An Overview of the Types of Visas for Brazil

Visa-Free Entry (until April 10, 2025): Commencing April 10th, 2025, individuals holding passports issued by Australia, Canada, and the United States will be required to obtain a visa for entry into Brazil. Those already in possession of a valid physical visa tailored to their visit's purpose need not undergo a fresh application process. 

Access to the online visa application form is provided here for individuals arriving in Brazil via air, sea, or land.

It is strongly recommended that individuals with scheduled arrivals on or after April 9th proactively apply for their eVisa to forestall potential travel disruptions stemming from delays or missed connections. A seamless journey can be ensured by securing the eVisa well in advance.

Travelling after April 10, 2025:

After the visa waiver program expires, citizens from the above-mentioned countries (and potentially others) will need to obtain a visa to enter Brazil. 

There are two main options:

• eVisa: An electronic visa (eVisa) is available for stays up to 90 days for tourism, business, artistic or sports activities, and transit through Brazil. You can apply for the eVisa online through the Brazilian government portal.
• Consulate Application: For stays longer than 90 days or for specific purposes like work or study, you will need to apply for a visa in person at a Brazilian Consulate.

Types of Visas:

There are two main types of visas for Brazil12:

• 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 types of visas are long-term visas – they allow the holder to stay in Brazil for longer than 90 days.

Brazil Visa Requirements

Here is a brief summary of the Brazil visa requirements that travellers need to know:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank visa pages (depending on visa type).
• Visa application form, passport-size photos, and proof of return flight/round-trip ticket.
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay in Brazil.
• Documents related to the purpose of travel (letter of invitation, work contract, etc.).
• Proof of vaccination against certain diseases (may be required).

Brazil Visa Validity: How Long You Can Stay in Brazil

• Tourist Visa: Valid for 90 days, with a possible extension for another 90 days, subject to specific requirements and approval by the Federal Police in Brazil.
• eVisa: Valid for 90 days for specific purposes like tourism, business, and transit (available to citizens of certain countries).
• Temporary Visas: Valid for one to three years depending on the visa type (work, study, etc.) and can be renewed before they expire.

How to Apply for a Brazil Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

To apply for a Brazil visa, you can choose to do so online or through the embassy. To apply online, visit the e-visa website, fill out the application form, upload your documents, and pay the processing fee. 

To apply through the embassy, visit the Brazilian embassy website in your country and follow the application instructions. You will need to submit a completed application form, passport, photo, and proof of travel arrangements and pay the processing fee. Processing times and requirements may vary, so it's best to check with the embassy or consulate for specific details.

Understanding the Online Brazil Visa Application Form

The online Brazil visa application form is a streamlined and convenient way for travellers to apply for a Brazil visa anywhere. The form includes questions about the traveller's personal information, passport details, and travel plans. It also requires the submission of supporting documents, such as a passport photo and proof of travel arrangements. 

Once the application is submitted, the processing time typically ranges from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of visa and the workload of the consulate or embassy. Overall, the online Brazil visa application form makes it easy for travellers to obtain the necessary visa for their trip to Brazil.

Applying for a Brazil Visa Online: The Brazil eVisa

The Brazil eVisa is an online visa that allows visitors to enter Brazil for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

• To apply for the eVisa, applicants need to complete an online application form and provide a copy of their passport, a recent passport-size photo, and proof of their travel itinerary.
• The eVisa application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online using a credit card or debit card.
• Once the application is approved, the eVisa will be sent as a PDF document to the applicant's email address.
• The eVisa validity is currently 90 days,  with multiple entries.
• Applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity and at least two blank pages.
• The eVisa application process typically takes 3-5 business days to process, but it can take longer in some cases.
• It is recommended that applicants apply for the eVisa at least one month before their planned travel date to Brazil.
• The Brazil eVisa does not guarantee entry into the country, and immigration officials at the port of entry have the final say on whether to allow a visitor into the country.

Applying for a Brazil Visa at an Embassy or Consulate

To apply for a Brazilian visa at an embassy or consulate, applicants need to visit the nearest Brazilian diplomatic mission in their country of residence.

