Brazil Launches Phased Rollout of e-Visa for Multiple Nationalities
Brazil mandates e-visas for US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders from April 2025, citing reciprocity and aiming to finalize reciprocal exemptions.
Since April 10, 2025, travelers holding Australian, Canadian, or U.S. passports must obtain a visa to enter Brazil, following the enactment of an executive decree mandating the requirement.
Reasons Behind the Decision
According to Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the measure—decided in May 2023—is grounded in the principle of reciprocity: none of these three countries grant visa exemptions to Brazilian citizens, and Brazil does not offer unilateral waivers for tourist visas. The government is, however, pursuing negotiations with the United States, Canada, and Australia to secure reciprocal visa-exemption agreements. Tourism Minister Celso Sabino confirmed ongoing discussions with U.S. authorities to secure equivalent treatment for Brazilian travelers.
Read the official notice on the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (gov.br).
Tourism Impact
In 2024, Brazil welcomed 728,537 American tourists, 96,540 Canadians, and 52,888 Australians, based on official data from Embratur, Brazil’s national tourism agency.
How to Apply for the e-Visa
Travelers from these three countries will be required to submit their application online via the official e-Visa portal: brazil.vfsevisa.com, which charges a fee of USD $80.90. The visa is mandatory for entry by air, sea, or land and permits stays of up to 90 days.
Applicants must first complete the online visa application form and upload required documents—including a valid passport. The government strongly advises travelers to complete this process before departure to avoid boarding denials or entry delays due to missing or late visa approvals.
Background and Timeline
The visa requirement concludes a period of exemption that began in 2019—meant to boost international tourism—and has since been repeatedly postponed by the Brazilian government.
Nations Currently Visa-Free for Brazil
Several nationalities remain exempt from visa requirements under bilateral agreements. For example, European travelers can visit Brazil without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Travelers must carry a passport valid for at least six months and provide proof of onward travel or exit from Brazil.
