How do I get a tourist visa for Brazil

Planning a trip to the land of Samba, the Amazon rainforest, and the breathtaking beaches of Rio de Janeiro? If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, or Australia, your travel checklist just got a critical update.

As of April 10, 2025, the visa-waiver program for these nations has been rescinded, meaning you now mandatorily require a Visitor eVisa (Electronic Visa) to enter Brazil.

While the word "visa" often conjures nightmares of embassy queues and mountains of paperwork, the Brazil eVisa is designed to be a streamlined, 100% online process. However, recent travelers have reported strict document requirements and specific photo rules that can lead to rejection if ignored.

In this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to get a tourist eVisa for Brazil, break down the new requirements, and help you avoid the common mistakes that delay vacations.

Who Needs a Tourist eVisa for Brazil in 2025?

Before you start scanning documents, let’s confirm if you actually need this visa. The new 2025 mandate specifically targets passport holders from:

• The United States
• Canada
• Australia

If you hold a passport from the UK, EU, or other South American nations, you likely still enjoy visa-free access for short stays (usually up to 90 days).

Key Benefit: The Tourism eVisa is valid for 10 years for US citizens (and often 5 years for Australians/Canadians), allowing for Multiple Entries. This means once you navigate this process, you are set for a decade of travel.

What documents are required for a Brazil visa?

Based on the latest user interface of the application, you must have digital copies of the following documents ready before you click "Brazil eVisa Application."

1. Valid Passport Bio Page

• Requirement: A clear, color scan of the biographical page of your passport (the page with your photo and name).
• Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry.
• Format: PDF, JPG, or PNG (Max 10MB).
• Tip: Ensure the "MRZ" (the two lines of code at the bottom of the page) is not cut off or blurry. This is the most common reason for initial screening failure.

2. Applicant Photo (The "Selfie" Rule)

This is where most applicants struggle. You cannot simply upload a random selfie.

• Background: Must be strictly white.
• Specs: Front-facing, no glasses, no hats, neutral expression.
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months.
• Pro Tip: If you use a phone app to take this, ensure there are no shadows behind your ears or on the wall. The AI screening is sensitive to shadows.

3. Proof of Employment

You need to prove you have ties to your home country.

• Accepted Documents: A letter from your employer stating your role and tenure, or a recent pay slip.
• For Self-Employed: A business registration document or recent tax return.

4. Bank Statement (Proof of Funds)

Brazil wants to ensure you can support yourself during your stay.

• Amount: While not officially capped, a general rule of thumb is showing access to at least $2,000 USD for a standard 2-week trip.
• Details: The statement must show your name and current balance. You can blackout account numbers for privacy, but the name must be visible.

5. Travel Document

• Requirement: Round-trip flight confirmation or a detailed itinerary.
• Note: You do not necessarily need to have the flight paid in full if you use a travel agent itinerary, but a confirmed booking is safer.

How to apply for a Brazil visa?

To apply for a Brazil visa, you generally fill out an online form.

Step 1: Select Your Visa Type

As shown in standard dropdown menus on the site, you will typically see options for:

• Transit eVisa
• Tourism eVisa - 10 Years (Select this for vacations)
• Business eVisa - 10 Years

Step 2: Upload Documents

Upload the files you prepared earlier. The system has a max file size limit (usually 10MB). If your PDF bank statement is too large, use a free online PDF compressor before uploading.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

• Cost: The standard government fee is approx $80.90 USD.
• Payment Methods: Credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or debit card.
• Note: Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is denied.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

You will receive a reference number. Keep this safe to track your application status.

Should I Use a Visa Agent or Apply Myself?

Many travelers ask: "Why is a visa agent good if I can just do it myself?" While the official VFS portal is the cheapest option ($80.90), using a reputable third-party agent can save you significant stress.

