From the electric energy of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro to the breathtaking power of Iguazu Falls and the vast, mysterious Amazon rainforest, Brazil is a top-tier destination for U.S. travelers. However, after a period of visa-free travel, the rules have changed again. As of 2025, the Brazil visa requirement for US citizens has been reinstated.
Don't let this extra step deter you! The new "eVisa" system is designed to be entirely online and straightforward. This guide will walk you through every step, answering the genuine "real problems" and questions that U.S. travelers are searching for.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for Brazil in 2025?
Yes, absolutely. As of April 10, 2025, U.S. citizens (along with citizens of Australia and Canada) are once again required to obtain a visa to travel to Brazil for tourism or business. The visa-free travel policy that was in place for several years has ended.
What is the Brazil eVisa (VIVIS-E)?
The "VIVIS-E" is the official name for the new Brazilian electronic visa. It is a 100% online application process. You do not need to mail your passport or visit an embassy or consulate.
You apply online, upload your documents, pay a fee, and receive the approved eVisa via email. You must print this eVisa or have a digital copy to show at airline check-in and to immigration upon arrival in Brazil.
How to Apply for the Brazil eVisa from the USA
The Brazil eVisa application process is straightforward, but you must be detail-oriented.
Fill Out the Application Form: Enter your personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary (dates, where you'll stay).
Upload Your Documents: This is the most important part. You will upload digital copies of your passport, photo, and other required documents (see list below).
Pay the Fee: Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
Receive Your eVisa: Once approved, the eVisa will be sent to your email as a PDF. Print a high-quality copy and save a digital copy to your phone.
What Types of Brazil eVisas Can I Apply For?
The eVisa simplifies the process by offering clear options, all of which are typically valid for 10 years with multiple entries for U.S. citizens:
Tourism eVisa - 10 Years, Multiple entry: This is the correct choice for holidays, visiting friends/family, and attending unpaid sporting or artistic events.
Business eVisa - 10 Years, Multiple entry: For those attending business meetings, conferences, or seeking out commercial opportunities (but not being employed in Brazil).
Transit eVisa - 10 Years, Multiple entry: Required for travelers who plan to leave the international transit area of the airport, even for a few hours.
What documents do US citizens need to travel to Brazil?
To apply for the tourist eVisa, you will need the following documents Required for Brazil visa ready to upload (as PDF, JPG, or PNG files):
Passport Bio Page: A clear, color scan of your passport's information page. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Brazil.
Applicant Photo: A recent, high-quality digital photo meeting ICAO specifications (see next section).
Travel Document: Your round-trip flight reservation, showing your entry and exit from Brazil.
Bank statement: A recent bank statement (checking or savings) or credit card statement to prove you have sufficient funds for your trip. The official requirement is for "at least $2,000 USD" (or equivalent).
Proof of Employment: A new and important requirement. This can be a recent letter from your employer on company letterhead, a recent pay stub, or (if self-employed) a copy of your business registration.
What are the Brazil eVisa Photo Specifications?
This is the number one reason for rejection. Your application will be returned if the photo is not perfect. The system is very strict.
Format: Must be a 2x2 inch (5x5 cm) digital photo, like a U.S. passport photo.
Background: Must be on a plain, uniform white background. No shadows, no patterns.
Head Position: You must be facing the camera directly. No head tilting.
Expression: Neutral expression, with both eyes open.
Obstructions: No glasses (even prescription), hats, or head coverings (except for religious reasons).
Quality: Must be high-resolution, in color, and taken within the last 6 months.
What Counts as 'Proof of Employment'?
This new requirement can be confusing. The goal is for you to prove you have ties to your home country (a job to return to) and a source of income.
For Employees: A recent letter from your employer (on company letterhead) stating your position and dates of employment, OR a recent pay stub.
For Self-Employed: A copy of your business registration, a recent tax return, or a letter from your accountant.
For Students: A letter of enrollment from your school and proof of your parents' financial support.
For Retirees: A pension statement or other proof of retirement income.
How Much Does the Brazil eVisa Cost for U.S. Citizens?