• The visa application requirements may vary depending on the type of visa and the embassy or consulate, but generally, applicants will need to submit a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a recent passport-size photo, and proof of their travel itinerary.
• Applicants may also need to provide additional documents such as bank statements, employment letters, or travel insurance.
• The visa application fee must be paid at the embassy or consulate, and the amount may vary depending on the visa type and the applicant's nationality.
• The processing time for a Brazil visa application can vary from a few days to several weeks, so applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date.
• Once the visa is approved, the embassy or consulate will affix the visa sticker to the applicant's passport.
• It is important to note that a Brazil visa does not guarantee entry into the country, and immigration officials at the port of entry have the final say on whether to allow a visitor into the country.

Brazil Visa Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?

Brazil visa processing times depend on the type of visa and application method:

• eVisa: The eVisa application process is generally faster, with an estimated 3-5 business days processing time. However, it's important to note that this is an estimate and can vary depending on factors like workload and your nationality.

• Consulate Application: Applying through a consulate can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Processing times can vary significantly depending on the specific visa type, consulate workload, and individual circumstances (such as the completeness of your application or required additional documentation).

Urgent Brazil Visa Application: How to Expedite Your Visa

Expediting a Brazil visa application depends on whether you're applying for an eVisa or a sticker visa through a consulate:

eVisa Expedited Processing: Limited Availability: Check the Brazilian government eVisa website for your nationality and visa type to see if expedited processing is offered. There may be additional fees and requirements.

Consulate Expedited Processing: Request and Fees: Some consulates may offer expedited processing for certain visa types upon written request and additional fees. However, availability and processing times can vary significantly depending on workload and specific circumstances. Contact the consulate directly to inquire about expedited options and fees for your visa type.

Expired Brazil Visa: What to Do?

If your Brazil visa has expired and you want to travel to Brazil again, you'll need to apply for a new visa. Here's what to do:

• New Visa Application: The process is similar to your initial application. Gather the required documents (check the Brazilian consulate or embassy website for the latest list).
• Contact the Consulate: It's recommended that you contact the nearest Brazilian consulate or embassy in your country to confirm specific requirements and procedures. They can advise you of any changes or potential complications due to your previous visa expiring.
• Processing Time: Visa processing times can vary depending on factors like workload and visa type. Apply well in advance of your trip (refer to consulate guidelines).
• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Brazil.

Brazil Visa Cost: How Much You Need to Pay

The Brazilian government has created a free tool that allows individuals to quickly and easily determine the visa fee required for their specific circumstances. This fee tool takes into account factors such as the type of visa being applied for, the processing time required, and the applicant's country of origin.  

By utilising this tool, individuals can save time and avoid confusion when it comes to determining the appropriate visa fee. The fee tool is accessible through the Brazilian government's official visa website and can provide individuals with accurate and up-to-date information on visa fees.

Brazil eVisa or Sticker-Visa: Which One to Choose?

Understanding the difference between the eVisa and the sticker visa is crucial when planning your trip to Brazil. Here's a breakdown to help you choose:

Brazil eVisa:

• Convenience: Apply online from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Faster Processing: Generally faster application processing compared to the sticker visa.
• Validity: Valid for 90 days, with single entry only (not two years or multiple entries).
• Cost: Typically has a lower application fee than the sticker visa.
• Eligibility: Available for citizens of specific countries for tourism, business, and transit purposes (check the Brazilian government website for the latest list).

Sticker Visa:

• Application: Requires an in-person visit to a Brazilian Consulate.
• Processing Time: This can vary depending on the consulate's workload and visa type.
• Validity: The validity period and number of entries depend on the specific visa type (check with the consulate).
• Cost: The application fee may be higher than the eVisa.
• Necessity: Required for stays exceeding 90 days or for specific purposes like work or study. Some nationalities may not be eligible for the eVisa and must apply for a sticker visa.

Brazil Work Visa: How to Obtain It

The Brazil Work Visa allows foreign workers to work in the country legally. The process typically involves these steps:

• Job Offer & Sponsorship: Secure a job offer from a Brazilian employer willing to sponsor your visa application.
• Work Permit: The employer applies for a work permit from the Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment.
• Letter of Invitation: Once the work permit is approved, the employer will provide you with a letter of invitation to work in Brazil.
• Consulate Application: With the invitation letter, apply for a Work Visa at the nearest Brazilian Consulate. 
• Application Requirements: The consulate will provide specific application requirements but generally include a valid passport, recent passport photo, proof of employment (work permit and invitation letter), and a completed visa application form.