Brazil Visa Guide
As is the general rule for most nations, foreigners need a visa to enter Brazil, except if they come from a visa-exempt country. Learn below how to apply for a Brazilian visa in 2025, what paperwork to submit, where to take a compliant visa photo, and what rules to follow.
Table of contents
- Brazil visa policy
- How to apply for a Brazilian visa online?
- How to apply for a Brazil visa at the consulate?
- Documents required for Brazil visa application
- Brazil visa photo requirements
- Get a Brazil visa photo online!
- Brazil visa fee
- Brazil visa validity
- Is it possible to extend a visa to Brazil?
Brazil visa policy
Citizens of many countries worldwide, including Central and North America, practically all European and some Asian countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand, are eligible for visa exemption.
Besides the visa exemption policy, most countries in South America can enter using their National ID, except for Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana.
However, starting April 2025, Brazil has reinstated visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia. Travelers from these countries must now obtain an e-Visa, which can be applied for entirely online through the official Brazilian e-Visa portal.
Anyway, visa-free entry to Brazil doesn’t provide a right to employment. To work in Brazil, you must obtain a separate permit.
List of Brazil visa-exempt countries
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Note: Visa exemption applies only for tourism or business trips up to 90 days. Visa-free entry does not allow work, long-term stay, or study. Always double-check with your nearest Brazilian consulate or visit https://www.gov.br for the most accurate and updated rules.
How to apply for a Brazilian visa online?
Only citizens of Australia, Canada, and the United States can apply for a Brazilian e-visa online. The e-visa is available not just for tourism or visiting family and friends but also for unpaid participants in athletic or artistic events/competitions or scientific/academic seminars/conferences sponsored by academic or research institutions.
As of April 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia are required to obtain a visa to enter Brazil. Fortunately, they can now apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) entirely online. Japanese citizens previously eligible are now covered under a separate bilateral agreement and may not require the e-Visa for short visits.
To apply for a Brazil e-Visa, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Brazil e-Visa platform: brazil.vfsevisa.com
- Create an account and complete the application form with accurate personal and travel details;
- Upload the required documents, including a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport;
- Pay the visa application fee (USD $80.90);
- Wait for your e-Visa to be processed and delivered to your email (typically within 5 business days).
How to apply for a Brazil visa at the consulate?
If you're not eligible for the Brazil e-Visa or are applying for a visa category not available online (such as work or study), you must apply through a Brazilian consulate. Here's how the process works:
- Collect all necessary documentation
- Fill in the online visa application form at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official platform OR specific consulate's official website. The form must include your data and travel details
- Upload the required documents to the form
- Print and sign the Visa Request Form Receipt – RER. Sign the form and affix a recent passport-sized photo.
- Register and book your visa appointment on your local consulate’s E-Consular platform. For example, the Miami consulate uses https://ec-miami.itamaraty.gov.br. Be sure to apply at the consulate assigned to your jurisdiction.
- Bring all required documents to the consulate on your scheduled date. Be prepared to answer questions or provide additional documentation if requested.
- Processing typically takes 10–30 business days. Track your application status through the E-Consular portal or by contacting the consulate.
Documents required for Brazil visa application
The documentation list needed varies for each visa type. Here is the list of visitor visas as a baseline:
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and six months validity;
- Application form;
- Application photos fulfilling requirements;
- Copy of return ticket;
- Proof of financial ability to support yourself in Brazil;
- Proof of immigration status, if applicable.
Brazil visa photo requirements
The photo you use must fulfill the following:
- The photo size must be 35 by 45 millimeters;
- The image must be in color;
- The background must be plain white with no external objects or shadows;
- The picture must have adequate brightness and contrast and show natural skin tone;
- It should show a close-up of the head and (partial) shoulders;
- Your head must be looking straight forward, centered with neutral expression and in sharp focus, and clear with no ink marks/creases/lines;
- The face (from forehead edge to bottom of chin) should be 70 to 80% of the photo;
- The eyes must be open and no hair obscuring the face;
- Prescription glasses are allowed but have to be clear and thin framed and should not have flash reflection or obscure the eyes;
- Head coverings, hair, head-dress or facial ornaments should not obscure the face;
- The photo must have plain light background with no other people or objects in the photo;
- The lighting must be uniform with no shadows on the face or behind;
- Photos should not have red eyes.
Here's an example of the photo:
Get a Brazil Visa Photo Online!
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Whether you apply online or in an office, Visafoto can help you. Our service also offers a template ready for printing for your photos.
Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.
Source
Result
First, take an original photo like this:
You will get a digital photo like this one:
Brazil visa costs
The price depends on the passport you hold. The Brazilian visa fee is $80 in your local currency for most countries, and different fees apply for the following countries:
- United States, Canada, Australia (e-Visa): $80.90
- Algeria: $85,00
- China: $115,00
- Angola: $180,00
- All other countries: 180,00
The validity of a Brazilian visa depends on your nationality and the type of visa issued. Below is an overview of the current validity periods for Visitor Visas (VIVIS):
| Nationality | Visa Type | Validity Period | Maximum Stay per Visit | Annual Stay Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | e-Visa | 10 years | 90 days | 180 days |
| Canada | e-Visa | 5 years | 90 days | 180 days |
| Australia | e-Visa | 5 years | 90 days | 180 days |
| Other Nationalities | Consular Visa | Varies (typically 1 year) | 90 days | 180 days |
Important Notes:
- The e-Visa is available exclusively for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia.
- Each stay in Brazil is limited to a maximum of 90 days.
- The total duration of stays in Brazil cannot exceed 180 days within a 12-month period.
- Extensions for an additional 90 days may be requested through the Federal Police in Brazil, subject to approval.
- Visa validity begins on the date of issuance, not on the date of entry into Brazil.
Is it possible to extend a visa in Brazil?
Yes, it is possible to extend your Brazilian visa, but the extension must be requested before the visa expires. Visa extensions are managed by the Brazilian Federal Police (Polícia Federal) and approval is not guaranteed.
When to apply
Submit your extension request no earlier than 30 days and no later than 14 days before your current visa expires. Late applications may be denied.
Where to apply
Apply at the nearest Federal Police office authorized to process immigration services. Not all branches offer this service, so check in advance.
Required documents
- Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
- Completed visa extension application form (Prorrogação de Estada)
- Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements)
- Proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket)
- Proof of accommodation in Brazil
- Payment receipt for the visa extension fee
Fees and process
The current visa extension fee is approximately R$110.44. You must:
- Fill out and print the online extension application form
- Pay the fee online or at an authorized Brazilian bank
- Schedule an appointment (if required)
- Submit your documents in person at the Federal Police office
⏱Processing time
Processing duration can vary by location, so apply early to avoid overstaying. Decisions are made at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Last Update: April 2025
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