Green Card holders need a Brazil visa based on their passport nationality, not their US residency status. Having a Green Card does not exempt you from Brazil’s visa requirements – your passport determines whether you need a visa, qualify for visa-free entry, or can apply for the convenient eVisa online.
This guide covers exactly what Green Card holders need to know to travel to Brazil, including how to determine your requirements, what documents you need, and how to apply from within the United States.
Do Green Card Holders Need a Visa for Brazil?
It depends entirely on your passport. A US Green Card (permanent resident card) proves your legal residency in the United States, but Brazil does not recognize it as a travel document. When you arrive at Brazilian immigration, officers look at your passport, not your Green Card.
Here is how it breaks down:
- If you hold a US passport: You need a Brazil eVisa ($80.90). US citizens have required a visa since April 10, 2025. Apply online at brazil.vfsevisa.com.
- If you hold a passport from a visa-free country: You do not need a visa. Citizens of EU nations, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and 100+ other countries can enter Brazil with just their passport.
- If you hold a passport from a country that requires a visa: You need a consular visa from a Brazilian embassy or consulate. This includes citizens of India, China, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, and many others.
The critical thing to understand: your Green Card does not change any of these categories. A Green Card holder with an Indian passport needs the same visa as any Indian citizen. A Green Card holder with a German passport needs no visa at all, just like any German citizen.
How Brazil Visa Requirements Work for Green Card Holders
Brazil’s visa policy is based on reciprocity and passport nationality. The country maintains agreements with individual nations – not with residency statuses of other countries. This means:
Your passport is the only document that determines your visa category.
When you apply for a Brazil visa or enter Brazil, immigration authorities check:
- Your passport – nationality, validity, and expiration date
- Your visa (if required) – type, validity, and number of entries
- Supporting documents – return ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds
Your Green Card becomes relevant only as a supporting document during the visa application process. Brazilian consulates in the US often require a copy of your Green Card to confirm that you are a legal resident of the United States and have strong ties to your country of residence. This can actually strengthen your application by demonstrating that you are likely to return to the US after your trip.
What the Green Card Does NOT Do
- It does not make you eligible for the US citizen eVisa (unless you also hold a US passport)
- It does not grant you visa-free entry if your passport nationality requires a visa
- It does not change your processing time or fees
- It is not accepted at Brazilian immigration in place of a visa
Green Card Holders from Visa-Free Countries
If your passport is from a country that has a visa-free agreement with Brazil, you can enter without a visa regardless of your Green Card status. Citizens of over 100 countries enjoy visa-free entry to Brazil for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa-free countries include:
- European Union: All 27 member states (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.)
- Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Israel, Singapore
- Americas: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Mexico, and most Latin American nations
- Other: United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and others
If you hold a passport from any of these countries and also have a US Green Card, you can simply book your flight and enter Brazil with your passport. No visa application, no consulate visit, no eVisa.
Important: You must use the same passport for entry that you used to determine your visa-free status. If you have dual citizenship (for example, a German passport and a US passport), you can choose which one to use. Using the German passport means visa-free entry; using the US passport means you need an eVisa.
How to Apply for a Brazil Visa as a Green Card Holder
Your application path depends on your passport nationality.
Path 1: eVisa (US, Canadian, or Australian Passport Holders)
If you hold a US, Canadian, or Australian passport, you can apply for the Brazil eVisa online. This is the fastest and most convenient option.
Steps:
- Visit brazil.vfsevisa.com
- Select your nationality (United States, Canada, or Australia)
- Complete the online application form with your personal and travel information
- Upload your passport bio page scan and a passport-style photo
- Pay the $80.90 USD fee by credit or debit card
- Wait 5-10 business days for processing
- Receive your approved eVisa by email
The eVisa is valid for 10 years with multiple entries and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. For a detailed walkthrough, see our Brazil visa application guide.
Path 2: Consular Visa (All Other Nationalities)
If your passport is not from the US, Canada, or Australia, and your country is not visa-exempt, you must apply at a Brazilian consulate in the United States.
Steps:
- Identify which Brazilian consulate serves your state of residence (see consulate list below)
- Visit the consulate’s website to review specific requirements for your nationality
- Gather all required documents (see document checklist below)
- Schedule an appointment or prepare a mail-in application (varies by consulate)
- Submit your application with supporting documents and pay the fee
- Wait 5-15 business days for processing
- Collect your passport with the visa sticker
Consular visa fees vary by nationality and visa type. Contact your local consulate for current pricing. Processing times also vary – some consulates are faster than others.