Why Agents Are Good:

• Photo Pre-Screening: The #1 reason for rejection is a bad photo (shadows, glasses, wrong size). Agents usually have software to fix or reject your photo before it goes to the government, saving you a denied application.
• Document Review: They check your bank statements and itinerary to ensure they meet specific consular standards (e.g., ensuring your name is visible on the bank PDF).
• Time Saving: The official forms can be glitchy or confusing. Agents simplify the questionnaire.

The Downside:

• Cost: You will pay a service fee (often $30-$80 extra) on top of the government fee.

Verdict: If you are tech-savvy and have perfect documents, apply yourself. If you are nervous about rejection or hate paperwork, an agent offers peace of mind.

What Additional Documents Do I Need for Minors?

Traveling with children under 18 requires extra diligence. Brazil is very strict about preventing international child abduction. You cannot simply upload the child's passport.

You must provide:

1. Birth Certificate: A clear scan of the original long-form birth certificate showing both parents' names.
2. Authorization Form: A specific "Authorization for Issuance of Brazilian Visa for a Minor" form. This must be signed by BOTH parents.
3. Parental IDs: Copies of both parents' passports or driver's licenses matching the signatures on the authorization form.

Note: If one parent has sole custody, you must upload the court order proving this.

Is yellow fever vaccine required for Brazil?

This is a common source of confusion.

• For Entry: Generally, NO. Brazil does not strictly require a Yellow Fever certificate for entry if you are coming directly from the US, Canada, or Europe.
• For Health: YES, it is highly recommended. If you plan to visit rural areas, the Amazon, or even parts of Rio state, the CDC and WHO strongly advise vaccination.
• Connecting Flights: If your flight connects through countries like Panama or Colombia, you might be asked for the certificate upon landing in Brazil or returning home.

What documents do you need to enter Brazil?

Getting the eVisa approved is only half the battle. When you land at Guarulhos (GRU) or Galeão (GIG), the Federal Police officer may ask for printed proof.

Have these in your carry-on:

1. Printed eVisa: Do not rely on your phone battery.
2. Passport: The same one used for the application.
3. Proof of Return: A printed flight confirmation showing you leave within 90 days.
4. Proof of Funds: It is rare to be asked, but having a bank statement on hand is a good safety measure.

What happens if I stay longer than 90 days in Brazil?

Overstaying your welcome in Brazil is not taken lightly.

• Fines: You will be charged a daily fine for every day you overstay your visa.
• Notice to Leave: You may be given a mandatory period (often 7 days) to leave the country.
• Future Bans: The most severe consequence is being flagged. This could prevent you from getting another visa for the US, UK, or EU in the future, as many countries ask, "Have you ever overstayed a visa?"

How do I extend my tourist visa in Brazil?

Yes, but you must do it before your current 90 days expire.

• Where: You must visit a Polícia Federal (Federal Police) station in Brazil.
• Process: Fill out a request form, pay a fee, and prove you have funds to stay longer.
• Limit: You can typically extend for another 90 days, but you cannot exceed 180 days per year in total.

How long does it take for Brazil's eVisa to be approved?

According to current processing options, you have three tiers of speed, though "Normal" is recommended to save money.

1. Normal Processing: 6-9 Working Days

• Best for: Travelers planning at least 3 weeks ahead.

1. Rush Processing: 4-7 Working Days

• Best for: Those who forgot to apply until the last minute.

1. Super Rush Processing: 3-5 Working Days

• Best for: Emergencies.

Important: These days count as "working days" (Monday-Friday), excluding Brazilian and US holidays. Always apply at least 2 months in advance to be safe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Brazil eVisa Application

Many users face "status pending" or rejection due to simple errors:

Conclusion: Don't Let Paperwork Ruin Your Trip

Getting a tourist eVisa for Brazil is a necessary hurdle for US, Canadian, and Australian travelers in 2025, but it doesn't have to be a painful one. The key is preparation.

Most rejections happen because of low-quality photos or blurry passport scans. Take the time to get your documents right, apply at least three weeks before your flight, and you will be sipping Caipirinhas on Copacabana beach in no time.