Brazil’s New e-Visa for US Citizens: How to Apply Step-by-Step

Ready for Rio? Let’s Talk About the Brazil e-Visa for US Citizens

So, you’re dreaming of wandering the colorful streets of Salvador, feeling the mist from iguazu Falls, or dancing until dawn in Rio de Janeiro. Amazing choice! brazil is an unforgettable country. But before you start packing your Havaianas, there’s a little bit of paperwork to sort out. You’ve probably heard the news: the visa requirement for US citizens is back. Don’t let that intimidate you! The new electronic visa, or e-Visa, is designed to be a straightforward process you can complete from your couch. We’re here to walk you through every single step, from gathering your documents to hitting that ‘submit’ button with confidence.

First Things First: Do You Actually Need a Visa for Brazil?

Let’s clear up any confusion right away, because the rules have changed a couple of times. For a while, US citizens enjoyed visa-free travel to Brazil. However, that has changed. Effective April 10, 2025, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens will need a visa to enter Brazil for tourism or business.

The good news? You don’t have to visit a consulate or mail your passport away. The Brazilian government has implemented a user-friendly e-Visa system. This means the entire application is done online. You’ll receive a digital visa that you’ll present upon arrival. It’s faster, easier, and much more convenient than traditional visa processes.

Who is Eligible for the Brazil e-Visa?

This guide is specifically for US citizens, but the e-Visa system is also available for citizens of Canada and Australia. The purpose of your trip must be tourism, which Brazil defines broadly. This can include:

• Vacations and leisure activities
• Visiting friends or relatives
• Attending sporting events or artistic performances (as a spectator)
• Participating in conferences or seminars (as long as you are not paid by a Brazilian source)

If you’re planning to work, study, or engage in any paid activities in Brazil, you’ll need to apply for a different type of visa through a Brazilian Consulate. For the vast majority of travelers, though, the e-Visa is the perfect fit.

Your e-Visa Application Checklist: Getting Your Documents Ready

Being prepared is half the battle! Before you even open the application website, it’s a great idea to gather all your required documents and have them scanned and ready to go. This will make the process smooth and stress-free. Here’s exactly what you’ll need.

1. Your Valid US Passport

This is non-negotiable. Your passport must meet two criteria:

• Validity: It must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Brazil.
• Blank Pages: It needs to have at least two blank visa pages. While the e-Visa is digital, immigration officers may still need space for stamps.

You’ll need a clear, high-quality digital scan or photo of your passport’s biographical page (the one with your photo and personal information).

2. A Recent Passport-Style Photo

This isn’t just any selfie! The photo has very specific requirements, and getting it wrong is a common reason for application delays. It must be:

• Recent: Taken within the last 6 months.
• Background: A plain white or off-white background.
• Expression: A neutral facial expression with both eyes open. No smiling!
• Quality: High resolution, in color, with no shadows or glare. Your full face, from the top of your head to the bottom of your chin, must be visible.

Most application systems require this as a JPEG file. You can get a digital copy from a pharmacy or photo service that takes passport photos.

3. Proof of Financial Means

Brazil wants to see that you can support yourself during your stay. This isn’t as scary as it sounds. You’ll need to provide bank statements from the last 30 days showing a balance of at least $2,000 USD. If you’re staying for a long time, a higher balance is better. Alternatively, you can show proof of a credit card with a sufficient limit.

Pro-Tip: Scan the entire statement, not just the first page. Black out your account numbers for security, but make sure your name and the final balance are clearly visible.

4. Your Travel Itinerary (Flight Confirmation)

You need to provide proof of your round-trip or onward travel. This is typically a flight reservation confirmation showing your name, the dates of your arrival in and departure from Brazil, and the flight numbers. You don’t need to have purchased the ticket yet; a confirmed itinerary from an airline or travel agent is usually sufficient.

The Step-by-Step Brazil e-Visa Application Process

Okay, you’ve got your documents scanned and saved. Now it’s time to apply! Grab a coffee, find a comfy spot, and let’s get this done.

Step 1: Go to the Official Application Portal

This is crucial! Only use the official website designated by the Brazilian government for visa applications. This is handled by VFS Global. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees or could be scams. A quick search for “Brazil e-Visa VFS Global” will lead you to the right place.

Step 2: Create an Account and Fill Out the Form

You’ll start by creating an account with your email address. Once you’re in, you’ll begin the application form. It’s going to ask for standard information:

• Your full name as it appears on your passport
• Date and place of birth
• Passport details (number, issue date, expiration date)
• Contact information (address, phone, email)
• Your intended travel dates and purpose of visit
• Address of your first accommodation in Brazil (your hotel or Airbnb)

Take your time and double-check everything for typos. A simple mistake can cause delays.

Step 3: Upload Your Digital Documents

This is where your prep work pays off. You’ll be prompted to upload the digital copies of the documents we listed above: your passport bio page, your photo, proof of funds, and your flight itinerary. Pay close attention to the file size and format requirements (e.g., JPEG, PDF, max 1MB). If your files are too large, you may need to compress them before uploading.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Once your form is complete and documents are uploaded, you’ll be directed to a secure payment portal. The e-Visa fee is around $80.90 USD (this can change, so always check the official site for the current amount). You can typically pay with a major credit or debit card.

Step 5: Submit and Wait for Your e-Visa

After your payment is confirmed, you can submit your application. You did it! Now, the waiting game begins. The standard processing time is usually around 5 business days, but it can take longer during peak travel seasons. It’s always best to apply at least two weeks before your trip, just in case.

What Happens Next? Receiving and Using Your e-Visa

You’ll receive an email notification once a decision has been made on your application. If approved (hooray!), your e-Visa will be attached as a PDF document. This is your official travel document!

Here’s what you need to do with it:

1. Print It Out: Print at least one high-quality color copy of your e-Visa. Keep it with your passport.
2. Save a Digital Copy: Save the PDF to your phone and a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox. It’s always good to have a backup.
3. Present It on Arrival: When you land in Brazil, you’ll present your passport and the printed copy of your e-Visa to the immigration officer. They will scan the QR code on the visa, stamp your passport, and welcome you to Brazil!

Common Questions About the Brazil e-Visa

How long is the e-Visa valid for?

The Brazil e-Visa for US citizens is typically a multiple-entry visa valid for 10 years. It allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days per visit. The total time you can spend in Brazil cannot exceed 180 days within any 12-month period.

What if my e-Visa application is denied?

It’s rare for a tourist visa to be denied if you meet all the requirements. If it does happen, the consulate will usually provide a reason. The most common reasons are incomplete information, incorrect document formats, or insufficient proof of funds. You can typically correct the issue and re-apply.

Do my children need their own e-Visas?

Yes. Every individual traveler, regardless of age, must have their own passport and their own separate e-Visa. You will need to complete an application for each child traveling with you.

I’m just transiting through Brazil. Do I need a visa?

If you have a layover in a Brazilian airport and are not leaving the international transit area, you generally do not need a transit visa. However, if you have to re-check your bags or have a long layover and want to leave the airport, you will need an e-Visa.