What is a Brazil visa?
A Brazil visa is a travel document, issued in the form of a passport stamp, that allows foreign nationals to enter the country provided they meet all necessary requirements. Brazilian visas prove that the applicant has met all the eligibility requirements of the Consular Representations of Brazil and is eligible to travel to Brazil for a specific reason. The final entry decision lies with the Brazilian Immigration Officers of the Federal Police Department (“Polícia Federal”) at the port of entry.
Brazil offers a variety of visa types for business, study, and tourism purposes. The visa validity period and allocated duration of stay will depend on your nationality and the visa type you apply for. For example, the Brazil Visitor Visa (VIVIS) is valid for up to one (1) year but allows for stays of up to 90 days. Other visa types can be issued for longer periods of stay depending on the purpose of traveling to Brazil. For many visa types, you may be required to register with the Federal Police within a certain time period after entry into Brazil.
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Types of Brazil Visas
Brazil offers several types of visas that you can select from when completing your application:
Visitor Visa (VIVIS)
This is a Brazil visit visa that is issued for stays of up to 90 days with the possibility of an extension depending on your nationality. This short-stay visa type is not only a Brazil tourist visa. It is also issued for other business, transit, and sports/artistic purposes. Learn more about Brazil Tourist visa >>
Research, teaching, academic extension (VITEM I)
This visa type is issued to any foreign national traveling to Brazil to work contractually as a scientist, teacher, coach, or other eligible professional. Within 30 days after entering Brazil, visa holders must register at the Federal Police and submit a copy of their visa application.
Student Visa (VITEM IV)
This Brazil study visa is intended for foreign nationals coming to Brazil to engage in regular academic courses, research, or other study programs. Applicants for this visa must meet the eligibility criteria as stipulated by the embassy or consulate where they submit their visa application. Within 90 days of entering Brazil, visa holders must register at the Federal Police and submit a copy of their visa application.
Work Visa (VITEM V)
This Brazil working visa is issued to foreign nationals who have obtained a valid employment contract from a business or company in Brazil. Within 90 days of entry, holders of this Brazil business visa must register at the Federal Police and submit a copy of their visa application.
Foreign Correspondent (VITEM VI)
This visa type is issued to foreign journalists, photographers, or correspondents coming to Brazil to engage in press or media-related activities. Within 30 days after entering Brazil, visa holders must register at the Federal Police and submit a copy of their visa application.
Religious/Missionary (VITEM VII)
Foreign members of religious orders or ministers can apply for this visa provided they are traveling to Brazil to engage in relevant religious activities. Within 30 days after entering Brazil, visa holders must register at the Federal Police and submit a copy of their visa application.
Permanent Visa (VIPER)
This visa type is issued to those traveling to Brazil for family reunions. It is also issued to researchers, investors, business leaders, or others who are being transferred or are retiring in Brazil.
Apply for a Brazil Visa
Applying for a Brazil visa is straightforward and can be completed by following a few basic steps:
The Brazil visa application form can be completed online through the official immigration website. You must select the “Visa” option and click “Start New Application” to proceed.
You can upload the necessary files to meet the eligibility requirements for your specific visa type. It’s important to pay close attention to the file type and size and sign all documents as needed.
Once the application is complete, you can print the Visa Request Form Receipt (RER) which will be issued as a PDF file. This document should contain a barcode. A passport-sized photograph must be attached to the printed RER document using glue or tape and you must sign it where indicated.
Depending on the embassy or consulate where you submit the application, you can either present the application packet in person or send it by post. You must be sure to include the RER document, your original passport, and any other required documents for your visa type.
You must pay any fees associated with the visa application process depending on the Brazilian embassy or consulate where you submit your visa application.
Once a decision has been made, the embassy or consulate will notify you to come and retrieve your passport. If approved, the passport will contain the new sticker visa, and you can continue with your travel plans to Brazil!
Brazil Visa Requirements
In order for your Brazil visa application to be successful, it’s important to have all the required documents prepared and ready to submit.
The following are the basic requirements for all Brazilian visa types:
Passport
Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay in Brazil and contain at least three (3) blank pages for official use.
Personal photo
The applicant is required to submit one recent personal photo taken against a white background. The accepted size is 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
Application form
You must complete the online visa application form with all required information and print the corresponding Visa Request Form Receipt (RER). All given information must be factual and accurate.
Receipt of consular fee payment
Depending on the embassy or consulate where you submit the visa application, the payment method for the visa fees may vary. It’s important to check beforehand so you will be prepared with the appropriate payment method.
Additional documents will be required depending on your nationality and the Brazil visa type you are applying for. It’s important to review the list of requirements as provided by the embassy or consulate where you plan to submit your visa application. Some examples of additional documents may include a birth certificate, proof of subsistence while in Brazil, an employment contract, or a letter of enrollment at an academic institution.
Where to Apply
Most foreign nationals who require a Brazil visa will submit their application at the relevant Brazilian embassy or consulate. Application forms can be completed online, but the required documents and the Visa Request Form Receipt (RER) must be submitted either in person or by post depending on the requirements of the embassy or consulate.
Visa Processing Time
The processing time for your Brazil visa application will vary depending on your nationality and the visa type you apply for. It will also vary depending on the capacity of the embassy or consulate where you submit the visa application packet.
The typical estimated processing time for a Brazil visa is 2 to 15 working days. It is important to prepare your visa application in advance and to leave your travel plans flexible until you are sure your visa will be issued on time.
FAQ
The type of Brazil visa you apply for will depend on the purpose of traveling to Brazil and how long you would like to stay in the country.
In some cases, you can extend your stay in Brazil by contacting the Brazilian Federal Police once in the country. Extensions will depend on your nationality and the purpose of your stay in Brazil.
The cost of the visa will depend on the visa type you are applying for and the embassy/consulate where you submit your visa application.
No, the final entry decision will be made by the Brazilian Immigration Officers of the Federal Police Department (“Polícia Federal”) at the port of entry. However, a visa shows that you have met the eligibility criteria to enter Brazil for a specific reason and gives you a much better chance of being able to enter the country upon arrival.