format, commonly known as the yellow card. The certificate must record the vaccine brand, batch number, date of administration, and the healthcare professional's stamp or signature. Travelers who hold older certificates issued with a 10-year expiry date should obtain an updated certificate reflecting the WHO-mandated lifetime validity. Carry the original certificate throughout your trip; photocopies are generally not accepted.

Other Recommended Health Precautions

While not mandatory for entry, the following health measures are widely recommended for travelers to Brazil:

• Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations for all travelers
• Typhoid vaccination for travelers to rural or Amazon areas
• Malaria prophylaxis for travelers to forested areas of the Amazon basin, including states of Amazonas, Roraima, Rondônia, Acre, and parts of Pará and Mato Grosso
• Dengue fever prevention (insect repellent, long sleeves, mosquito nets) throughout Brazil, particularly during the rainy season from November to April
• Routine vaccinations (measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus, chickenpox, COVID-19 as current guidelines recommend) kept up to date

Consult a travel medicine clinic or your healthcare provider at least 4–6 weeks before departure to Brazil, as some vaccines require multiple doses or take time to become effective.