Brazil Visa Application: How to Get a Travel Visa to Brazil from the USA

U.S. citizens planning a trip to Brazil should note that Brazilian visa requirements have changed. As of April 10, 2025, the Brazilian government reinstated the visa requirement for all U.S. travelers. This means every American visitor must obtain a valid Brazilian visa or e-Visa before arriving. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire brazil visa application process – from entry rules and visa types to the documents needed, fees, and step-by-step application instructions. By the end, you’ll understand the USA to Brazil travel rules and how to submit a successful Brazil tourist visa application brazil visa application.

Brazil Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. passport holders no longer have automatic visa-free entry to Brazil (the previous exemption ended April 9, 2025). Under current travel rules, Americans need a tourist visa (often called a Visitor Visa) even for short stays. To enter Brazil, your U.S. passport must be valid on the date of entry and have at least one blank page for the visa stamp. There are no longer COVID-related restrictions for entry, but keep in mind that Brazilian immigration may ask for proof of a return ticket or onward travel. In summary, the USA to Brazil travel rules now include: a valid passport, a pre-arranged Brazil visa (or e-Visa), and compliance with standard immigration procedures (no COVID tests or vaccines are required).

Types of Brazil Visas (Visitor Visas)

Brazil issues different visas depending on your purpose. For most American tourists, the relevant visa is the Tourist/Visitor Visa (VIVIS) for stays up to 90 days. This covers tourism, business meetings, transit, and similar non-paid activities. U.S. citizens can apply for an Electronic Visitor Visa (e-Visa) online for tourism and business travel up to 90 days. The e-Visa is the preferred option for Americans, Canadians, and Australians as it is faster and more convenient. Other visa categories (student, work, permanent residence) require separate processes through Brazilian consulates brazil visa application.

• Tourist/Visitor e-Visa (90 days) – Applies to tourism, business, family visits, attending conferences, etc. Issued for up to 90 days per entry.
• Consular Visitor Visa (mail/in-person) – Traditional tourist visa option via the Brazilian consulate, but U.S. passport holders must use the e-Visa instead for tourism. (The consulate option is mainly for those without e-visa eligibility, e.g. special cases.)

How to Apply for a Brazil e-Visa from the USA

The Brazil e-Visa application is done entirely online through the official portal. Follow these general steps for the Brazil visa process:

1. Visit the Official e-Visa Portal: Go to brazil.vfsevisa.com to start an application for the Electronic Visitor Visa. This is the Brazilian government-authorized site for e-Visa requests.
2. Create an Account & Fill the Form: Complete the online Visa Application Form. You’ll need to upload a digital copy of your passport and a recent passport-style photo (white background, 2”x2” size) brazil visa application.
3. Pay the Visa Fee: After filling in details, pay the e-Visa fee of US$80.90. Payment is done online via credit card on the portal.
4. Submit and Wait: Once submitted, the consular staff will review your application. Processing is typically quick – if all documents are in order, you should receive the e-Visa by email within a few days. (If corrections are needed, they may request additional info through the portal brazil visa application.
5. Receive and Print Your e-Visa: The approved e-Visa will arrive as a PDF. Print a copy to carry with your passport when you travel, as Brazilian authorities expect to see your visa during entry brazil visa application.

By following these steps, U.S. travelers can complete their brazil tourist visa USA application remotely. Note that as of 2025, no appointment at a consulate is needed for tourist visas; the online e-Visa is sufficient.

Required Documents for Brazil Visa (Brazil Documents Needed)

To successfully apply, you must prepare key documents upfront. Generally, the documents needed for a Brazilian tourist e-Visa are:

• Valid U.S. Passport: It must be signed, valid for at least the duration of your trip, and have two blank visa pages available. (Brazil requires 6 months validity on passports for any traveler.)
• Digital Passport-Style Photo: One color photo (2×2 inches, white background).
• Completed Visa Application Form: The online form is part of the e-Visa portal submission. For a consular visa, you would obtain Form RER via the Brazilian Consulate’s website.
• Proof of U.S. Residency: U.S. citizens generally don’t need to show this, but green card or other status proof is required if you hold another nationality.
• Travel Itinerary: Although not explicitly listed on the e-Visa site, it’s wise to have a round-trip airline ticket or travel schedule in hand. The Brazilian consulate often recommends showing your flight bookings and hotel reservations to confirm your stay.
• Financial Proof (if asked): Bank statements or credit card copies may be requested to show you can support yourself during the trip. This is more common for consular brazil visa application.

For most straightforward tourist trips, the online process (passport + photo + form + payment) suffices. However, if applying via mail or in person, additional documents like itineraries, invitation letters, or bank statements may be required.

Visa Fees and Processing Time (Visa Fees Brazil)

The fee for a Brazil tourist e-Visa is currently US$80.90 per applicant (this fee covers the government service and processing). This fee must be paid online in the U.S. before the visa is issued. Visa fees are non-refundable, so double-check your application before submission of brazil visa application.

