Visa Options for U.S. Citizens: Visitor e‑Visa (up to 90 days), Consular Visas (study, work)
U.S. citizens have several visa options when traveling to Brazil. For short stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business, the Visitor e‑Visa is available and can be applied for online through the official VFS portal. For longer stays or specific purposes, such as study or work, applicants must apply for appropriate Consular Visas via Brazilian consulates.
Tourist/ Visitor Visa
Primarily for leisure and tourism, the tourist visa (VIVIS) allows stays of up to 90 days, extendable once for an additional 90 days, subject to approval.
Work Visa
Work visas (VITEM V) are issued to individuals with a job offer in Brazil. These require employer sponsorship and approval from Brazil’s Ministry of Labour.
Student Visa
The student visa (VITEM IV) is for academic studies or exchange programs. Applicants must show proof of enrollment in a recognised Brazilian institution and demonstrate financial means.
Family Reunion Visa
Issued to foreign nationals joining their immediate family in Brazil, this visa requires documentation of the familial relationship and proof that the Brazilian resident can support the applicant.
Investment Visa (VITEM IX)
The VITEM IX Investment Visa offers a route to residency in Brazil through either business or real estate investments, granting permanent residency from the start (for business) or temporary residency that can lead to permanence (for real estate)
Transit Visa
The transit visa is for travellers passing through Brazil en route to another destination, with short stays typically under 24 hours and without leaving the airport transit area.
For up-to-date policies, especially following recent reinstatements or waivers for U.S. citizens, consult Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest consulate.
Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens: Passport, Photo, Application, Fee, Proofs
As of April 10, 2025, U.S. citizens travelling to Brazil for tourism or business purposes are required to obtain a visa
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria vary by visa type but often include purpose of travel, length of stay, and documentation proving ties to the U.S. or a Brazilian sponsor. For detailed and updated information, visit the Brazil Consulate in the USA or the Embassy website.
Required Documents
Essential documents include a valid U.S. passport (valid for at least 6 months), completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, financial statements, and, where applicable, letters of invitation or employment contracts.
Certified Translation Requirements
For documents not in Portuguese, certified translations are required. Translayte offers comprehensive translation services to ensure compliance with Brazilian visa standards. Learn more here.
Brazil e‑Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
To apply for the Brazil Visitor e‑Visa, U.S. citizens must provide the following:
Valid Passport: Must be signed, valid through the end of your stay in Brazil, with at least two blank visa pages.
Passport-Style Photo: A 2" x 2" color photo with a white background, taken within the past 12 months.
Completed Application Form: Fill out the form available on the official platform.
e‑Visa Fee Payment: A non-refundable fee of USD 80.90, payable online via credit or debit card.
Proof of Travel: Provide a round-trip ticket or reservation showing arrival and departure dates from Brazil.
Proof of Financial Means: A bank statement showing transactions for the last 30 days with a balance of at least $2,000.
Travel Rules and Entry Validity (Stay up to 90 Days)
The Brazil Visitor e‑Visa permits U.S. citizens to stay in Brazil for up to 90 days per visit, with the exact duration specified on the visa issuance. Travelers must hold a passport valid throughout the entire stay in Brazil. Note that airlines often conduct additional document checks at boarding, so it’s important to verify the latest entry requirements and visa validity before your trip to avoid travel disruptions.
Special Cases: Minors, Dual U.S.–Brazil Nationals, and Name Changes
For minors applying for a Brazil visa, parental authorization is mandatory—signed by both parents or legal guardians and notarized. Additional documents such as birth certificates and parental IDs must also be submitted. Dual U.S.–Brazil citizens are generally expected to enter and exit Brazil using their Brazilian passport, as per local regulations. Applicants who have legally changed their name must provide official proof of name change (e.g., court order or marriage certificate) to ensure consistent identity verification during visa processing.
Step-by-Step Application Process for a Visa to Brazil for US Citizens
Determine the Visa Type
Research the visa that best matches your travel intent—tourism, work, study, business, or family visit. Purpose clarity aids in application accuracy and avoids delays.
