Planning a trip to Brazil from the United States? Here’s what you need to know about the current and upcoming entry requirements, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.
As of now, there are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil. However, significant changes are on the horizon, particularly regarding visa requirements.
Important Update: Visa Requirement Effective April 10, 2025
Mark your calendars! Effective midnight on April 10, 2025, a visa will be mandatory for U.S. citizens to enter Brazil, irrespective of the purpose of their visit. This applies to all types of travel, including tourism, business, and other reasons. Make sure to plan accordingly and obtain your visa well in advance of your travel date.
Essential Travel Documents for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Brazil
To ensure entry into Brazil, U.S. citizens will need the following documents:
- A Valid U.S. Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Brazil. It’s always a good practice to have at least six months of validity remaining on your passport when traveling internationally.
- A Valid Brazilian Visa or E-Visa: Starting April 10, 2025, a valid Brazilian visa will be required for all U.S. citizens. Currently, visas may be required for certain types of travel other than tourism. The Brazilian government-authorized website provides comprehensive information and application procedures for the e-visa.
How to Obtain Your Brazilian E-Visa
To apply for your e-visa, visit the official Brazilian government-authorized website: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com. This website provides detailed instructions and requirements for the e-visa application process. Be sure to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient processing time.
The official e-visa website is operated by VFS Global, ensuring secure and reliable visa processing.
Travel Regulations for Dual U.S.-Brazilian Citizen Minors
Brazilian law has specific regulations concerning the travel of minors who are Brazilian citizens, including dual nationals holding both U.S. and Brazilian citizenship. These regulations are particularly important to understand if the minor is traveling without both parents.
- Parental Authorization: Any minor who is a Brazilian citizen must have permission from each parent to travel within Brazil or exit the country. If the minor travels with both parents, no written authorization is needed. However, if the minor travels with only one parent or without either parent, they must have two original written authorization letters from each absent parent.
- Supporting Documents: In addition to the authorization letters, the minor must carry a copy of the child’s birth certificate or have an annotation in his/her Brazilian passport authorizing travel alone or with only one parent.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Brazilian citizen minors without the required authorization letters and a birth certificate or an annotated Brazilian passport may be denied passage through immigration or boarding on flights departing Brazil.
Important Considerations for Parental Authorization Letters
- Language and Notarization: If the absent parent is in Brazil, the written authorization letters must be in Portuguese and notarized by a Brazilian notary.
- Authorization from Outside Brazil: If the absent parent is in the United States or elsewhere outside of Brazil, the authorization must be obtained at the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate using their specific form.
- Two Original Authorizations Required: Brazilian law requires two original authorizations for each absent parent. This is because the Federal Police may request and retain one authorization upon the minor’s entry into Brazil and the second upon their departure.
- Unacceptable Forms of Authorization: Authorizations written in English or executed before a U.S. (or any non-Brazilian) notary public are not accepted by the Brazilian Federal Police. Similarly, birth certificates issued outside of Brazil that are not apostilled and translated by a certified translator may not be accepted.
Brazilian Passport Annotation as an Alternative
Instead of carrying authorization letters, parents of dual U.S.-Brazilian citizen minors can request an annotation be placed in the minor’s Brazilian passport. This annotation authorizes the minor to travel with only one parent, or to travel alone or with a third party. This annotation eliminates the need for written authorization letters until the passport expires. Parents residing in Brazil should contact the Brazilian Federal Police, while parents residing abroad should contact the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.
Recommendations for Non-Brazilian Citizen Minors
Although Brazilian law related to travel authorization does not explicitly apply to non-citizens of Brazil, Federal Police have occasionally delayed the travel of non-Brazilian minors who lack appropriate authorization from both parents. Therefore, it’s recommended that families of non-Brazilian minors who may travel through Brazil without one or both parents execute written authorizations in advance and ensure that the minor carries the original or notarized copy of their birth certificate.
Additional Resources and Information
For further information and assistance, consult the following resources:
- Brazilian Government-Authorized Website (E-Visa): https://brazil.vfsevisa.com
- Brazilian Consulate Abroad: Locate a Brazilian consulate abroad for visa assistance and information.
Other Important Considerations
- HIV/AIDS Restrictions: Currently, the U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Brazil.
Prepare for Your Trip to Brazil
Staying informed about these entry requirements and regulations is crucial for a seamless travel experience. As a U.S. citizen planning a trip to Brazil, ensure you have a valid passport and, beginning April 10, 2025, a valid Brazilian visa. If you are traveling with a minor who is a dual U.S.-Brazilian citizen, carefully follow the regulations regarding parental authorization. By taking these precautions, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable trip to Brazil.