When you apply for Brazil eVisa as a U.S. citizen, the total fee typically includes both the government and service charges, with optional rush upgrades for urgent travel. The exact amount may vary depending on processing speed and payment method.
Accepted Payment Methods
You can pay your Brazil eVisa fees easily through multiple secure channels:
Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
International Debit Cards
PayPal
Cryptocurrency
💡 All payments are made in USD. Your bank may apply its own exchange rate for currency conversion.
If your payment fails, contact your bank to enable international or online transactions before trying again.
How much time does a Brazil visa take?
This is a key "real problem" where you now have choices. The Brazil eVisa Processing Time:
Normal Processing: 6 - 9 Working Days
Rush Processing: 4 - 7 Working Days
Super Rush Processing: 3 - 5 Working Days
The "Rush" and "Super Rush" options will cost an additional fee. However, our advice remains: Apply with "Normal Processing" at least 3-4 weeks before your flight to avoid paying extra and to handle any potential delays.
How Do I Check My Brazil Visa Application Status?
After you apply, you can check your eVisa status at any time.
Click on "Track Your Application."
You will need to enter your Reference Number (which you received in your confirmation email) and your date of birth to see the status.
My Brazil visa Application Was Rejected or "Sent Back." What Now?
Don't panic. Most "rejections" are actually just "deferrals," meaning the application was sent back to you for correction.
The most common reasons are:
The photo did not meet the standards. (Most common!)
The passport scan was blurry or cut off.
The bank statement was missing, didn't show $2,000, or the name didn't match.
The "Proof of Employment" was missing or not accepted.
You will receive an email explaining what needs to be fixed. You can then log back into the portal, upload the correct document, and resubmit your application without paying the fee again.
Do My U.S. Citizen Children Need Their Own Brazil Visa?
Yes. Every individual traveler, regardless of age, must have their own approved eVisa. This includes infants and children.
When applying for a minor, you will need to provide additional documents:
The minor's U.S. passport, photo, and flight info.
A scanned copy of their birth certificate.
A Parental Consent Form signed by both parents (or the legal guardian). You can download this form during the application process.
How Long is the Brazil eVisa Valid For?
This is a huge benefit for U.S. travelers. As shown on the application portal, the Brazil eVisa (for Tourism, Business, and Transit) is a multiple-entry visa and is valid for 10 years from the date of issue.
This means you can enter and exit Brazil as many times as you want over the next decade without having to re-apply.
How Long Can I Stay in Brazil on the eVisa?
While the visa itself is valid for 10 years, your stay is limited. The eVisa allows you to stay in Brazil for up to 90 days per visit.
This can often be extended for another 90 days in person at a Federal Police (Polícia Federal) office in Brazil, but you cannot stay for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
Do I Need a Visa for a Layover in São Paulo or Rio?
It depends.
If you DO NOT leave the international transit area: No visa is needed. You stay "airside" and just walk to your next gate.
If you MUST leave the international transit area: Yes. This happens if you need to re-check your bags with a different airline, or if your layover is overnight and you want to go to a hotel. For this, you must apply for the Transit eVisa in advance.
What if My Passport Expires Before My 10-Year Visa?
This is a very important query. The eVisa is electronically linked to your passport number.
If your passport expires, your 10-year visa becomes void.
You cannot transfer the visa to your new passport. When you get a new U.S. passport, you will have to apply for a new Brazil eVisa and pay the fee again.
Do I Need to Print My eVisa in Color?
While a black-and-white printout is technically acceptable, we strongly recommend printing it in color.
A high-quality color printout looks more official and ensures there are no issues with agents at check-in or immigration. Also, save a PDF copy of the eVisa to your phone as a digital backup.
Your Brazilian Adventure Awaits!
While the return of the visa requirement adds one more step to your travel planning, the new online eVisa system is efficient and manageable.
The keys to success are:
Take a perfect, 2x2 white-background photo.
Have all your documents (including Proof of Employment) ready.
Apply at least 3 weeks in advance.
With your eVisa in hand, you'll be on your way to enjoying the caipirinhas, samba, and incredible natural wonders that only Brazil can offer.
