Applying for a Brazil visa requires following a specific online process through the official portal at brazil.vfsevisa.com. Since April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must obtain a visa before traveling to Brazil. The eVisa costs $80.90, is valid for up to 10 years, and allows stays of 90 days per visit. This guide walks you through every step of the Brazil visa application process, from account creation to approval.
Who Should Use This Guide?
This step-by-step guide is designed for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens applying for the Brazil eVisa for tourism, business, or transit purposes. If you are applying for a work visa, student visa, or permanent residence, you need a different application process through the Brazilian consulate.
The Brazil eVisa application process is:
- 100% online – No embassy visit required
- Completed in 20-30 minutes – If you have documents ready
- Processed in up to 10 business days – Standard timeline
- Valid for 10 years – Multiple entries allowed
Before You Start: Prerequisites
Before beginning your application, ensure you have:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining from your entry date
- A digital passport-style photo (2×2 inches, plain white background)
- A credit or debit card for the $80.90 fee
- Proof of immigration status in your country of residence
- Your travel details (arrival date, accommodation address in Brazil)
Step 1: Create Your Account on the Official Portal
Visit brazil.vfsevisa.com and click “Apply Now” or “Create Account” to begin. You will need a valid email address that you check regularly, as all correspondence including your visa approval will be sent there.
Account Registration Process
- Go to brazil.vfsevisa.com
- Click “Apply Now” or “Sign Up”
- Enter your email address (use one you check frequently)
- Create a secure password (minimum 8 characters, mix of letters and numbers)
- Verify your email by clicking the confirmation link sent to your inbox
Important: Use a personal email address, not a work or shared email. You will need to access this email to receive your eVisa approval and track your application status.
Step 2: Complete the Personal Information Section
After logging in, start the application by filling out your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport. Any discrepancy between your application and passport can cause delays or denial.
Required Personal Details
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Full name | Exactly as printed on your passport (including middle name if listed) |
| Date of birth | DD/MM/YYYY format |
| Place of birth | City and country as listed on passport |
| Gender | As listed on passport |
| Nationality | Your citizenship country |
| Marital status | Current status |
| Current address | Your residential address in your home country |
Critical tip: Copy your name letter-for-letter from your passport. If your passport shows “William J. Smith,” do not enter “Bill Smith” or “William John Smith.” The name must match exactly.
Step 3: Enter Your Passport Details
Enter your passport information carefully. This section is the most common source of errors that lead to application delays.
Passport Information Required
- Passport number – The alphanumeric code on your passport’s biographical page
- Issuing country – The country that issued your passport
- Date of issue – When your passport was issued
- Expiration date – Your passport’s expiration date
- Issuing authority – Usually listed as the government agency (e.g., “United States Department of State”)
Passport Requirements Checklist
Your passport must meet ALL of these requirements:
- At least 6 months of remaining validity from your planned entry date into Brazil
- At least 2 blank visa pages (not amendment pages)
- No significant damage – No tears, water damage, or missing pages
- Machine-readable – Must have the MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) at the bottom of the biographical page
If your passport expires within 6 months of your planned travel date, renew it before applying. Your eVisa application will be denied if your passport does not meet the validity requirement.
Step 4: Provide Travel Information
In this section, you provide details about your planned trip to Brazil. While some fields are flexible, having a general itinerary helps ensure your application is processed smoothly.
Travel Details to Enter
- Intended date of arrival – Your planned entry date into Brazil
- Purpose of visit – Select from: Tourism, Business, Artistic Activities, Sports, or Transit
- Accommodation address – Hotel, Airbnb, or host’s address in Brazil
- Duration of stay – How long you plan to remain in Brazil
- Port of entry – The airport or border crossing you plan to use (e.g., Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport, Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport)
Purpose of Visit Options
| Purpose | Examples | eVisa Eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism | Sightseeing, vacation, visiting family | Yes |
| Business | Meetings, conferences, negotiations | Yes |
| Artistic | Performances, exhibitions, cultural events | Yes |
| Sports | Competitions, athletic events | Yes |
| Transit | Passing through Brazil to another country | Yes |
| Work | Employment, paid activities | No – Requires VITEM V |
| Study | Academic enrollment | No – Requires VITEM IV |
Note: If you do not yet have a confirmed accommodation, you can enter a hotel you are considering. The address is used for immigration records and does not lock you into that specific accommodation.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Upload clear, high-quality scans or photos of your required documents. Poor document quality is one of the top reasons for application delays.
