Is a visa required for visiting Brazil?

Brazil is an expansive nation filled with a wealth of varied travel experiences. Captivating rainforests, vast wetlands, lively cities, and stunning beaches create remarkable highlights for your journey.

Before embarking on your trip, ensure your visa documents are in order. Here’s what you should understand about Brazil's visa regulations.

Do I need to obtain a visa prior to traveling to Brazil?

Brazil offers various visas depending on your travel intent and country of origin. The visa policy is largely reciprocal: if Brazilian nationals can visit your country without a visa, then citizens from that country can enter Brazil visa-free for any reason. The exceptions include the United States, Australia, Canada, and Japan—nationals from these countries can now travel to Brazil for tourism without a visa, following a policy update in July 2019.

However, citizens from many other nations can also enter Brazil without a visa; visit this Brazilian consulate general website for a detailed list. Visa-exempt visitors can stay in Brazil for up to 90 days per entry, with a maximum of 180 days within a 12-month period. Travelers must possess a valid passport with at least two blank pages.

Categories of tourist visas for Brazil

For nationals from countries that require a visa to enter Brazil, the main tourist visa is the VIVIS, which accommodates both tourism and business travel. Business travelers must provide additional documentation, including a letter from their employer on official company letterhead that specifies the applicant’s position, the purpose and duration of the trip, and other relevant employment information. Consult your local consulate’s website for a complete list of business letter requirements.

Visa fees differ based on the traveler's country of origin. For Angolan citizens, the fee is US$180, $85 for Algerians, and $115 for Chinese nationals. Travelers from other countries pay $80. Visa applications must be submitted through Brazil’s E-consular platform. It’s advisable to apply well ahead of your travel date to account for potential system delays.

Work visas are referred to as VITEM VI visas, permitting holders to work and study in Brazil for up to 90 days within a 12-month timeframe. The following nations are exempt from needing a VITEM visa: Austria, Chile, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Paraguay, the Philippines, Poland, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.

Is it possible to extend my visa for Brazil?

Visa extensions are not available for all countries—consult your local Brazilian consulate for specifics. If eligible, the extension will be granted by the Federal Police Department in Brazil. Keep in mind that your total stay cannot exceed 180 days within 12 months.

Am I required to have a yellow fever vaccination to enter Brazil?

While Brazil does not mandate a yellow fever vaccination for entry, it is advisable to get vaccinated if you plan to visit the following states: Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Distrito Federal, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Rondonia, Roraima, and Tocantins.