Brazilian Visa: Types and How to Apply

Do I need a visa to go to Brazil?

Whether you need a visa to enter Brazil depends on your nationality. If you're from a visa-exempt country such as European Union member states, the UK, New Zealand, South Africa, or Japan, you can travel to Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days within one year. This exception applies whether you’re visiting the country for tourism, business or academic purposes, or simply passing through on your way to another country. 

Citizens from non-exempt countries must have either a visitor visa or a temporary visa, depending on the purpose of their visit. 
 

What is the Brazilian e-visa requirement?

From April 10th, 2025, Australian, Canadian and U.S. passport holders must get an electronic visa (e-visa) via the Brazilian government website to travel to Brazil. But, if you already have a valid physical visa that suits your travel purpose (like tourism or business), you will not need to get a new e-visa. Just ensure that your current visa remains valid throughout your stay in Brazil. 

Types of Brazilian visas

When travelling to Brazil, the following are the visa categories you might consider depending on your travel needs:

1. Visitor Visa (VIVIS): This visa type is for short stays of up to 90 days and is suitable when travelling to Brazil for tourism, business meetings, family visits, conferences, seminars, etc.
    
2. Temporary Visas (VITEM): These visa types are suited for longer stays lasting more than 90 days for specific purposes, including:
   • VITEM I: For those involved in academic research or teaching that extends beyond 90 days.
   • VITEM II: For individuals seeking medical treatment in Brazil.
   • VITEM III: For people from Haiti or Ukraine seeking humanitarian or refugee status in Brazil.
   • VITEM IV: For students engaging in educational courses or academic programs that last longer than 90 days.
   • VITEM V: For professionals travelling to Brazil to provide technical assistance or transfer technology, such as installing equipment or training local staff.
   • VITEM VI: For individuals from New Zealand and France who wish to work in Brazil while on vacation.
   • VITEM VII: For those working with religious groups in Brazil.
   • VITEM VIII: For volunteers working with non-profit organisations in Brazil.
   • VITEM IX: For foreign investors engaging in substantial financial activities within Brazil.
   • VITEM X: For those participating in economic, scientific, technological, or cultural activities in Brazil.
   • VITEM XI: For close relatives, such as spouses of Brazilian citizens or residents, who wish to join their family in Brazil.
   • VITEM XII: For professionals in artistic or sporting fields under contract to perform in Brazil for longer than 90 days.
   • VITEM XIII: For eligible foreigners who can live in Brazil based on special residency or migration agreements between Brazil and their home country.
   • VITEM XIV: For retirees and digital nomads who wish to reside in Brazil and can support themselves financially.
      
3. VIDIP (Diplomatic Visa): For diplomats and government officials travelling to Brazil on official diplomatic missions or duties. 
    
4. VISOF (Official Visa): For individuals on official non-diplomatic government missions, such as representatives of international organisations.
    
5. VICOR (Courtesy Visa): For individuals who do not qualify for diplomatic or official visas but are involved in activities that contribute to or require cooperation with Brazilian authorities, or for family members of diplomats and officials.
    

Brazilian visa requirements

Getting a Brazilian visa involves several key requirements that vary slightly depending on the visa type you are applying for, but these are the general criteria:

1. A passport with at least six months validity beyond your planned exit date from Brazil and at least two blank visa pages.
    
2. A printed copy of a completed and signed online application form for the visa type you need. 
    
3. Recent 2” x 2” passport-sized photographs with a white background and a full-face view.
    
4. Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight itineraries showing entry to and departure from Brazil. For certain visas, detailed travel plans and reservations may also be required.
    
5. Proof of legal residency in your country, such as a government-issued ID.
    
6. Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Brazil, such as bank statements, pay stubs, or an employment letter. For certain types of visas, you may also need to provide an invitation letter from a host or sponsor in Brazil.
    
7. Proof of health insurance, especially for student or work visas.
    
8. Depending on the visa type, additional documents could include:
   • Business Visas: An invitation letter from the Brazilian company, outlining the purpose of your visit.
   • Student Visas (VITEM IV): Acceptance letter from a Brazilian educational institution.
   • Work Visas (VITEM V): Approval from the Brazilian Ministry of Labor, or a contract with a Brazilian company.
   • Volunteer Visas (VITEM VIII): A letter from the organisation detailing the volunteer work and duration.
      

How to apply for a Brazilian visa

Applying for a Brazilian visa is a straightforward process that involves several steps to ensure you meet all the legal requirements for entry into the country. Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Determine the Type of Visa You Need: First, identify the correct type of visa based on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, study, or work. Each visa type has different requirements and application processes.
    
2. Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the official website of the Brazilian Consulate or Embassy where you will apply. Fill out the application form online, providing your personal information, details of your trip, and your accommodation arrangements in Brazil.
    
3. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documentation, such as your passport, photographs, proof of residency, financial statements, and any additional documents that support the purpose of your visit (like business invitation letters or educational enrollment letters). These documents must be translated into Portuguese (if they are issued in other languages) by a sworn translator to ensure they are authentic for use in Brazil.
    
4. Schedule an Appointment: Some Brazilian consulates require you to schedule an appointment to submit your visa application. Check if this applies to your local consulate and book your visit.
    
5. Submit Your Application: Bring your completed application form, all the required documents, and any applicable visa fee to the consulate (see fees below). Some consulates may allow or require you to mail your application instead.
    
6. Pay the Visa Fee: The fee for a Brazilian visa can vary depending on the visa type and your nationality. Fees are usually payable at the time of application submission at the consulate, or sometimes online if the consulate permits.
    
7. Attend an Interview (if required): Depending on the visa type and the specific requirements of the consulate, you might need to attend an interview. During the interview, a consular officer will ask questions to verify the information provided in your application and to ascertain your intentions during your stay in Brazil.
    
8. Wait for Processing: After submitting your application, there will be a processing period during which the consulate will review your application and decide whether to approve or reject it. 
    
9. Collect Your Visa: If your visa is approved, you will either receive it by mail or you may need to pick it up in person at the consulate. Check the visa for any errors before you leave the consulate.
    
10. Prepare for Your Trip: Finalise your travel arrangements and keep copies of all your documents, including your visa, as you might need to present them upon arrival in Brazil.
     

Brazilian e-visa application process

Once the e-visa rule for entry into Brazil comes into effect by August 2025, eligible applicants will be able to complete the application online by following this process: 

1. Visit the official Brazilian e-visa website and complete the online form with your details and travel information.
    
2. Attach a digital copy of your passport's information page and a passport-style photograph.
    
3. Pay the application fee, review your entries for accuracy and submit the application.
    
4. Wait for your e-visa to be processed, which may take a few days. 
    
5. Once approved, you will get your visa via email. Download and print it to present upon entry into Brazil, along with other essential travel documents.
    

How much is a visa to Brazil?

• Visitor Visa (VIVIS): Typically costs between $80 and $150, depending on your nationality and any reciprocal agreements.
   
• Temporary Visas (VITEM): Fees range from $100 to $250, depending on the specific visa type (e.g., work, study) and your country of origin.
   
• Electronic Visa (e-Visa): Standard fee of $80.90.
   
• Diplomatic, Official, and Courtesy Visas: Often exempt from fees, though some administrative charges may apply based on international agreements.
   

How long does it take to get a Brazilian visa?

Brazilian visa processing times can vary widely depending on the type of visa you're applying for and your nationality. Visitor and electronic visas are often processed within five to ten days, while temporary visas might take up to four weeks. Diplomatic and official visas are generally processed in three to seven business days but may be expedited due to their official nature. 

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