Processing time for the e-Visa is usually quite short. Official sources indicate that if your documents meet all requirements, the e-Visa is often delivered within a few days by email. In practice, applicants report receiving their e-Visas between 1–7 business days. (For comparison, a traditional consular visa could take longer: the Brazilian Embassy in Abu Dhabi notes up to 5 business days after your interview, and earlier notices suggested up to 10 days via consular posts.) Always apply well in advance of your travel date to account for any delays of brazil visa application.

Applying In-Person or by Mail (Brazil Consulate USA)

While the online e-Visa portal is the primary route for U.S. tourists, it’s helpful to know the role of Brazilian consulates in the USA, especially for other visa types. Brazil has an embassy in Washington, D.C., and consulates in major cities (e.g. New York, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco). For most short-term visitor needs, you won’t need to contact them, since visa issuance to Americans is done via the e-Visa program.

However, if you require a different visa (work, student, family reunification, etc.), you must apply through the consulate responsible for your jurisdiction. These consulates require appointments via the e-Consular system. For example, the Miami Consulate notes that all non-tourist visas must be applied in person by appointment. The Washington DC Consulate allows visa applications by mail for its district of brazil visa application.

For USA to Brazil tourist visa purposes, you can cite the consulate only for confirming procedures. The Brazil consulate in Miami explicitly directs Americans to the online portal for visitor visas. If you’re a resident outside their jurisdiction or have special circumstances (like lost passport issues), contact the nearest Brazilian consulate for guidance.

Brazil Entry Permit and Travel Forms

Once your visa (or e-Visa) is approved, consider it your official entry permit. In Brazil’s terms, the visa stamp or e-Visa is the document that grants entry. There are no additional electronic travel authorizations (e.g. an “eTA”) required for Brazilians beyond the visa itself. Upon arrival, brazil visa application you simply present your passport with the visa to immigration officials.

Passport & Travel Documents: As noted, bring the printed e-Visa along with your passport. Also carry a copy of your travel itinerary and hotel bookings in case immigration officers ask about your plans.

Health/Entry Forms: Brazil does not require travelers to fill out health declaration forms or COVID-related forms at this time. Vaccination certificates brazil visa application (like yellow fever) are not mandatory for entry, though the Brazilian government recommends the yellow fever vaccine for those visiting certain areas. It’s prudent to check current health advisories and make sure routine immunizations are up to date.

Key Tips and Next Steps

• Start Early: Apply for your Brazil visa application at least 2–4 weeks before your trip to allow for processing and any potential issues.
• Use the Official Portal: Only apply through the official Brazil e-Visa site. Beware of third-party agencies; the official site directs you for U.S. tourist visas.
• Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages and is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
• Prepare Clear Documents: Photos and passport scans must be clear and recent. Blurry images or wrong-sized photos are common reasons for delays.
• Double-Check Requirements: Review the “Documents Needed” list above. If you’re uncertain about any item, consult the [Brazilian consulate’s visitor visa page] or official channels brazil visa application.
• Keep Records: Save all receipts and confirmation emails from the e-Visa portal. Print your e-Visa once approved.

Finally, once your visa is sorted, plan the fun part: itinerary, sights to see, and Brazilian culture. Brazil is a vast country, from the Amazon rainforest to Rio de Janeiro’s beaches. Having the visa in hand lets you focus on the adventure that awaits brazil visa application.

FAQs about Brazil Tourist Visas

• Q: Do U.S. citizens need a visa to visit Brazil for tourism?
  A: Yes. As of April 10, 2025, American passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Brazil, even for tourist or business visits.
• Q: How long can U.S. travelers stay in Brazil on a tourist visa?
  A: The standard Visitor Visa (e-Visa) allows up to 90 days per trip. You may apply for an extension in Brazil, but initial entry is limited to 90 days by brazil visa application.
• Q: How much does a Brazil tourist visa (e-Visa) cost for U.S. citizens?
  A: The current fee for the Brazilian e-Visa is US$80.90. This covers processing for up to 90-day tourist entry. (Other visa fees vary by category; tourist e-Visas are fixed at this rate.)
• Q: What documents are required for the Brazil visa application?
  A: You need a valid U.S. passport with two free pages, a recent passport photo, the completed online application form, and payment receipt. For consular submissions, you’d also provide an itinerary, proof of funds, and possibly letters of invitation.
• Q: How long does it take to get the Brazil e-Visa?
  A: The e-Visa process is generally fast brazil visa application. Most applicants receive their approved visa by email within a few days of submitting their application. Ensure all requirements are met to avoid delays brazil visa application.
• Q: Are any vaccinations or health documents required?
  A: No entry vaccination certificates are required for Brazil. The yellow fever shot is recommended (especially if visiting jungle areas), but not mandatory. Brazil currently has no COVID-related entry forms or tests required for brazil visa application.

For more details, refer to the official Brazilian consulate websites or trusted travel advisors. Bon voyage, and enjoy your trip to Brazil! If you have any questions about the Brazil visa process, leave a comment below or share this guide to help fellow travelers plan their journey. Happy travels!