Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Brazil 2024?

Brazil is one of the most popular travel destinations for US citizens due to its vivid culture, stretches of coastline, football centers, exciting football matches, and so on. The Brazilian government has adjusted its entry requirements for cross-border travelers several times in the past few years. Do US citizens need a visa for Brazil? How long can I stay? How to get a visa for Brazil? In this passage, we are going to explore Brazil entry requirements and Brazil visa application.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Brazil in 2024?

Yes. During the past few years, citizens from the United States, Canada, and Australia were allowed to enter Brazil without visas and stay for up to 90 days for the purpose of tourism, transit, or business. However, this South American country will reinstate a Brazil visa requirement. As of April 10, 2024, US citizens must obtain a visa no matter what they are traveling for and some are eligible to apply for a Brazil e-visa.

Brazil Entry Requirements for US Citizens

Besides obtaining a Brazilian visa for US citizens, US passport holders must also satisfy the following requirements.

• A US passport valid for the duration of stay with at least 2 blank pages
• Customs declaration for currency over BR10,000 at entry or exit
• Written Authorization Letter from Absent Parent(s) Plus the Minors Birth Certificate

It is required for minors with Brazilian citizenship (including those with dual citizenship of Brazil and the US) when traveling with one parent or without parents. It is suggested to prepare two original authorizations, one for entry into Brazil and another for departure. If the absent parent(s) is in Brazil, they should write the letter in Portuguese and have it notarized by a Brazilian notary. If the absent parent(s) is outside Brazil (including the US), they should go to the local Brazilian embassy or consulate to complete the authorization with a given form.

• Annotation on Brazilian Passport

It is an alternative to the authorization letter we stated before. It is placed on the minor’s Brazilian passport saying that the minor is allowed to travel with one parent, a third party, or without anyone’s company. Parents of minors with dual US-Brazil citizenship living in Brazil can obtain the annotation at the Brazilian Federal Police while those outside Brazil should contact the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.

The Federal Police might delay the trip of minors who travel alone even if they are not Brazilian minors. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a written authorization before traveling to Brazil.

Who Are Eligible to Apply for Brazil eVisa?

The Brazil eVisa is available if you:

• are an Australian, Canadian, or US citizen.
• are not going to work or study in Brazil.
• are staying for less than 90 days.
• are traveling to Brazil for tourism, business, transit, athletic activities, or artistic performances.

What Documents Do I Need for Brazil eVisa?

To ensure everything goes smoothly, you are supposed to prepare all required documents which vary according to your purpose of travel. In this section, we will introduce brazil visa requirements for tourist visas for adults and minors.

Tourism

• A completed visa application form available online.
• A valid Passport with 2 blank sheets as well as a colored and clear scanned copy of the bio page. Make sure the machine-readable zone (MRZ) is fully visible.
• Passport-style 2×2 inch photo.

Traveling on a Cruise Ship

It is the same as that for tourism, including a completed visa application form available online, a passport, and a visa photo. Don’t forget to include proof of payment. Please note that each consular post has the right to require extra supporting documents.

Minor Applicants ( Below the Age of 18)

Apart from the documents above, minor applicants must provide:

• Original birth certificate.
• Authorization for Issuance of Brazilian Visa for a Minor with signature of parent(s) listed on the birth certificate.
• Statement of Non-Citizenship with the signature of parent(s) listed on the birth certificate declaring that the applicant is a non-Brazilian citizen (without a Brazilian birth certificate). It is required for minors born to a Brazilian citizen.
• Notarized photocopy of proof of sole custody, such as a court order (if applicable).
• A death certificate in case one parent is deceased (if applicable).
• Photocopy of both parents’ government-issued photo ID, such as passports, driving licenses, Social Security cards, etc.
• Proof of name change, such as marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order (if applicable).

Business

Besides the application form, most recent passport, passport photo, and proof of payment, business travelers should also submit a signed letter with company stationery signed by a manager, director, or supervisor. The letter should include the following information.

• Nature of the company’s or organization’s business/activities in Brazil.
• Job title, job description, and salary per month of the applicant.
• Business or activities that the applicant will conduct in Brazil.
• Name(s) and address(es) of the business partner in Brazil that the applicant will work with.
• Contact(s) in Brazil: name(s), phone number(s), and corresponding position(s).
• Expected travel dates.
• Affirmation that the company will provide financial support for your stay in Brazil.
• Affirmation that you will not provide any technical assistance or do any paid work in Brazil.

Traveling as Crew (Airline/ Cruise Ship)

Crew members without a valid International Seafarer Card issued under Term 185 of the International Labor Organization (ILO) must apply for an eVisa with application form, passport, passport picture, payment receipt, and the documents below.

• A letter from your company stating that you are on duty travel.
• Crew Member ID.

