Overview of the New Visa Requirement
Starting April 10, 2025, U.S. citizens will require a visa to visit Brazil for tourism or other short-term purposes. This reinstates the visitor visa (VIVIS) requirement, which had previously been waived for U.S. travelers. U.S. passport holders can no longer enter Brazil visa-free after April 9, 2025. From that date onward, Americans must obtain a tourist visa in advance of travel, either through Brazil’s new electronic visa system or by applying at a Brazilian consulate.
Stay duration: A Brazilian tourist visa typically allows an initial stay of up to 90 days, with the possibility of a one-time extension for another 90 days (not to exceed 180 days total in a 12-month period).
Passport validity: Ensure your U.S. passport is valid for the entire trip (at least through your planned departure from Brazil) and has at least one or two blank pages for entry/exit stamps. (Brazil officially requires validity on entry and one blank page, but having six months’ validity and two blank pages is recommended.)
The electronic visa process is streamlined – no need to mail in your passport or show flight/hotel bookings or bank statements for tourist e-visas . If you choose to apply in person at a consulate instead of online, additional documents like proof of travel itinerary, proof of funds, and a letter explaining your trip would be required.
Step-by-Step Application Process (Brazil e-Visa)
Brazil has introduced an electronic visa (e-visa) system for U.S. citizens, which is 100% online and the official recommended method for tourist visas . Follow these steps through official channels:
Access the Official e-Visa Portal: Go to the Brazilian government’s authorized e-visa website: brazil.vfsevisa.com . This portal is operated by VFS Global on behalf of the Brazilian government. All e-visa applications must be submitted through this official site .
Create an Account and Start Application: On the e-visa portal, create a user account if required and begin a new “Tourist Visa (VIVIS)” application. Fill out the online visa application form with your personal information (name, passport details, contact info) and trip details (purpose of visit, intended entry and exit dates, etc.). Be sure to enter all information accurately as it appears in your passport.
Upload Required Documents: During the application, you will need to upload digital copies of your documents:
Passport Scan: Upload a clear scan of the biographical page of your passport (showing your photo, name, passport number, etc.). The passport must meet the validity requirements (valid for your trip, with blank pages).
Passport Photo: Upload a recent passport-style photograph (per the specifications: 2”x2”, color, white background) . Many applicants use a digital photo or scan of a paper photo; ensure it meets quality and size guidelines indicated on the portal.
Review and Complete the Form: Double-check all your entries for accuracy. The form will usually have you confirm your travel purpose is tourism (or business if applicable for an e-visa) and that you agree to terms. Once everything is filled out and your documents are uploaded, submit the application online.
Pay the Visa Fee: Proceed to pay the required tourist visa fee through the portal’s secure payment system. The official e-visa fee for U.S. citizens is USD $80.90 (as of the current rate). Payment is typically made by credit or debit card. You should receive a payment confirmation. (Note: This $80.90 fee is the total cost for the e-visa; it is lower than the $185 fee charged for a traditional visa obtained in person at a consulate.)
Confirmation and Tracking: After submission and payment, you will get an application confirmation number or receipt. Save this information. You may receive email updates, and you can log back into the e-visa portal to check your application status. Brazilian consular officials will review your application electronically.
Receive Your e-Visa by Email: Once approved, your Brazilian tourist e-visa will be issued electronically. You will receive the e-visa via email as a PDF certificate or document (no physical sticker in your passport). This document contains your visa details and authorization. Print out a copy of the e-visa approval email/PDF, and/or save it to a mobile device. You will need to present the e-visa document along with your passport when boarding flights and upon arrival in Brazil so that immigration can verify your visa.
Travel to Brazil: With the valid e-visa in hand (and your passport), you are authorized to travel to Brazil. Upon entry, show the immigration officer your passport and inform them you have an e-visa. They may scan your passport to confirm the visa electronically or ask to see the printout. Keep the e-visa documentation with you for the duration of your trip.
Note: The e-visa is typically linked to your passport number, so if you renew or change your passport after getting the visa, the visa would no longer be valid. Always use the same passport to travel that you used in the application. If you applied well in advance, ensure your passport hasn’t expired. Also, the visa alone does not guarantee entry; you must still meet Brazilian entry requirements at the port of entry (e.g. answering the officer’s questions about your trip, having no disqualifying issues). This is standard for all visas.
Fees and Payment
Visa Fee Amount: The cost for a Brazilian tourist e-visa for U.S. citizens is USD $80.90 (set by the Brazilian authorities) . This fee is paid online at the time of application. It covers the consular processing and service fees. There are no “rush” processing fees or extras – Brazil does not offer expedited processing for additional cost, so beware of any service that claims otherwise.
Payment Method: Payment is made electronically through the official e-visa portal. You can use a credit or debit card to pay the $80.90 fee. The portal will guide you through the payment after you complete the form. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is denied, so ensure you meet requirements before applying.
