Whether you are planning to explore Rio de Janeiro’s iconic beaches, experience the Amazon rainforest, or dance at Carnival in Salvador, understanding the Brazil tourist visa process is essential before booking your trip. This guide covers every detail you need – from visa types and application steps to costs, processing times, and entry requirements at the Brazilian border.
Who Needs a Tourist Visa for Brazil?
Brazil requires tourist visas from citizens of many countries, though the rules vary significantly depending on your nationality. Since April 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must obtain an electronic visa (eVisa) before traveling to Brazil. Citizens of the European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, and many other nations can enter Brazil visa-free for stays of up to 90 days.
Countries That Require a Visa
If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you need a tourist visa before arriving in Brazil:
- United States – eVisa required since April 10, 2025
- Canada – eVisa required since April 10, 2025
- Australia – eVisa required since April 10, 2025
- India – Traditional visa required (apply at consulate)
- China – Traditional visa required (apply at consulate)
- Russia – Traditional visa required (apply at consulate)
- Nigeria – Traditional visa required (apply at consulate)
- South Africa – Traditional visa required (apply at consulate)
Countries With Visa-Free Entry
Many nationalities do not need a tourist visa for short stays in Brazil:
- European Union member states – Up to 90 days
- United Kingdom – Up to 90 days
- Japan – Up to 90 days
- South Korea – Up to 90 days
- Argentina – Up to 90 days
- Mexico – Up to 90 days
- New Zealand – Up to 90 days
Visa-free travelers still need a valid passport and may be asked to show proof of funds and a return ticket at immigration.
The Brazil eVisa: Electronic Tourist Visa
The Brazil eVisa is an electronic travel authorization available to citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia. It replaced the traditional sticker visa that previously required an in-person visit to a Brazilian consulate.
Key Features of the eVisa
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $80.90 USD per person |
| Processing time | Up to 10 business days |
| Validity | 10 years |
| Entry type | Multiple entries |
| Maximum stay | 90 days per entry |
| Application method | Online only |
| Official portal | brazil.vfsevisa.com |
The eVisa allows you to enter Brazil multiple times over its 10-year validity period. Each individual stay cannot exceed 90 days within a 12-month period.
How to Apply for a Brazil eVisa
The application process is straightforward and entirely online. You do not need to visit a consulate or embassy.
Step 1: Access the Official Portal
Go to brazil.vfsevisa.com and select your nationality from the dropdown menu. Click “Apply Now” to begin the application form.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill in the required personal information:
- Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Passport number and expiration date
- Email address
- Phone number
- Travel dates
- Accommodation details in Brazil
- Purpose of visit (select “Tourism”)
Double-check every field before proceeding. Errors in your application can cause delays or denial.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
You must upload two documents:
- Passport bio page scan – A clear, color scan or photograph of the page containing your photo, name, and passport number
- Passport-style photo – A recent photograph meeting these specifications:
- White background
- Full face visible
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Minimum resolution of 600×600 pixels
- JPEG or PNG format
- No glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $80.90 USD fee using a credit or debit card. The portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
After payment, you receive a confirmation email. Processing takes up to 10 business days. Most applicants receive approval within 5-7 business days. During peak travel seasons (December-February, June-July), processing may take the full 10 business days.
Once approved, you receive your eVisa via email. Print a copy and keep a digital version on your phone for presentation at the airport and immigration.
Brazil Tourist Visa Requirements
Regardless of whether you apply for an eVisa or a traditional visa, certain requirements apply to all tourists entering Brazil.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet these criteria:
- Validity: At least 6 months remaining from your planned entry date into Brazil
- Condition: Undamaged with a clear, readable bio page
- Blank pages: At least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps
- Machine-readable: Your passport must be a machine-readable travel document
If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel date, renew it before applying. A passport that does not meet the validity requirement will result in visa denial or refusal of entry at the border.
Proof of Financial Means
Brazil may require proof of sufficient funds at immigration. This is known as the $2000 rule. While enforcement varies, border officials can ask you to demonstrate you have approximately $2000 USD (or equivalent) available for your stay.
You can show proof of funds through:
- Recent bank statements
- Credit cards with available balance
- Cash (USD, EUR, or Brazilian reais)
- Traveler’s checks
Return or Onward Ticket
Immigration officials may ask for proof that you plan to leave Brazil before your visa or allowed stay expires. Carry a printed copy of your return flight booking or onward travel confirmation.
Accommodation Proof
Have your hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or host’s address ready to present if asked at immigration.
Health Requirements
Brazil does not currently require specific vaccinations for entry from most countries. However, yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you plan to visit:
- The Amazon basin
- Pantanal wetlands
- Rural areas of Minas Gerais, Goias, or Maranhao
Some neighboring countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from Brazil, so consider this if your trip includes multi-country travel.
Types of Brazil Tourist Visas
Brazil issues several visa categories. For tourists, the most relevant options are:
VIVIS – Visitor Visa (Short-Term)
The VIVIS is the standard visa for short visits to Brazil. The eVisa is a subcategory of VIVIS that allows online application. VIVIS covers:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting family and friends
- Business meetings (without local employment)
- Transit through Brazil
- Cultural and sporting events
- Medical treatment (short-term)
- Journalistic coverage
Duration: Up to 90 days per entry
Entries: Multiple entries allowed
Extension: Possible for an additional 90 days (apply at Federal Police before expiry)
VITEM V – Work/Employment Visa
If your trip involves any form of paid work, consulting, or long-term business activity in Brazil, you need a VITEM V visa rather than a tourist visa. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future entry bans.