Gather Required Documents
Compile all necessary documents, including your valid U.S. passport, completed visa application form, photos, proof of travel and accommodation, and any supporting documents such as letters of invitation or financial statements.
Get Documents Translated
Use professional translation services, such as Translayte, for certified translations of critical documents that are not in Portuguese. Their expertise ensures acceptance by Brazilian authorities and compliance with consular requirements.
Submit Application
Create an account on Brazil’s eVisa or consulate portal, complete the online visa application form, upload required documents, pay the visa fee and submit the e‑Visa application via the VFS Global Portal. Some visa types may require mailing physical documents or submitting them in person.
Attend Visa Appointment (if required)
If your visa type requires a consular visit, schedule an appointment at the nearest Brazilian consulate. Be prepared to discuss your travel plans and provide additional information if requested.
Receive Visa Decision
Once processed, you’ll be notified of the decision. If approved, your visa will be affixed to your passport or issued electronically, depending on the type of visa.
For the most accurate and current process, always refer to the official website of the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction.
Certified Document Translation for Brazil Visa Applications
Certified translations are often required for supporting documents in Brazil visa applications, especially for financial, legal, academic, or employment-related materials. Accepted document types include bank statements, marriage and birth certificates, diplomas, resumes, and employment letters. Services typically offer fast turnaround times, secure digital delivery, and translations that meet consular and VFS Global requirements. Ensure you choose a trusted provider. Request a free quote to order certified translations here.
How Much is a Visa to Brazil
Visa Type | Fee for U.S. Citizens ($) | Key Details |
|---|
e‑Visa (Tourist / Business / Transit) | $80.90 | Valid 10 years; multiple entries; online only |
Consular Visit Visa (VIVIS) | $185 | Apply via consulate/mailing; pre‑April 2025 |
Work / Skilled Worker Visa (VITEM V) | $290 | Requires sponsorship & consular approval |
Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) | $290 | Valid one year; renewable |
Volunteer Visa (VITEM VIII) | $250 | For unpaid volunteer work |
Investment Visa (VITEM IX) | $290 | For foreign investments above threshold |
See the Brazil visa fees page for updates
How Can Brazilian Visas Be Tracked for U.S. Citizens?
U.S. citizens who apply for a Brazilian visa online can track their application status directly through the official e‑Visa portal, where updates are posted regularly. For visas processed via Brazilian consulates or embassies, applicants should contact the respective consulate or embassy handling their application to receive status updates and estimated processing times.
Tips to Avoid Refusals: Photo Specs, Passport Pages, Documentation, Timing
To increase your chances of a smooth Brazil visa application from the U.S., keep these tips in mind:
Submit a recent 2×2 inch color photo with a white background that meets official specifications.
Provide a signed passport with at least two blank visa pages remaining.
Upload clear, legible scans of all required documents.
Demonstrate sufficient funds and present a complete travel itinerary.
Apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for processing time.
Use the official visa portal to avoid delays or scams.
Always verify the latest visa requirements before submitting your application
How Can Brazilian Visas Be Tracked for U.S. Citizens?
U.S. citizens can monitor the status of their Brazil visa applications using both online and offline methods, depending on how they applied.
Online Tracking:
Because U.S. nationals must apply for a visitor e‑Visa via the VFS Global portal, you can log in to that portal using your application reference number and last name to check your status (e.g. “received,” “under review,” “decision made,” etc.).
Note: The Brazilian Embassy or consulate generally cannot provide status updates for e‑Visa applications processed through VFS.
Offline / Consular Tracking (Non‑eVisa or special cases):
If your visa application is being handled via a Brazilian consulate or embassy (for instance, for long-term, work, student, or other non-tourist/business visas), you may contact that consular office directly by phone or email to request a status update. Be ready to provide your full name, passport number, application date, and reference number (if any).
Some consulates may also allow in‑person follow-ups. Processing and response times vary.
