Starting from next Wednesday (Apr. 10), citizens from Australia, Canada, and the United States who hold ordinary passports will need a visa to enter Brazil. This requirement applies at all entry points, including ports, airports, and land borders.
Originally set for January 10, the enforcement date was pushed to April to finalize the system’s setup and mitigate any adverse effects on Brazilian tourism during the peak travel season early in the year, as explained by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This move reverses the March 2019 decision by the administration of then-President Jair Bolsonaro, which had removed the visa requirement for tourists from these countries, as well as Japan. The waiver was not reciprocated by these countries for Brazilian travelers, leading to the reinstatement of the visa requirement based on the principle of reciprocity in Brazilian diplomatic policy.
Exemption for Japan
In May 2023, Brazil and Japan agreed to eliminate visa requirements between the two nations, a policy that began in September 2023 for stays up to 90 days, distinguishing Japan from the aforementioned countries.
Promotion of New Visa Policy
Embratur, Brazil’s tourism promotion board, along with tour operators and airlines from the affected countries, is actively informing tourists of the upcoming visa requirement. The announcement is being shared through videos, social media, dedicated websites (hotsites), email campaigns, and posters at Brazilian diplomatic missions overseas, as well as on the websites of Brazilian embassies.
Introduction of Electronic Visa (e-Visa)
From April 10, travelers from Australia, Canada, and the US will need to obtain an e-Visa by applying at https://brazil.vfsevisa.com, with a fee of $80.90. This fully digital process removes the necessity for a consulate visit, allowing applicants to submit documents and photos online and receive their visa via email. Travelers must carry a valid passport and a printed version of the e-Visa upon entry to Brazil.
Applicants are advised to request their e-Visa well ahead of their travel dates to prevent any potential issues, such as delays or missed flights.
The e-Visa permits several entries into Brazil, with validity periods matching those of traditional visas: ten years for US citizens and five years for Canadians and Australians. The visa covers stays up to 90 days, extendable by another 90 days, provided the total does not surpass 180 days in a 12-month span.
For inquiries about the e-Visa process, citizens of Canada, Australia, or the US should contact [email protected], including their name, nationality, and any specific issues encountered, along with screenshots or error messages and the type of device used for application