Transit Visa
If you are connecting through a Brazilian airport to a third country and need to leave the international transit area, you may need a transit visa. Citizens of most visa-exempt countries do not need a transit visa. Citizens of countries that require a tourist visa generally also require a transit visa.
Brazil Visa Cost and Fees
The cost of a Brazil tourist visa depends on your nationality and the type of visa you apply for.
| Nationality | Visa Type | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | eVisa | $80.90 USD | Up to 10 business days |
| Canada | eVisa | $80.90 USD | Up to 10 business days |
| Australia | eVisa | $80.90 USD | Up to 10 business days |
| India | Traditional visa | ~$100-$160 USD | 5-15 business days |
| China | Traditional visa | ~$100-$160 USD | 5-15 business days |
The eVisa fee of $80.90 USD applies to all ages, including children and infants. Every traveler needs their own individual eVisa.
Additional costs to budget for:
- Passport photos: $5-15 if you need new photos taken
- Document scanning: Free if you have a smartphone; $1-5 at print shops
- Passport renewal: $130-200 if your passport needs renewal (US citizens)
How Long Does a Brazil Tourist Visa Take?
Processing times vary by visa type and nationality:
- eVisa (US, Canada, Australia): 5-10 business days after payment confirmation
- Traditional visa (India, China, etc.): 5-15 business days after document submission
- Visa-free entry: No processing time (just passport control on arrival)
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure
- Ensure your passport photo meets all specifications (photo rejections are the most common delay)
- Double-check all personal information matches your passport exactly
- Apply outside peak seasons if possible (December-February and June-July see highest volumes)
- Keep checking your email (including spam folder) for status updates
Extending Your Tourist Visa in Brazil
If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you can apply for a visa extension at a Brazilian Federal Police (Policial Federal) office. Here is what you need to know:
- You must apply before your current visa expires
- Extensions can grant up to 90 additional days
- The maximum total stay is 180 days within a 12-month period
- You need your passport, a completed form, proof of financial means, and a passport photo
- The extension fee is approximately R$110 (Brazilian reais)
Not all extensions are approved. If your extension is denied, you must leave Brazil before your original visa expires to avoid penalties.
Consequences of Overstaying
Overstaying your Brazil tourist visa has serious consequences:
- Fines: Daily overstay fines accumulate and must be paid before departure
- Deportation: You may be deported and banned from re-entering Brazil
- Future visa denials: An overstay record makes future visa applications much harder
- Detention: In extreme cases, you may be detained by Federal Police
If you realize you have overstayed, contact the nearest Federal Police office immediately to regularize your status.
What to Expect at Brazilian Immigration
When you arrive in Brazil, you will go through immigration control. Here is what to expect:
- Queue: Join the line for foreign passport holders (“Estrangeiros”)
- Documents: Present your passport and eVisa (printed or digital)
- Questions: The officer may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and length of stay
- Stamp: Your passport receives an entry stamp with the date and allowed stay duration
- Customs: After collecting luggage, proceed through customs (green channel for nothing to declare)
Tips for Smooth Entry
- Have your eVisa printed and accessible
- Know the name and address of your first accommodation
- Be ready to show your return ticket if asked
- Answer questions honestly and calmly
- Keep your passport with you at all times while in Brazil
Brazil Tourist Visa for Families and Children
Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own visa to enter Brazil.
- Infants and children require their own eVisa at the same $80.90 fee
- Children’s passports must also meet the 6-month validity requirement
- Unaccompanied minors traveling to Brazil may need additional documentation, including notarized consent from both parents
- Single parents traveling with children should carry a notarized letter of consent from the other parent
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Brazil on a tourist visa?
The maximum stay is 90 days per entry. With an extension, you can stay up to 180 days within a 12-month period. The eVisa itself is valid for 10 years with multiple entries allowed.
Do I need a return ticket to enter Brazil?
While not always checked, immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel. It is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket before arriving in Brazil.
Can I work in Brazil on a tourist visa?
No. Working in Brazil on a tourist visa is illegal. If you plan to work, consult, or engage in any paid activity, you need a VITEM V (work) visa. Violations can result in deportation and future entry bans.
What if my passport expires while I am in Brazil?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry. If your passport expires during your stay, contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Brazil immediately to arrange a renewal or emergency travel document.
Is travel insurance required for Brazil?
Travel insurance is not legally required for entry to Brazil, but it is strongly recommended. Medical care in Brazil varies in quality and cost. A good travel insurance policy covers medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
Can I enter Brazil multiple times on one eVisa?
Yes. The Brazil eVisa allows multiple entries over its 10-year validity period. You can enter and leave Brazil as many times as you wish, as long as each stay does not exceed 90 days.
What happens if my eVisa application is denied?
If denied, review the reason in the email notification. Correct the issue and reapply at brazil.vfsevisa.com. You must pay the $80.90 fee again as it is non-refundable. There is no formal appeal process for eVisa denials. For complex cases, contact the nearest Brazilian consulate for a traditional visa application.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Brazil?
No specific vaccinations are required for entry from most countries. However, yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended if you plan to visit the Amazon, Pantanal, or rural areas. Some neighboring countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from Brazil.
Last updated: July 2025. Visa policies may change without notice. Always verify current requirements at the official Brazilian government portal and your country’s foreign affairs department before traveling.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific immigration questions, consult a qualified immigration attorney or the nearest Brazilian consulate.