Document Upload Requirements
1. Passport Biographical Page
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- Resolution: Minimum 600 x 600 pixels
- Must show: Full biographical page with photo, name, passport number, MRZ code
- Lighting: Even, no glare, no shadows
2. Passport-Style Photograph
- Size: 2 inches x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm)
- Background: Plain white or light-colored
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- No glasses with tinted lenses
- No head coverings except for religious purposes
3. Proof of Immigration Status
- US citizens: Valid US passport (already included)
- Green card holders: Copy of permanent resident card
- Canadian/Australian residents: Resident card, work permit, or study permit
Photo Tips for a Successful Application
- Use a smartphone camera with good lighting
- Stand against a plain white wall
- Ensure your face occupies 50-69% of the frame
- Avoid filters or photo editing
- Do not wear uniforms (casual or professional attire is fine)
Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee
The Brazil eVisa fee is $80.90 USD per applicant. Payment is made online through the official portal using a credit or debit card.
Payment Details
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee | $80.90 USD |
| Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, American Express (credit or debit) |
| Refundable? | No – Non-refundable even if denied |
| Per applicant | Yes – Each traveler pays separately |
Important Payment Notes
- Children and infants need their own eVisa and must pay the full $80.90 fee
- Family applications – Each family member needs a separate application and payment
- Payment failures – If your card is declined, try a different card or contact your bank to authorize the international transaction
- Keep your receipt – Save the payment confirmation for your records
Step 7: Review and Submit Your Application
Before submitting, carefully review every section of your application. Once submitted, you cannot edit your application. Errors may require you to start a new application and pay the fee again.
Pre-Submission Checklist
- Name matches passport – Letter-for-letter, including middle names and suffixes
- Passport number is correct – Double-check each character
- Dates are accurate – Issue date, expiration date, date of birth
- Photo meets specifications – 2×2 inches, white background, neutral expression
- Documents are clear – No blurry scans, all text readable
- Travel details are reasonable – Arrival date is in the future, accommodation is valid
What Happens After Submission
After you submit your application:
- Confirmation email – You will receive an email confirming your application was received
- Processing begins – Your application enters the queue for review
- Status updates – Log in to your portal account to check the status
- Approval notification – You will receive an email when your eVisa is approved
- Download eVisa – Log in to download and print your eVisa approval
Step 8: Track Your Application Status
Log in to your account on brazil.vfsevisa.com to check your application status at any time. Processing typically takes up to 10 business days but may take longer during peak travel seasons.
Application Status Meanings
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Submitted | Application received, awaiting review |
| Under Review | Application is being processed |
| Additional Information Required | You need to provide more documents |
| Approved | eVisa granted – download and print |
| Denied | Application rejected – see reason below |
If Additional Information Is Required
If the processing team requests additional documents:
- Log in to your account
- Check the specific request (document type and format needed)
- Upload the requested document within the timeframe given
- Resubmit for review
Common requests include: clearer passport scan, updated photo, or proof of immigration status.
Step 9: Download and Print Your eVisa
Once approved, download your eVisa from your portal account and print a copy to carry with your passport during travel.
After Approval
- Log in to brazil.vfsevisa.com
- Navigate to your approved application
- Click “Download eVisa” or “Print Approval”
- Save the PDF to your device
- Print at least 2 copies – One for your carry-on, one for your checked luggage
At the Airport and Immigration
- Present your printed eVisa along with your passport at check-in
- Brazilian immigration officers will verify your eVisa electronically
- Keep your eVisa accessible throughout your trip in case of random checks
- Your eVisa is linked to your passport number – you do not need to show the printout at every checkpoint, but having it available is recommended
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these common errors can save you time, money, and the frustration of a denied application.
