Planning a trip to the vibrant landscapes and cultures of Brazil? If you’re a U.S. citizen, it’s essential to be aware of recent changes to Brazil’s entry requirements. Starting April 10, 2025, a visa will be required for U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil, regardless of the purpose of your visit. This marks a change from previous policies, so it’s crucial to understand what you need to ensure a smooth journey.
Brazil Visa Requirements for US Tourists
Effective midnight on April 10, 2025, the visa-free travel agreement for U.S. citizens visiting Brazil will end. This means that whether you’re planning to explore the Amazon rainforest, relax on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, or experience the bustling city of São Paulo, you will need to obtain a Brazilian visa prior to your arrival. This new regulation applies to all purposes of travel, including tourism.
To get your visa, the Brazilian government has authorized an online portal where you can apply for an e-visa. The official website to begin your application is https://brazil.vfsevisa.com. It is strongly recommended to use only this official website to avoid scams and ensure your application is processed correctly.
Image: The national flag of Brazil waving, symbolizing the country and its identity in travel context.
Essential Documents for Brazil Travel
To travel to Brazil from April 10, 2025, U.S. citizens will need to have the following documents:
- Valid U.S. Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Brazil. It’s always wise to check your passport’s expiration date well in advance of your travel dates.
- Brazilian Visa or E-Visa: As of April 10, 2025, a valid Brazilian visa is mandatory for tourism and all other travel purposes. The e-visa can be obtained through the official online portal: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com. Ensure you apply for the correct type of visa based on your travel purpose.
For any type of visa, it is always best to start the application process well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing and to handle any potential issues that may arise.
Special Considerations for Minors Traveling To/From Brazil
Brazilian law has specific requirements for minors, particularly those who are Brazilian citizens or dual nationals (U.S. and Brazilian). These regulations are in place to prevent international child abduction and ensure the safety of children.
Brazilian Citizen Minors: Any minor who is a Brazilian citizen, even if they also hold U.S. citizenship, requires permission from both parents to travel within Brazil or exit the country.
- Traveling with Both Parents: If a minor is traveling with both parents, no written authorization is needed.
- Traveling with One Parent or Without Parents: If a minor is traveling with only one parent or without either parent, they must have two original written authorization letters from each absent parent. They should also carry a copy of their birth certificate or have an annotation in their Brazilian passport authorizing travel alone or with only one parent.
Image: A family with luggage at an airport, representing family travel and the importance of travel documents for all family members, including minors.
Written Authorization Details:
- If the absent parent is in Brazil, the authorization must be in Portuguese and notarized by a Brazilian notary.
- If outside Brazil, the authorization should be done at the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate using their specific form. Important: Authorizations in English or notarized by a non-Brazilian notary are not accepted by Brazilian Federal Police. You need two original authorizations for each absent parent, as one might be kept upon entry and another upon departure. Birth certificates from outside Brazil may need to be apostilled and translated by a certified translator.
Brazilian Passport Annotation: As an alternative to authorization letters, parents can request an annotation in the minor’s Brazilian passport allowing travel with one parent or alone. This annotation is valid until the passport expires and replaces the need for written authorizations. Contact the Brazilian Federal Police (if in Brazil) or the nearest Brazilian Embassy/Consulate (if abroad) for details.
Non-Brazilian Citizen Minors: While the law primarily targets Brazilian citizens, Brazilian Federal Police have sometimes delayed travel for non-Brazilian minors lacking parental authorization. It is highly recommended that non-Brazilian minors also carry written authorizations and a birth certificate copy, especially if traveling without both parents.
Additional Information
- HIV/AIDS Restrictions: Currently, there are no known HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Brazil.
- Dual Nationality, Child Abduction, and Customs: For more information, refer to the U.S. Department of State websites on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations.
Plan Ahead for Your Brazil Trip
With the upcoming visa requirement for U.S. citizens, it’s more important than ever to plan your trip to Brazil in advance. Ensure you have a valid passport and apply for your Brazilian visa through the official https://brazil.vfsevisa.com website well before your travel dates. If you are traveling with minors, especially if you or your children hold Brazilian citizenship, carefully review and comply with the specific requirements for parental authorization. By being well-prepared, you can look forward to enjoying everything Brazil has to offer without any unexpected hiccups.