Official vs. Third-Party Services: Only use the official portal or Brazilian consulate for payment. Do not transfer money to any unofficial accounts or agents. The Brazilian consulates note that they do not endorse any visa agency, and you should be cautious of scams . If applying in person at a consulate (instead of e-visa), the fee is usually paid via a money order in person, and for U.S. passport holders that fee is higher ($160–$180 range, specifically $185 as of the latest schedule). However, if you use the e-visa online system, just pay the $80.90 online – no need to obtain money orders or visit a bank.
Processing Time
Apply well in advance of your trip, as processing times can vary:
Typical Processing Speed: The Brazilian e-visa system is designed to be fast. In many cases, applications are processed in just a few business days . Travelers have reported that e-visas often come through in about 5 business days (one week) under normal conditions. This means you might receive your visa via email within a week of applying, if all documents are in order and volumes are low.
Possible Delays: Official guidance from Brazilian consulates advises that processing can take longer during peak travel seasons. It may take up to 10–15 business days for the application to be reviewed, plus ~5 days to issue the visa, especially if there is high volume . In total, that could be about 3 to 4 weeks in a worst-case scenario. While such long waits are not the norm for e-visas, you should not wait until the last minute. It’s best to apply at least a few weeks before your departure date.
Status Updates: You can check your application status on the e-visa portal. If your application seems delayed beyond 2 weeks, you may contact the Brazil e-visa support (VFS Global) via their contact page or email (for example, the Consulate General provides an email: brazilevisa@vfsglobal.com for inquiries) . Brazilian consulates cannot expedite e-visas, but they can handle emergencies (such as last-minute travel for urgent reasons) on a case-by-case basis if you contact them directly.
Travel Planning: Do not finalize non-refundable travel plans until you have the visa. Airlines will require proof of a visa at check-in for flights after April 10, 2025. If you apply early and receive the visa, note its validity period. Tourist visas are often valid for multiple years (the exact validity will be indicated on your e-visa, possibly several years or up to your passport’s expiry) – you do not have to enter exactly on April 10, 2025; you can apply months ahead and use the visa for a trip later as long as it’s within the visa’s validity.
Additional Requirements and Tips
Minors (Under 18): If a traveler is under 18 years old, additional documents are required during the visa application. Along with the standard application, you must provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate and a completed authorization form signed by both parents (a consent form for issuing a Brazilian visa to a minor). If the child has a Brazilian parent, a declaration may be needed stating the child is not a Brazilian citizen (i.e., doesn’t have a Brazilian birth certificate). In cases of sole custody or a deceased parent, legal proof (court order or death certificate) is required. These documents can be scanned and uploaded in the e-visa system. Make sure to follow any instructions from the consulate or e-visa site regarding minors, as they take parental consent seriously.
Validity and Usage: Your tourist visa (e-visa) will specify its validity (often it might be valid for 2 or 5 years for multiple entries, depending on reciprocity agreements). Within that validity, each trip can be up to 90 days . If you wish to stay longer than 90 days on one trip, you must visit the Federal Police in Brazil to request an extension before your initial 90 days expire. Extensions are at Brazil’s discretion and will not let you exceed 180 days in a 12-month period. Overstaying a visa can result in fines or difficulties, so abide by the dates given.
Alternate Application (Consulate): The e-visa is the fastest and simplest official method. However, U.S. citizens also have the option to apply for a traditional visa through a Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in the United States. This might be necessary if, for example, you are traveling for a purpose not covered by the e-visa (the e-visa is only for tourism or business visits, not for work, study or residence). Tourist visa applications in person require an appointment and many documents (application form, photo, passport, proof of U.S. residency, financial proof, itinerary, etc.) , and you must submit your actual passport to get a visa stamp. The fee is also higher for in-person applications (for Americans, ~$180) . Given these factors, the Brazilian government highly encourages use of the e-visa system for tourism, as it is fully online with “simplified requirements (only passport and photo) and a lower fee”.
Official Resources: For the most up-to-date and detailed guidance, consult official sources:
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) e-visa page for U.S. citizens.
The Brazilian Consulate-General websites in the U.S. (such as Miami or Los Angeles consulates) which provide visa instructions in English.
The U.S. State Department travel advisory for Brazil, which notes the visa requirement and points to the official Brazilian e-visa portal for application .
If in doubt, you can email the Brazilian consulate (for example, visa.miami@itamaraty.gov.br) or the VFS Global helpdesk (brazilevisa@vfsglobal.com) with questions.
By following these steps and using the official Brazilian e-visa system, U.S. travelers can secure a tourist visa efficiently and legitimately. Always rely on official information when preparing your application to ensure a smooth process. Safe travels!
Sources:
Brazilian Consulate in Miami – Visitor Visa (Electronic Visa) Instructions
Brazilian Consulate in Los Angeles – Visa Requirement Postponement Notice
U.S. Department of State – Brazil Travel Advisory (Visa Requirement)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Brazil) – Important Visa Application Information
IEEE (citing Brazilian Government) – Visa Policy Details (90-day stay rule)
Brazilian Consulate in Miami – Traditional Visa Requirements and Fees