Top 10 Application Mistakes
- Name mismatch – Using a nickname or omitting a middle name that appears on your passport
- Passport validity – Applying with less than 6 months remaining validity
- Poor photo quality – Shadows, wrong size, smiling, or wearing glasses with tinted lenses
- Blurry document scans – Low resolution or glare on the passport page
- Wrong passport number – Typo in the passport number field
- Incorrect dates – Issue date, expiration date, or date of birth errors
- Missing blank pages – Fewer than 2 blank visa pages in passport
- Payment issues – Using a card that does not allow international transactions
- Dual nationality – Brazilian dual citizens applying for eVisa instead of using Brazilian passport
- Late application – Applying less than 2 weeks before travel during peak season
Brazil eVisa Processing Time: What to Expect
Standard processing takes up to 10 business days. However, processing times vary depending on the time of year and application volume.
Processing Time by Season
| Season | Typical Processing Time | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| **Off-peak** (March-May, August-November) | 3-5 business days | Apply 2-3 weeks before travel |
| **Peak** (December-February) | 7-10 business days | Apply 4-6 weeks before travel |
| **Holiday periods** (June-July) | 7-10 business days | Apply 4-6 weeks before travel |
| **Carnival season** (February-March) | 7-14 business days | Apply 6-8 weeks before travel |
Tips for Faster Processing
- Apply early – At least 3-4 weeks before your departure date
- Submit complete documents – Incomplete applications require follow-up and delay processing
- Use a clear photo – Photo issues are the #1 cause of processing delays
- Check your email daily – Respond to any requests for additional information immediately
- Avoid peak travel dates – If possible, apply during off-peak months
What to Do If Your Application Is Denied
If your Brazil visa application is denied, you will receive a notification explaining the reason. You can reapply after addressing the issue that caused the denial.
Common Denial Reasons and Solutions
| Denial Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Invalid passport | Renew your passport, then reapply |
| Photo non-compliance | Take a new photo meeting all specifications |
| Information mismatch | Correct the discrepancy and submit a new application |
| Incomplete documents | Provide all missing documents in a new application |
| Previous overstay | Contact the Brazilian consulate for guidance |
| Criminal background | Consult with a Brazilian immigration attorney |
| Dual nationality | Use your Brazilian passport to travel instead |
Reapplication Process
- Review the denial reason carefully
- Address the specific issue
- Submit a new application with corrected information
- Pay the $80.90 fee again (previous fee is non-refundable)
- Allow standard processing time for the new application
FAQs About Brazil Visa Application
How long does the Brazil visa application take to complete?
The online application itself takes 20-30 minutes if you have all required documents ready. Processing time after submission is up to 10 business days. Total time from start to receiving your eVisa is typically 2-3 weeks.
Can I apply for a Brazil visa on behalf of someone else?
Yes, you can help someone else fill out their application, but each applicant needs their own account and must provide their own documents. The applicant’s email address should be used for the account so they receive status updates directly.
What is OTP on the Brazil visa application?
OTP stands for One-Time Password. It is a verification code sent to your email or phone during the account creation or login process. Enter the OTP within the time limit to verify your identity and continue with your application.
Do I need to print my Brazil eVisa?
While Brazilian immigration can verify your eVisa electronically using your passport number, it is strongly recommended to print at least one copy. Some airlines may request to see a printed copy before allowing you to board your flight to Brazil.
Can I apply for a Brazil visa if my passport expires in 4 months?
No. Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your planned date of entry into Brazil. If your passport expires within 6 months, you must renew it before applying for the eVisa.
How much does the Brazil visa application cost?
The Brazil eVisa costs $80.90 USD per applicant. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. There are no additional processing fees when applying through the official portal at brazil.vfsevisa.com.
Can I work in Brazil with the eVisa I get from this application?
No. The eVisa only permits tourism, business meetings, artistic activities, sports, and transit. To work in Brazil, you must apply for a VITEM V work visa through the Brazilian consulate with employer sponsorship.
What happens if I make a mistake on my application after submitting?
Once submitted, you cannot edit your application. If you discover an error after submission, you may need to contact the processing team or submit a new application with the correct information and pay the fee again.
Is the Brazil visa application available in languages other than English?
The official portal at brazil.vfsevisa.com is primarily in English. If you need assistance in another language, you may contact the Brazilian consulate in your country or use a translation tool while completing the application.
Can I expedite my Brazil visa application?
There is no official expedited processing option for the Brazil eVisa. All applications are processed in the order they are received. The best strategy is to apply early – at least 3-4 weeks before your travel date, and 6-8 weeks during peak travel seasons.