Required Documents for Green Card Holders
The documents you need depend on whether you are applying for an eVisa or a consular visa.
eVisa Documents (US/Canadian/Australian Passport Holders)
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your entry date
- Digital passport bio page scan (color, clear)
- Passport-style photo (white background, 2×2 inches or 35x45mm, taken within 6 months)
- Credit or debit card for the $80.90 payment
For photo specifications and common rejection reasons, see our Brazil visa photo requirements guide.
Consular Visa Documents (All Other Nationalities)
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your entry date
- Completed visa application form (available on consulate website)
- Passport-style photos (specifications vary by consulate)
- US Green Card copy (front and back) – required as proof of US residency
- Proof of accommodation in Brazil (hotel reservation or invitation letter)
- Round-trip flight itinerary or booking confirmation
- Proof of financial means (bank statements showing sufficient funds)
- Proof of employment or income in the US
- Visa fee payment (amount varies by nationality and consulate)
Green Card holders should also be prepared to show:
- A valid US driver’s license or state ID as additional residency proof
- Evidence of ties to the US (lease agreement, utility bills, employment letter)
Brazil Visa Fees and Processing Times
| Visa Type | Fee | Processing Time | Validity | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa (US/Canada/Australia passport) | $80.90 USD | 5-10 business days | 10 years | 90 days |
| Consular Tourist Visa | Varies ($40-$180) | 5-15 business days | Varies | 90 days |
| Consular Business Visa | Varies ($80-$250) | 5-15 business days | Varies | 90 days |
| Visa-Free (exempt countries) | Free | N/A (no application) | Per passport | 90 days |
Fees for consular visas depend on your nationality due to reciprocity agreements. Citizens of countries that charge Brazilians high visa fees will pay similarly high fees for Brazil visas. Contact your nearest Brazilian consulate for exact pricing.
Note: All visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Children and infants require their own visa at the same price.
Brazilian Consulates in the United States
Green Card holders applying for a consular visa must apply at the consulate that serves their state of residence. Here are the Brazilian consulates in the US:
| Consulate | Jurisdiction (States Served) |
|---|---|
| **Washington, DC** (Embassy) | DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia |
| **New York** | New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Bermuda |
| **Miami** | Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands |
| **Los Angeles** | Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico |
| **San Francisco** | Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii |
| **Chicago** | Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Ohio |
| **Houston** | Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee |
| **Atlanta** | North Carolina, Kentucky |
Check the specific consulate’s website for appointment scheduling, current fees, and processing times. Some consulates accept mail-in applications; others require in-person visits or an authorized representative.
FAQ
Does a Green Card allow me to enter Brazil without a visa?
No. A Green Card is not a travel document for Brazil. Your visa requirements are determined by your passport nationality. If your passport country requires a visa for Brazil, you must obtain one regardless of your Green Card status.
Can I apply for the Brazil eVisa with a Green Card but no US passport?
No. The Brazil eVisa is available only to holders of US, Canadian, or Australian passports. If you have a Green Card but hold a passport from another country, you must check whether your passport nationality is visa-exempt or requires a consular visa.
Do I need to bring my Green Card when traveling to Brazil?
While Brazil does not require your Green Card for entry, you should carry it for re-entry to the United States. US Customs and Border Protection requires Green Card holders to present their permanent resident card when returning to the US.
What if my Green Card is expired or pending renewal?
An expired Green Card can complicate your Brazil visa application. Most consulates require a valid Green Card as proof of US residency. If your card is expired, bring your I-797 receipt notice (proof of pending renewal) and consult the consulate before applying.
Can I use my other passport to enter Brazil visa-free?
Yes. If you hold dual citizenship and one of your passports is from a visa-exempt country (such as an EU nation), you can use that passport to enter Brazil without a visa. Choose the passport that gives you the easiest entry.
How long does it take to get a Brazil visa as a Green Card holder?
Processing times depend on your visa type. The eVisa takes 5-10 business days. Consular visas take 5-15 business days depending on the consulate and your nationality. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your trip.
Which Brazilian consulate do I apply at?
Apply at the consulate that serves your US state of residence. For example, if you live in New York, apply at the Brazilian Consulate in New York. If you live in Texas, apply at the consulate in Houston. See the consulate table above for full jurisdiction details.
How much does a Brazil visa cost for Green Card holders?
If you hold a US, Canadian, or Australian passport, the eVisa costs $80.90 USD. For consular visas, fees vary by nationality – typically $40-$250 depending on your passport country and visa type. Contact your consulate for exact pricing.
Can I apply for a Brazil visa by mail?
Some Brazilian consulates in the US accept mail-in applications, while others require in-person visits. Check your specific consulate’s website for their application method. If mail-in is available, you will typically need to include a prepaid return envelope.
