A step-by-step guide to applying for a Brazil tourist visa, covering eligibility, required documents, biometrics, processing times, and visa exemptions.
Verify if your nationality is visa-exempt for Brazil
Citizens of the EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea can enter Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. US citizens have required a visa since 2025 — the prior exemption ended on April 10, 2025.
Determine if you qualify for the e-Visa (VITUR) or need a consular visa
The electronic visitor visa (VITUR) is available to US, Canadian, and Australian citizens for $80.90. It is processed online in 5-10 business days and allows multiple entries for up to 5 years, with 90-day stays per visit.
Confirm your intended stay is within the allowed 90-day maximum
Tourist visas allow 90 days per entry, extendable once for an additional 90 days through Brazil's Federal Police. Extensions must be requested at least 15 days before your current stay expires and cost approximately R$200 ($40).
Locate the Brazilian consulate or embassy with jurisdiction over your area
Brazil has 10 consulates in the US (New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta, Hartford, San Francisco). Jurisdiction is based on your state of residence — applying at the wrong consulate results in rejection.
Required Documents
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date
Your passport must have at least 2 blank visa pages. Brazil does not accept emergency or temporary passports for visa applications — only regular passports are eligible.
Completed online visa application form (RER)
Fill out the application at the Brazilian e-consulate portal (https://ec.brazil.gov.br). Print the confirmation page and sign it. The system times out after 30 minutes of inactivity, so have all information ready before starting.
One recent passport photo (2x2 inches) on white background
The photo must be taken within the last 6 months. Head size should be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches from chin to crown. Glasses are not permitted. Digital submissions for e-Visa require JPEG format between 5KB and 100KB.
Proof of round-trip transportation
A confirmed flight reservation is required showing entry to and departure from Brazil. If traveling overland from a neighboring country, provide bus or other transport bookings showing your exit plan from Brazil.
Hotel reservations or invitation letter from a Brazilian host
Hotel bookings should cover all nights of your stay. If staying with a Brazilian citizen, they must provide a notarized invitation letter (Carta Convite) signed at a Brazilian notary office (cartório), plus a copy of their CPF and ID.
Proof of financial means to cover your stay
Bank statements from the last 3 months showing at least $2,000-$3,000 for a 2-week trip are typical. Brazil does not publish an official minimum amount, but consulates generally expect proof of at least $100 per day of stay.
Biometrics and Submission
Schedule a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global center
Brazil uses VFS Global for biometric collection in many countries. Appointments can be booked at vfsglobal.com/brazil. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations but wait times can exceed 2 hours during peak periods.
Provide fingerprints and a digital photograph at your appointment
All 10 fingerprints are scanned digitally — the process takes about 10 minutes. Children under 6 are exempt from biometrics. Fingerprints are valid for 10 years, so repeat applicants within that period may skip this step.
Submit all documents at the VFS center or consulate
Bring originals and one photocopy of every document. The VFS center reviews your application for completeness at submission — missing items mean another visit. Some consulates accept mailed applications; check your specific consulate's policy.
Pay the visa processing fee
The VITUR e-Visa costs $80.90 for US citizens. Consular visa fees vary by nationality but range from $40 to $160. VFS Global charges an additional service fee of $30-$42. Payments are non-refundable regardless of the visa decision.
Processing and Tracking
Track your application status online
VITUR e-Visa applications are processed in 5-10 business days. Consular applications take 10-15 business days on average, though during peak season (December-February) this can extend to 20+ days. Track status at the e-consulate portal.
Respond to any requests for additional documentation within the deadline
If the consulate requests more information, you typically have 30 days to respond. Common requests include additional financial proof, a more detailed itinerary, or clarification of travel purpose.
Download your e-Visa or collect your passport with visa sticker
Approved e-Visas are emailed as a PDF — print it and carry it with your passport. For sticker visas, pick up your passport at the VFS center or request return shipping (typically $25-$35 via tracked courier).
Before and After Arrival
Verify visa details match your passport information exactly
Check the visa type (VITUR), validity dates, number of entries, and name spelling. Any discrepancy between your visa and passport — even a middle name mismatch — can cause problems at Brazilian immigration.
Complete the health traveler declaration (DSV) if required
Brazil periodically requires health declarations during disease outbreaks. Check the ANVISA (Brazilian health authority) website at gov.br/anvisa within 1 week of travel for current requirements.
Carry proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from endemic countries
If you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America), Brazil requires an International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival.
Present visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof at immigration
Brazilian immigration officers may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and financial means. The entry stamp allows up to 90 days — the officer determines the exact number. Keep your entry stamp legible; you need it for any extension requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Brazil?
US citizens must obtain an e-Visa before traveling to Brazil. The visa-free entry agreement between Brazil and the US ended in 2025, reinstating the visa requirement. The e-Visa costs $80.90 for a multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years, with stays of up to 90 days per visit (extendable to 180 days per year). Apply through the official VITEM portal (e-visa.itamaraty.gov.br) at least 15 business days before travel. Citizens of many South American, European, and Asian countries enter visa-free.
How long does Brazil e-Visa processing take?
Standard processing takes 5-15 business days after submitting a complete application. The application requires a valid passport (6+ months validity), a digital passport photo, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means. Incomplete applications are returned and must be resubmitted, which can add weeks to the timeline. There is no expedited processing option. Apply as early as possible, keeping in mind the visa is valid for 10 years once approved.
What vaccinations do I need for Brazil?
A yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for travel to the Amazon region, central-western states (Goias, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul), and parts of Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo state. Brazil does not require a yellow fever certificate for entry from the US, but some neighboring countries require proof if you are arriving from Brazil. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before entering a risk area. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations are also recommended. Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo city, Salvador, and coastal areas are generally not yellow fever risk zones.
Is Brazil safe for tourists?
Brazil's popular tourist destinations (Copacabana, Iguazu Falls, Amazon lodges, Fernando de Noronha, Salvador's historic center) are generally safe with standard precautions. Major cities have areas with higher crime rates that tourists should avoid, particularly at night. Do not display expensive jewelry, cameras, or phones openly in urban areas. Use ride-hailing apps (99, Uber) instead of hailing taxis on the street. Keep copies of your passport and store originals in a hotel safe. Tourist police units operate in major cities and can assist in English.