As of today, understanding the entry requirements for Brazil is crucial for American citizens planning a trip. Here’s a detailed guide covering everything you need to know to ensure a smooth journey.
Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Brazil
Important Update: Starting April 10, 2025, a visa will be mandatory for U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil, regardless of the purpose of their visit. This new regulation will affect tourists and individuals traveling for other reasons. Make sure to plan accordingly and obtain your visa in advance.
For the most up-to-date information and to apply for a visa, please visit the Brazilian government-authorized website: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com.
To enter Brazil, you’ll generally need:
- A valid U.S. passport.
- A valid Brazilian visa or e-visa, beginning April 10, 2025 for tourists and currently for all other types of travel.
Alt text: Image illustrating a Brazilian e-visa application process, emphasizing the online portal for American citizens.
Special Requirements for Minors
Brazilian law has specific requirements for minors who are Brazilian citizens (including dual U.S.-Brazilian citizens) traveling within Brazil or exiting the country. They must have permission from both parents.
- Traveling with both parents: No written authorization is needed.
- Traveling with one parent or alone: The minor must have two original written authorization letters from each absent parent and carry a copy of the child’s birth certificate or have an annotation in their Brazilian passport authorizing travel alone or with one parent.
Brazilian authorities are strict, and minors without the necessary authorization letters, birth certificate, or annotated Brazilian passport may not be allowed to pass through immigration or board their flight.
The U.S. Embassy and consulates cannot intervene in Brazilian immigration matters.
Alt text: Brazilian Federal Police officers ensuring compliance with travel regulations at an airport.
Written Authorization Letter Details
- If the absent parent is in Brazil, the authorization letter must be in Portuguese and notarized by a Brazilian notary.
- If the absent parent is in the United States or elsewhere, the authorization must be obtained at the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate using their specific form.
Important: Brazilian law requires two original authorizations from each absent parent. The Federal Police may retain one authorization upon entry and request the second upon departure. Authorizations written in English or notarized by a U.S. notary public are not accepted. Birth certificates issued outside of Brazil must be apostilled and translated by a certified translator.
Brazilian Passport Annotation
Instead of authorization letters, parents of dual U.S.-Brazilian citizen minors can request an annotation in the minor’s Brazilian passport, allowing travel with only one parent, alone, or with a third party. This annotation is valid until the passport expires. Parents residing in Brazil should contact the Brazilian Federal Police, while those abroad should contact the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.
The annotated Brazilian passport must be carried with the minor’s U.S. passport at all times. There is no similar annotation available in U.S. passports.
Alt text: Image of a Brazilian passport, showcasing the official document required for travel.
Non-Brazilian Citizen Children
Even though Brazilian law technically applies to Brazilian citizens, Federal Police have sometimes delayed the travel of non-Brazilian minors without proper authorization. Families of non-Brazilian minors traveling through Brazil without both parents should obtain written authorizations (following the above instructions) and ensure the minor carries the original or notarized copy of their birth certificate.
An example of the form used by Brazilian authorities can be found here.
Additional Information
- Apostilles: The Hague Conference provides a useful pamphlet, “The ABCs of Apostilles.” The Brazilian competent authority for issuing apostilles is the Conselho Nacional de Justiça.
Other Important Considerations
- HIV/AIDS Restrictions: There are currently no known HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Brazil.
Remember to check for updates and any new travel advisories before your trip. Safe travels!
Find more information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
