Do you need a visa?

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Brazil adopts a visa granting policy based on the principle of reciprocity. This means that nationals from countries that require visas from Brazilian citizens to enter their territories will also need a visa to travel to Brazil. Under the current Brazilian immigration legislation (Law 13,445/2017), visa exemption can only be granted by the Brazilian authorities, on a reciprocal basis, through a bilateral understanding on the matter, except for the hypotheses of Decree 9,731/2019. Brazil has bilateral agreements on visa exemption with around 90 countries.

To find out if you need a visa to travel to Brazil, click here

Where to apply for a visa?

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Itamaraty is the Brazilian government agency responsible for granting visas, which occurs through the Embassies, Consulates General, Consulates and Vice-Consulates of Brazil abroad.

Brazilian visas will generally not be granted in the national territory. Therefore, it will not be possible to obtain your visa at airports, ports or any entry point on the Brazilian border. Likewise, Itamaraty and the Federal Police (the body responsible for immigration control at Brazilian borders) will not be able to authorize the entry of foreign citizens without the proper visa.

If the citizen of another country is already in the national territory and wishes to extend the period of stay or obtain a residence permit, he/she should contact the Ministry of Justice/Federal Police or the Ministry of Labor, if the authorization is, for example, for purposes of work or research.

Click here to apply for a Brazilian visa

Visit Visa

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The visiting visa (or tourist visa) will be granted to a national of another country who travels to Brazil for stays of up to ninety days, without any immigration purpose or paid activity (daily allowances, artistic paychecks, compensation, or others travel expenses are allowed). The visiting visa may be granted for those travelling for tourism, business, transit, artistic or sporting activities, study, volunteer work, or for participation in conferences, seminars, congresses or meetings, among other activities, – provided that no remuneration is received in Brazil and the stay does not exceed ninety days.

Other types of visas

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Visas are classified according to the nature of the foreigner's trip and stay in Brazil, and not according to the passport presented. Carefully read the information below to find the most suitable visa for you and request in the "Apply for a Brazilian visa" section the type of visa compatible with the purpose of your trip: (Keep in mind that foreigners without the appropriate visa will be denied entry into Brazil)

Diplomatic Visa

Granted to foreign authorities and employees who have diplomatic status and travel to Brazil on an official mission, either on temporary or permanent basis, representing foreign Governments or International Organizations recognized by Brazil.

Courtesy Visa

Granted to personalities and foreign authorities in an unofficial trip to Brazil; spouse or partner, regardless of their gender, dependents and other family members who do not benefit from Diplomatic or Official Visa for family reunion; domestic workers of foreign Mission based in Brazil or of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; foreign artists and sportsmen travelling to Brazil for free and eminently cultural events.

Temporary Visa

Granted to foreigners in the following situations:

I – Temporary Visa I: research, teaching or academic extension;

II – Temporary Visa II: health care visa;

III – Temporary Visa III: humanitarian visa;

IV – Temporary Visa IV: student visa;

V – Temporary Visa V: paid work visa;

VI – Temporary Visa VI: working-holiday visa: for those who travel primarily for purposes of tourism, with the possibility of undertaking paid employment. Visa granted on the basis of bilateral agreements. There are currently agreements with New Zealand, France and Germany;

VII – Temporary Visa VII: as a minister of a religious confession or as a member of an institute of consecrated life and of a congregation or religious order;

VIII – Temporary Visa VIII – voluntary work visa;

IX – Temporary Visa IX – investor visa;

X – Temporary Visa X – visa for activities of economic, scientific, technological or cultural relevance;

XI – Temporary Visa XI – family reunion visa;

XII – Temporary Visa XII – artistic or sports activities visa;

XIII – Temporary Visa XIII – temporary visas due to international agreements;

XIV – Temporary Visa XIV - temporary visas due to the Brazilian immigration policy;

XV – VICAM - Temporary Visa for foreign doctors (medical training).

Mercosur citizens

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Nationals of countries which joined the Agreement on Residence for Nationals of Mercosur, namely: Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, may apply at a Consular Office for a temporary residence visa (VITEM XIII). Those who already live in Brazil can go directly to the Ministry of Justice. After two years in Brazil, holders of a temporary residence visa can request residence for an indefinite period at the Federal Police.

Legal framework

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Lei nº 13.445, de 24 de maio de 2017 (Law n. 13.445/2017)

Decreto nº 9.199, de 20 de novembro de 2017 (Decree n. 9.199/2017)

Resoluções Normativas do Conselho Nacional de Imigração (Normative Resolutions from the National Council of Immigration)

Portaria MRE Nº 938 DE 21/11/2017 (Electronic Visa)

Portaria MRE Nº 1001 DE 20/12/2017 (Visit Visa – exceptional situations)