If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, it’s important to know that you will likely need a visa to enter the country very soon. Starting Oct 1, 2022 Brazil has decided to resume entry visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Japan, Australia and Canada. The official announcement from the Brazilian government is expected this week and will extend the need for all visa types, including tourism and business. To apply for a Brazil Visa, click here.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro eliminated the Brazilian Visa requirement in June 2019 in a push to increase tourism and business. The plan initially worked. The number of Americans booking flights to Brazil jumped 39% in the first six months after the government of Brazil waived visa requirement for U.S. citizens and other. Now post Covid-19, travel is down to Brazil from all four countries with visa waivers. Tourism numbers are now below 2018 levels, even with the visa waiver in place.
Yet, tourism is down, but so are flight options. My partner is from Brazil and several routes have been cut between the US and Brazil. Airlines heavily cut routes during Covid lockdowns and have been slow to bring them back. A lack of flights makes it harder to visit, and could be a contributing factor. I honestly do not believe that demand is the only thing to blame. Every time I fly to Brazil to see my in-laws, every seat on the plane is full.
Apply For Brazil Visa
Please note, it is still unknown if visa applications will be in person at the Brazilian embassy or if they will be made available online or via mail. Previously, to obtain a visa to Brazil, applicants had to apply in person at an embassy or consulate. Most Brazilian consulates are currently processing applications by mail and limiting in person applications. E-visas are not available.
The process for Brazil Visas for US Citizens is fairly easy. Processing time for a visa is typically 15 business days or less. To get a visa to enter Brazil you will need to provide the following documents and pay with a USPS money order. Credit cards are not accepted.
- Passport (signed, valid up to end of Brazil trip, 2 visa pages free)
- Proof of residence in the U.S. (visa or Green Card)
- Visa Application Form Receipt with contact information
- Passport-style photo (2” x 2”, white background)
- U.S. Postal Service Money Order (see table of VIVIS fees above)
- Flight Confirmation (purchased ticket showing entrance into and exit from Brazil) OR Printed bank statements from the last three months showing adequate funds for travel
- U.S. Postal Service Priority or Priority Express envelope, pre-paid (this will be used to mail your passport back to you)
Previously Brazilian Visa reciprocity fees was $160 for US Citizens and $80 for most other countries. My visa from 2014 is still valid for multiple entries for visits of 90 days or less. At this time, it’s unknown what fees Brazil will opt to charge when they reinstate the Visa requirements. Expect more details in the coming days.
Bottom Line
Brazil is reinstating visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Japan, Australia and Canada. Brazilians citizens still need visas to travel to the four countries, therefore Brazil feels as though it’s fair to require these same citizens to face the same hurdles to visit their country. Reuters quotes A diplomatic source said the 2019 decision to lift visa requirements had weakened Brazil’s ability to negotiate with those countries. Adding to the reason why Brazil will bring back the visa requirement in the coming days.
If you have a trip planned to Brazil, keep a close eye on the country’s entry and exit requirements. These are updated in near real time by the US State Department.