How to Apply for Brazil eVisa?

After confirming your eligibility and preparing the supporting documents, you can apply for Brazil travel visa and it will be released electronically. Here is a detailed instruction.

Fill out Application Form

 The Brazil visa for US citizens application should be made on the VFS platform on the computer or mobile phone. New users must create an account with an email address and mobile number. You have to provide:

• personal information, such as name, nationality, date of birth, etc.
• passport details, such as passport number, date of issuing, and expiry date.
• travel plan, such as date of arrival, duration of stay, and so on. 

Upload your Required Documents

After submitting the form, an e-mail will be sent to you asking for supporting documents. Just follow the instructions and upload clear digital copies. Unlike physical visa stamps, an original passport is not needed. Except for the generally required documents, you can add extra proof under the “Additional Documents” section according to your travel purpose and when applying for minors.

Pay Brazilrazil e-visa

After submitting applications, you will be directed to a page where you will pay the application and service fees online. It is accepted to pay with Mastercard, Visa credit or debit cards. US citizens can get a 10-year Brazil e-visa allowing its holders to enter Brazil multiple times and stay for no more than 90 days at each entry. The application fee for an eVisa is $80.

Download the eVisa

A confirmation email will be sent to you after payment. It will indicate the status of your application. If it is approved, you can download the eVisa from the attached PDF file, print it out, and present it while boarding the airplane or passing the customs check. Sometimes, you can show a digital version for easy access. Therefore, it is also recommended to keep the e-visa on your mobile phone. 

If your application is rejected, check the reasons and apply for a consular visa. Make sure to avoid the same mistakes.

If the authority needs extra proof, please reply in time and provide what is required.

👀 View this video for more info:

How Much Does Brazil eVisa Cost?

It takes to $80.9 to apply for a 10-year e-visa, $80 for eVisa fee and $0.09 for a VFS service fee. The authority will not start processing your application until you successfully fulfill the payment.

How Long Is Brazil eVisa Processing?

The processing time varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Generally speaking, it takes up to 5 business days in average to receive the eVisa. It is suggested to spare sufficient time for Brazil visa application online.

What to Do If My eVisa Is Denied?

Being refused to obtain an electronic visa is frustrating, but it does not mean you cannot visit Brazil. In this case, you are supposed to apply for a consular visa from the local Brazilian diplomatic missions through a traditional application process.

• Determine whether you are exempt from or required to have a Brazil travel visa.
• Gather necessary documents which the generally the same as those for eVisa, such as a valid passport, recent colored photograph, and travel itinerary.
• Complete a Brazil visa application form which is available on the consulate website or consular office. Make sure the form is filled out accurately and completely.
• Submit the application in person. Some consulates require a prior appointment while some accept walk-in applications.
• Attend the appointment and pay visa fees. Sometimes you might be required to have a visa interview.
• Wait for approval of your application and collect the visa stamped on your passport.

There are 10 Brazilian Consulate Generals in the United States. Most of them are open from Monday to Friday except holidays. It is necessary to contact the nearest consulate and ask when it is available for visa services and whether a prior appointment is required.

eVisa VS Consular Visa

Both Brazil’s e-visa and consular visa act as entry permits for foreigners, but they differ under the following conditions.

Bonus Tips: Brazil Travel Tips

International travelers make a more detailed plan compared with domestic trips. To help you enjoy a happy trip in Brazil, here are some useful tips.

• Obtain a Brazil visa before booking your trip.
• Don’t book your travel unless your visa application is approved.
• Make copies of your travel documents and well preserve the original ones.
• Take care of yourself and your belongings whether going to big cities, beaches, or the favelas (slums).
• Get vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Malaria, and Yellow Fever, especially when you are going to the Amazon rainforest.
• Use sunscreen and drink lots of water especially when visiting in summer.

FAQ

👉 Do I need to eVisa if I have dual nationality?

No. Individuals with dual citizenship between the US and Brazil can enter these two countries without visas.

👉 What should I do if I didn’t receive my e-visa email?

Contact the VFS staff by sending an email to Brazilevisa@vfsglobal.com or calling +17035205824 during business hours (8:00-17:00 from Monday to Friday).

👉 What Should I do if I lose my eVisa?

You can download and print it out again from your email. If you delete or lose the email, just contact VFS to resend it.

Summary

Bazil visa for US citizens is a must since April 10, 2024, no matter what they are traveling for. Short-term visitors can apply for a Brazil e-visa on VFS website. Brazil visa requirements for short-term visitors include a completed application form, valid passport, photograph, and other possibly required documents. You need to submit the Brazil visa application online and receive an electronic form. Supposing that your eVisa application is rejected, you can adjust your application and apply for a consular visa. Make sure to apply a few weeks in advance in case of delaying your trip.