Dreaming of sipping caipirinhas on Copacabana beach, hearing the thunder of Iguazu Falls , or exploring the vibrant streets of Salvador? Brazil is a country that truly has it all. But for Australian travelers, planning that dream trip has a new, mandatory first step.
MAJOR TRAVEL ALERT: The visa rules for Brazil have changed.
For several years, Australian citizens (along with Americans and Canadians) enjoyed visa-free travel to Brazil. This exemption has now ended. As of April 10, 2025, all Australian passport holders must have a valid visa to enter Brazil.
Don't panic! This isn't a return to the old days of complex embassy visits. Instead, Brazil has launched a streamlined, 100% online eVisa. This guide will walk you through every single step for Brazil eVisa from Australia Citizens, answer the questions you're actually Googling, and help you avoid the common pitfalls that could delay your trip.
Do Australians Need a Visa for Brazil Now?
Yes. This is the most important takeaway. The visa-free policy that was in place from 2019 has been discontinued.
Who does this affect? All Australian, Canadian, and American citizens.
What if I bought my tickets before this was announced? It does not matter. If you arrive in Brazil on or after April 10, 2025, you will be denied entry without a valid visa.
Is there a "Visa on Arrival" (VOA)? No. You must get the eVisa in advance.
What Documents Do Australians Need to Apply for a Brazil Visa?
This is where you need to be organized. The Brazil eVisa required documents than a simple e-Visa for Turkey or Vietnam.
A Clear Scan of Your Passport Bio-Page: Must be in color. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have two blank pages.
A Digital Passport Photo (ICAO Standard): This is the #1 reason for rejection. We will cover this in detail below.
Proof of Income (A Bank Statement): This is the most surprising requirement. You must prove you have sufficient funds.
Flight Itinerary: Your confirmed return or onward flight tickets.
(For Business): A letter of invitation from the company in Brazil.
(For Minors): Extra documents are required (see FAQ).
How to Apply for the Brazil eVisa from Australia Citizens?
Fill the Application: Complete the online Brazil eVisa application form with your personal details, passport information, and trip details. Be very careful—all information must match your passport exactly.
Upload Your Documents: This is the main part. You will upload your passport scan, photo, bank statement, and flight itinerary.
Pay the Fee: Pay the $80.90 USD fee online using a credit or debit card.
Wait for Approval: The status on the portal will change from "Submitted" to "Processing" to "Approved."
Download and Print: Once approved, you will receive your eVisa as a PDF. You must print this and keep it with your passport. A digital copy on your phone is a good backup.
The Top 3 Reasons Your Brazil eVisa Will Be Rejected (And How to Fix Them)
The application process is very strict. Here are the most common "real-world problems" that lead to rejection.
1. Your Photo Was "Non-Compliant"
This is the biggest hurdle. A selfie from your phone will be rejected.
Do: Take a photo against a plain, bright white background.
Don't: Have any shadows on your face or in the background.
Do: Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression (no smiling, no glasses).
File: Must be a recent (less than 6 months old) JPG/PNG. Use a photo app to crop it to the exact 3.5cm x 4.5cm ICAO dimensions.
2. Your "Proof of Income" Was Not Good Enough
This new requirement is confusing.
What they want: Your most recent full bank statement (checking or savings) showing your name and a consistent balance.
How much is "sufficient"? There is no official number. A good rule of thumb is to show a closing balance of at least $2,000 USD to cover your stay.
What not to use: A screenshot of your bank app, a credit card statement, or a letter from your employer (a bank statement is preferred).
3. Your Passport Scan Was Blurry or Unreadable
Do not just take a quick photo with your phone.
Do: Use a proper scanner to get a high-resolution, color scan of your entire passport information page.
Don't: Have any part of the page cut off, or any glare from lights. The text in the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom must be perfectly clear.
FAQ
Q: "How long does the Brazil eVisa really take? 5 days?"
A: The "5 business days" is an estimate, not a guarantee. During peak season (like before Carnival or Christmas), it can take 10 business days or longer. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your flight to be safe.
Q: "My eVisa is delayed! It's been 10 days and my flight is soon! What should I do?"
A: First, check your application status on the VFS portal. Second, check your email (including spam) to see if they have requested more documents. If it's just "Processing," you can contact VFS support through their portal, but the only real answer is to wait. You cannot fly without the approved eVisa.
Q: "I made a spelling mistake on my application! Can I fix it?"
A: No. Once submitted, an application cannot be edited. If you made any mistake (even one letter in your name), your eVisa is invalid. You will be denied boarding. You must submit a brand new application and pay the $80.90 fee again. Double-check everything before you pay.
Q: "My eVisa was rejected. What's next? Do I get a refund?"
A: No, the fee is non-refundable. The rejection email will usually give a vague reason (e.g., "Photo non-compliant," "Insufficient funds"). You must fix that specific issue (get a new photo, get a better bank statement) and submit a new application, paying the fee again.
Q: "Do my children (minors) need an eVisa too?"
A: Yes. Every Australian citizen, including infants, needs their own eVisa.
Extra Documents for Minors: You must also upload:
A scan of their full Birth Certificate.
A Parental Consent Form signed by both parents (even if traveling together). VFS provides a template for this.
A scan of both parents' passport photo pages.
Q: "I'm entering Brazil from Iguazu Falls (Argentina side). Do I need the eVisa for a land border?"
A: YES. The eVisa is required at all air, sea, and land borders. If you plan to walk across the bridge from Foz do Iguaçu (Argentina) to see the Brazilian side of the falls , you must have your eVisa printed, or you will be turned away.
Your Final Checklist Before Flying from Sydney/Melbourne
[ ] Printed copy of your Brazil eVisa Approval Notice.
[ ] Australian passport, valid for at least 6 months.
[ ] A digital copy of your eVisa saved to your phone (as a backup).
[ ] Return flight ticket (or proof of onward travel).
[ ] First night's hotel booking details (for the immigration form).
Conclusion: Don't Let the New Rules Stop You
The return of the visa requirement for Australians is a big change, but it's not a barrier. The new 10-year, multiple-entry eVisa is a small piece of admin for a decade of access to one of the most incredible countries on Earth .
Just remember: Take your document uploads (especially the photo and bank statement) seriously, and apply at least 3 weeks in advance.
Your adventure in Brazil awaits!
