Brazil to Require e-Visa for Several Nationalities from January 2024
Brazil reinstates e-Visa requirements for US🇺🇸, Canadian🇨🇦, and Australian🇦🇺 travelers from January 10, 2024, ending a seven-year visa-free entry policy.
After initially delaying the rollout, Brazil will reinstate its electronic visa (e-Visa) system for travelers from three countries starting December 1, 2023. Visitors from the United States🇺🇸, Canada🇨🇦, and Australia🇦🇺 will now need to secure this document before entering the country.
End of Visa Exemption for Select Nationals
From January 10, 2024, Canadian, U.S., and Australian citizens must obtain an entry visa to visit Brazil. This decision concludes a unilateral simplification measure introduced in 2017, which had allowed visa-free entry for these three nationalities. The Brazilian government’s dedicated e-Visa platform went live on December 1, 2023.
The Brazilian e-Visa permits stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes only, with a maximum cumulative stay of 180 days per calendar year in Brazil.
VFS Selected as e-Visa Provider
In 2017, Brazil’s government selected VFS, a specialist in diplomatic and public administration outsourcing services, to develop the first Brazilian e-Visa portal. VFS has been reappointed as the provider for the reinstated electronic visa system.
e-Visa Eligibility and Requirements
The Brazilian e-Visa is for travelers visiting for tourism or business up to 90 days and not seeking permanent residency. Applicants must submit the following documents:
A valid passport with at least two consecutive blank pages;
A recent passport-style photo (taken within the past 12 months);
A round-trip flight booking;
Proof of sufficient funds, e.g., salary slips, bank statements, or credit card statements from the last 90 days, showing a minimum of US$2,000.
Business travelers also need an invitation letter or a mission order.
Availability and Cost of the e-Visa
The e-Visa is available via an online platform as specified by the Brazilian government. The fee is €80.9 upon application.
Travel and Tourism Impact
This change is expected to significantly impact Brazil’s tourism sector and travel plans for nationals of the three targeted countries. U.S., Canadian, and Australian travelers should now prepare to apply for the e-Visa before visiting Brazil from January 2024. Those traveling before January 10 but whose trip extends beyond that date will remain visa-free for the duration of their stay.
