Types of Visas for Brazil
There are different types of visas available for foreigners who wish to visit Brazil. The most common are tourist, business, transit, volunteer work, study, and participation in events. All of these fall under the category of visitor visa, which is intended for stays of up to 90 days without immigration purposes and without engaging in paid activities in the country.
Even if the traveler is going to Brazil for professional events, conferences, artistic or sports activities, the visitor visa remains appropriate — as long as there is no receipt of salary or employment relationship in Brazil.
Do Americans Need a Visa for Brazil?
Yes. Since April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia will need a visa to enter Brazil, even for tourism or short visits.
This change was implemented by the Brazilian government based on the principle of international reciprocity. Therefore, if you are American, you need a visa to enter Brazil, even if it is just for a vacation.
Allowed Length of Stay
With the visitor visa, the traveler can stay in Brazil for up to 90 days. This period can be extended once, provided that the request is made before the initial expiration and there is a valid justification.
It is important to remember that the visitor visa does not allow for paid activities in Brazil, and disrespecting the rules may result in sanctions and difficulties in future entry requests to the country.
Necessary Documents to Apply for the Visa
Although the application process varies slightly depending on the responsible consulate, the following documents are generally required:
· Valid and signed passport, with at least two blank pages.
· Visa application form, filled out online.
· Recent photo, 5x5 cm (2x2 in), white background).
· Proof of income, such as bank statements from the last three months.
· Proof of legal residency in the USA, such as a green card or valid visa.
· Round-trip airfare or completion of a specific form.
· Proof of address (only residents of NY, NJ, and PA can apply).
· For minors, both parents' signatures are required on the form.
It is always possible for the consulate to request additional documentation, so it is ideal to have specialized assistance to ensure everything is done correctly.
Fees and Costs Involved
The amount of consular fees may vary according to the type of visa requested and the nationality of the applicant. Additionally, if you choose to use a specialized service — such as Pontal Brazil, for example — there may be an administrative fee for tracking, reviewing, and correctly sending all the documentation.
This investment is worth it to avoid delays, refusals, or rework, as well as to ensure peace of mind in the process.
Conclusion: Traveling to Brazil Requires Planning
If you are planning a trip to Brazil, it is essential to understand the updated visa requirements and prepare in advance. Brazilian legislation is clear about the need for a visa for citizens of certain countries and ensuring that all documentation is correct is crucial for the success of your trip.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Count on Pontal Brazil to handle the entire process with safety, speed, and service in Portuguese or English.
Contact us today to learn more:
Phone: (973) 344-5032
Email: contact@pontalbrazil.com