Traveling To Brazil: What Americans Need To Know

Americans are allowed to travel to Brazil, but they should exercise increased caution due to crime. As of April 2024, US citizens need a Brazil eVisa to enter the country. This rule applies to those visiting for a holiday, business, or during transit. The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days per visit and has a 10-year validity period, allowing for multiple entries. There are additional entry requirements related to COVID-19, including proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test.

Brazil's e-visa requirements for US citizens

Brazil has implemented an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for citizens of the United States, Australia, and Canada. From April 10, 2025, US citizens visiting Brazil for tourism or business will require a visa to enter Brazilian territory. The e-Visa application process is straightforward and quick, and applicants will receive their visa via email within a few days of applying, provided they meet the requirements.

To apply for an e-Visa, US citizens must submit the following documents:

• A valid passport (signed, valid for the duration of their stay in Brazil, and with two free pages for the visa).
• A completed visa application form, submitted online.
• A passport-style photo (2" x 2", with a white background).
• Payment of the e-visa fee (US$80.90).

Additional requirements apply for minors (applicants under 18 years of age). In addition to the standard requirements, minors must provide:

• Authorisation for Issuance of Brazilian Visa for a Minor, signed by both parents.
• If the minor has a Brazilian parent, they must provide a Declaração de Não-Cidadania, declaring that the applicant is not a Brazilian citizen and signed by the Brazilian parent(s).
• If only one parent is listed on the birth certificate, only that parent's signature is required.
• If one parent has sole custody, a notarized copy of the court order awarding sole custody and exclusive parental rights must be presented.
• If one parent is deceased, a death certificate must be submitted.
• Copies of passports or other forms of photo ID for both parents.

The name on the parent's photo ID must match the name on the child's birth certificate. If the parent has changed their name, they must provide documentation (e.g., a marriage certificate or court order).

It is important to note that the e-Visa is only valid for tourism or business purposes. US citizens who plan to work, study, or engage in other activities in Brazil may need to apply for a different type of visa.

In addition to the visa requirements, the US State Department has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Brazil, recommending that travellers exercise increased caution due to crime. Some areas, including those near international land borders and informal housing developments, have a higher risk of violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking.

COVID-19 entry requirements

As of April 2022, Brazil has eased its COVID-19 entry requirements for international travelers. The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency, Anvisa, declared that vaccinated travelers are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test result. Instead, they must provide proof of vaccination, which can be printed or electronic. This rule applies to both Brazilian citizens and international travelers.

To be considered fully vaccinated, travelers must have received the full dose of the vaccine, with the final dose administered at least 14 days before departure. The specific requirements depend on the type of vaccine, as some are single-dose while others require two doses.

For unvaccinated travelers who are Brazilian citizens, legal residents, or those with specific exemptions, entry is still permitted. However, they will be subject to a 5-day quarantine upon arrival. The quarantine may be discontinued if the traveler is asymptomatic and tests negative on the fifth day.

It is important to note that Brazil's COVID-19 vaccination requirements may change, and the CDC recommends that U.S. citizens should not travel internationally until they are fully vaccinated. Therefore, it is essential to stay updated with the latest information and guidelines provided by official sources.

In addition to the vaccination requirements, all passengers must fill out the Online Health Form, or the Traveler's Health Declaration (DSV), within 24 hours before boarding. This form is mandatory for all travelers, regardless of their vaccination status.

Crime and safety advisories

Brazil has a high incidence of violent and non-violent crimes. The country's homicide rate was 21.26 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The country has one of the highest numbers of intentional homicides in the world, with 57,358 in 2018. While the homicide rate has been declining in recent years, violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking are common in urban areas, both day and night. Gang activity and organised crime are widespread.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Avoid wearing expensive clothing, jewellery, or displaying signs of wealth, especially in public places.
• Avoid walking on beaches after dark, and stay vigilant even during the day.
• Do not walk alone at night, and avoid isolated areas.
• Use caution when visiting banks or using ATMs. Withdraw cash only during the day and from ATMs inside banks.
• Keep your belongings close and avoid taking valuables to the beach.
• Avoid using your mobile phone in the street, and keep cameras out of sight when not in use.
• Leave your passport and valuables in a hotel safe, but carry a copy of your passport and another form of photo ID with you.
• Use official or pre-booked taxis with registered drivers.
• Avoid public buses, as robberies and assaults are common.
• Avoid political rallies, protests, and large gatherings. These events can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
• Stay away from informal housing developments or "favelas". The security situation in these areas is unpredictable, and even guided tours can be dangerous.
• Be cautious when consuming food and drinks, especially those offered by strangers.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler's Checklist.

Visa-free entry extensions

As of April 10th, 2024, US citizens will need a visa to travel to Brazil for tourism, transit, or business purposes. This change in policy means that US nationals will no longer be able to enter Brazil visa-free for stays of up to 90 days.

US citizens who wish to extend their stay in Brazil beyond the initially granted period must request an extension from the Federal Police before the end of the first granted period. It is important to note that extensions are not automatic and must be applied for in a timely manner.

The maximum stay for US citizens with a Visitor Visa (VIVIS) is 90 days without the intention to establish residence. The extension can be granted for up to the same amount of time initially granted (i.e. up to 90 days). This extension allows US citizens to stay in Brazil for a maximum of 180 days.

To apply for an extension, individuals must book an appointment and provide the necessary documentation, including:

• A completed visa application form.
• A printed and signed Visa Request Form Receipt (RER) with an affixed photo.
• Original documents, such as a passport with at least two blank pages, birth certificate, and proof of sufficient financial means.
• Proof of payment of the visa fee.

It is important to note that the visa extension process may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and their reason for travel. US citizens are advised to carefully review the requirements and plan their travel and visa applications accordingly.

Quarantine rules

As of December 20, 2021, the government of Brazil announced that all individuals aged 12 and older travelling to Brazil by air must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test (either an RT-PCR test within 72 hours of boarding or an antigen test within 24 hours of boarding), and a completed Traveller's Health Declaration (DSV) form. This requirement is waived for travellers with a health condition that contraindicates vaccination, those not eligible for vaccination due to age, those with humanitarian issues, and those arriving from countries with low vaccination coverage published on the Ministry of Health website.

Unvaccinated travellers who are Brazilian citizens, legal residents, or those with a valid waiver must complete a 14-day quarantine after reaching their final destination in Brazil, as indicated on their DSV form. After five days of quarantine, if the traveller is asymptomatic and has a negative RT-PCR or antigen test result, the quarantine may be discontinued.

As of September 2024, there are no COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens travelling to Brazil. Vaccinated visitors from the US can enter Brazil without restrictions, and US travellers are not required to quarantine upon arrival.

Frequently asked questions