Brazil Visa FAQ’s and How to Get a Brazilian Tourist Visa in 2024

Disclosure: This  post is for general information purposes only and each traveler is encouraged to obtain information directly from his/her closest Brazil consulate for up to the minute travel information and requirements as they frequently change!  Please note we can ONLY assist clients that have booked their packages with us. (this page was last updated on September 6th, 2023)

What is a Visa? – A Visa is an official document or stamp that is placed on the travelers actual passport  given them official permission to enter the foreign country.

What are the different types of visas ?  There are generally three types of visas –  Traditional visa (where you must obtain a physical stamp on your passport PRIOR to departure via a consulate,  VOA (Visa on Arrival) where the individual obtains the visa stamp/permission on arrival at the actual overseas airport, and E-Visa (where the visa is applied for online prior to the trip and an individual receives the visa via fully electronically via email (generally in pdf format)

What countries require a Brazil visa? – As a general rule, if  a country requires Brazilians to get a visa to enter then Brazil will also require one for that country’s nationals  to enter Brazil . This is also knowns as Brazil’s “reciprocity” rule.  These rules change  due to political relations with countries, economic changes, the pandemic, and a variety of other circumstances.

Currently,  American, Canadian,  and Australian  passport holders,  DO NOT need a visa for Brazil . This was effective from June 2019 for stays up to 90 days for tourism and will end on Jan 9th, 2024.

Starting January 10, 2024, however,  American Citizens as well as Canadians and Australians  nationals will once again  REQUIRE a tourist visa for Brazil travel.(it was previously announced that the visa exemption would rescind on October 1st, 2023 but it has not been postponed until January 10th, 2024).The visa details for 2024 have not yet been finalized but it has been reported that it will be an Electronic “E-Visa” obtainable online for Brazil entry.  As of now you cannot apply for the Visa yet because the Government in Brazil is still working on the details of this process and the system should be live 30 days prior to its implementation. Please click on the link HERE for updates.

If you are a citizen of another country besides the countries referenced above,  click  HERE to see a list (from the Consulate of Brazil’s ) website indicating what countries require a visa and which are exempt. (note that this link may not be continuously updated and this last update linked was from March 2023)

Can I obtain my visa at the airport or when I get to Brazil? –  No. The  tourist visa for Brazil for American /Canadian/Australian tourists starting on January 10, 2024 & will reportedly be an E-VISA which must be obtained PRIOR to departure and will not be a VOA (Visa on Arrival).

Do I need a visa to travel to Brazil if I already have a passport? – If you require a visa for travel, YES. A visa is a stamp on one of the back pages of your actual passport from the Brazilian government permitting you to enter Brazil and has nothing to do with the passport itself.

Where/how do I  obtain my Brazil visa? –  If you do require a visa, you may obtain your visa directly at the closest consulate of Brazil to where you live OR through a designated government application portal or official third party in the case of E-Visas. Please click on the link HERE for updates. The visa processing site will be running about 30 days prior (at least) from January 10th 2024 so approximately in early December of 2023. 

How long is the visa good for? – Visas are good for anywhere between 30 days and up to 10 years, depending on your  nationality and type of visa you obtain. In the past E-Visas were good for visits up to 90 days.

How long does it take to process a visa? –  It is not yet known how long processing will take for Brazilian Visas. We recommend obtaining the visa with as much lead time as possible in case of any errors in your application in which case you would have to re-submit the application.

Can I process my visa at a local post office? – NO. The only entity that can issue a Brazilian Visa is the Brazilian government. Post offices generally are places in the USA where you may be able to obtain a USA PASSPORT but this has nothing to do with a Brazilian tourist visa. Click HERE for information on how to get a USA passport.

Do I have to turn in/send in my actual passport for a Visa? –  The Brazil 2024 tourist visa will likely be electronic in which case you would NOT need to mail in the passport.

Can I be denied a Visa? -Technically yes but it is rare. The majority of the cases for denials were incomplete applications and errors filling out the forms.

What will the cost of the Visa be? – It is not known as of September 6th, 2023. The Brazilian authorities will update this information in the coming months.

Do I need any other documentation to enter Brazil? –  A valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of entering Brazil is required.

Do I need any  OTHER (non Covid) vaccinations to enter Brazil? – At the moment you do NOT REQUIRE vaccinations to physically enter and travel to Brazil.  However, we recommend that you check with your family doctor as well as with your government (such as the CDC, etc) for RECOMMENDATIONS for vaccinations should you want to obtain them. 

If I am a dual citizen of a country that doesn’t need a visa but a US /Canadian citizen can I use my 2nd passport to avoid getting a visa? –  Generally yes! You would check into your flight with your passport from the country that does NOT require a visa for Brazil, arrive in Brazil with that passport, but return to your home country with your home country passport or resident card.

Can TGW process my visa for me? –  TGW Travel Group is NOT a visa processing company so it cannot do so.
Up to when can I travel visa free to Brazil? –  As long as you arrive before January 9th, 2024 you do NOT need a visa if you are a US/CANADIAN/AUSTRALIAN citizen.  This applies even if you stay after Jan 9th.   If you enter the country starting Jan 9th, 2024 onwards you DO need a visa prior to departure.

Do you have any tips regarding Visa processing? –  YES!

1. Process your visa promptly. If you are eligible for a Brazil E-Visa even if the website indicates a specific  turnaround time, this does NOT account for any errors.  For this reason, we recommend doing it as soon as possible. 
2. When filling out the visa application forms online, make sure to follow ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.  Visas can be denied or delayed for failure to complete the forms correctly or not having the correct size of your picture (JPEG) etc. The paperwork and forms are not difficult but you need to follow EXACT INSTRUCTIONS

If you have any further questions about visas or travel documentation & have booked your vacation with TGW Travel Group, please contact your TGW rep! 

             If you would like a customized vacation package quote for Brazil click HERE.