Brazil Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, you might need to get a visa, but some countries’ citizens don’t need one. This guide covers everything you need to know about Brazil visa: who needs them, how to apply, what you’ll need, and the different types available.
Who needs a visa to enter Brazil?
- People traveling with passports issued by 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan and 🇸🇬 Singapore are exempt from visa to travel as tourists for up to 30 days within a one-year period.
- People traveling with a 🇻🇪 Venezuela-issued passport are exempt from visa requirements to travel as tourists for up to 60 days within a one-year period.
- People traveling with a passport issued by one of the following countries are exempt from visa to travel as tourists for up to 90 days within a one-year period:
- People traveling with a passport issued by one of the following countries are exempt from receiving a visit visa (VIVIS) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period:
Citizens of countries not listed above must apply for Brazil visa.
Brazil visa types
Visit visa (VIVIS), also known as a tourist visa, is for short-term stays, typically up to 90 days. This category includes:
- Tourist visa: For individuals with the purpose of sightseeing, informational trips, cultural trips, educational trips, entertainment, family visits, conferences, seminars, congresses and meetings.
- Business visa: For individuals who plan to engage in business-related activities in Brazil. Whether attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or exploring investment opportunities, this visa enables travelers to conduct their business legally in the country.
- Transit visa: A transit visa is required for travelers passing through Brazil en route to their final destination in another country. Whether for a short layover or a longer transit stay, this visa ensures smooth passage through Brazilian territory.
Temporary visa (VITEM) is for longer stays exceeding 90 days. Holders of this visa must register with the local office of the Brazilian Federal Police (DPF) within 90 days of arrival. They will then receive a migration registration card (CRNM) and residency for a specified period, usually one to three years. The temporary visa types include:
- Work visa: This visa allows foreigners to legally work in Brazil for a specific period. It’s essential to have a valid job offer from a Brazilian employer before applying for this visa.
- Student visa: This visa permits international students to pursue academic or language courses in Brazil. You need to be accepted into a recognized educational institution in Brazil before applying.
- Family reunion visa: The family reunion visa in Brazil is for individuals wanting to join their family members who are Brazilian citizens or legal residents. This visa allows spouses, children, parents, or other family members to reunite with their loved ones in Brazil.
- Retirement visa: Retiree or pensioner who intends to live in Brazil and transfer a monthly income equivalent to at least $2,000.
- Digital nomad visa: Professionals whose work can be performed remotely and intend to live in Brazil and have a minimum monthly income of $1,500 or available balance of at least $18,000.
Brazil visa requirements
When applying for a visa to Brazil, you need to provide certain documents to support your application. The required documents vary depending on the type of visa and your country of application. However, they typically include:
- Your passport, which must be valid for at least six more months and have at least two blank visa pages.
- The receipt for your Brazil visa application form.
- A passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of a return flight or round-trip ticket.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as bank statements from the last three months.
- Proof of employment status:
- – For employed individuals: A letter from your employer, including details like your name, position, salary, and length of employment.
- – For self-employed individuals: A notarized affidavit or tax assessment.
- – For students: A letter from your school or university confirming your enrollment.
- Proof of accommodation in Brazil, like a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation if staying with friends or family.
Documents needed for different types of visas to Brazil vary, but generally include:
Business visa
- Invitation letter from the Brazilian company
- Letter from your employer explaining the purpose of your visit
Work visa
- Approval from the Ministry of Labour
- Certificate of good conduct from your country’s police authorities
- Work contract, company registration documents, etc.
Family reunion visa
- Proof of family relationship (birth or marriage certificate)
- Certificate of good conduct from your country’s police authorities
Student visa
- Letter of enrollment from the educational institution
- Certificate of good conduct from your country’s police authorities
- Proof of financial means to support your stay
- Receipt of payment for the Brazil visa fee
- Pre-paid return envelope
How to apply for Brazil visa?
To obtain a Brazil visa, you’ll need to gather specific documents depending on your travel purpose. Here’s a general outline of the process:
- Step#1: Locate the nearest Brazil embassy/consulate, either in your own country or a neighboring one. After that, contact them to understand their requirements and necessary documents.
- Step#2: Schedule a visa appointment, which some embassies/consulates allow you to do online. And, gather all the required documents for your Brazil visa application.
- Step#3: Fill out the online visa application form, ensuring to answer all questions and attach electronic copies of the necessary documents along with your visa photo. You’ll receive a confirmation number upon completion. Print the “Receipt” of the visa application form and affix your visa photo as instructed.
- Step#4: Attend your appointment on the scheduled date and submit your application form along with the original documents to the consular staff. Alternatively, some places may accept mailed documents.
- Step#5: Pay the visa fee, following the preferred payment method outlined by the specific embassy/consulate.
- Step#6: Await processing of your visa application. Once completed, the consular staff will inform you of the outcome, and if approved, you can return to collect your visa. If you applied by mail, your Brazil visa will be sent to you through the mail as well.
Things to keep in mind: Some Brazil embassies/consulates might let you apply through a visa or travel agency, but not all of them do. Likewise, some may accept applications by mail, while others insist on you submitting it in person.
It’s crucial to understand the requirements of the particular embassy/consulate handling your Brazil visa, as your application’s success hinges on meeting their criteria.
Processing time for Brazil visa
The processing time for a Brazil visa varies based on the particular embassy/consulate handling your application. Generally, it takes about 10 to 15 business days from when you submit your complete application. For long-term visas, it may take even longer. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.