Reports about Brazil reinstating visa requirements for American citizens have been circulating online since the country elected its new President last year. However, due to conflicting information, additional details have now been revealed.
Contrary to earlier reports, American citizens will not be required to obtain a traditional stamped visa from a Consulate to enter Brazil. Instead, they will have the option to apply for an online Brazil visa.
US eVisa for Brazil from Oct
Starting October 1, American travellers to Brazil will need to obtain a 'Visto de Visita', or 'VIVIS', which translates to 'Visitor Visa' in Portuguese.
This adjustment is a result of Brazil reinstating its reciprocity policy, a measure that had been suspended during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency as part of efforts to encourage international tourism. With the return of the Lula da Silva administration, this unilateral decision has been reversed.
By October, countries that haven't entered into visa-waiver agreements with Brazil, allowing their citizens to visit without visas, will be subjected to new visa prerequisites. This category includes the United States, Canada, and Australia.
While Japan was initially poised to be part of the non-visa-exempt list, a recent development has led to Brazil and Japan striking a visa-waiver agreement. This allows citizens of both countries to travel between them for tourism purposes without the need for tourist visas, exempting Japan from this modification.
U.S. citizens have not experienced the same luck, as Brazil still mandates that Brazilians obtain a tourist visa for entry. Consequently, starting in October, the same rule will be applicable to U.S. citizens.
Functioning of the Digital Visa
It will permit them to remain in Brazil for a maximum of 90 days, either as tourists or for business purposes. According to the Government, they will adopt the same electronic visa modality that was in place before the unilateral exemption.
This signifies that the entire process can be conducted online, eliminating the need to visit a Brazilian consulate, attend interviews, provide fingerprints, or affix an actual visa sticker to the passport.
As long as Americans meet the visa prerequisites, such as submitting a return or onward ticket valid within 90 days of their intended entry into Brazil, and paying the requisite visa fee, they should receive the document without any complications.
Drawing from the pattern of other online visas that Americans are required to obtain, like Turkey's or Vietnam's, the application questionnaire might involve personal inquiries pertaining to the purpose of travel, occupation, and/or financial means.
Visa Cost and Duration
In the absence of a reduction in the visa fee, American travellers might be obligated to pay up to $160 through the online process to secure visa approval. This is based on the fact that, in line with regulations existing prior to 2019, Brazilians are required to pay a corresponding fee for obtaining visas to visit the United States, although this aspect has yet to be definitively confirmed.
Furthermore, it's important for Americans to bear in mind that their passport should contain a minimum of 2 blank pages, irrespective of obtaining online visa approval. Failure to meet this requirement could result in denied entry upon arrival in Brazil, aligning with international travel regulations.
While the expense of acquiring these visas could be substantial, there's a possibility that online visas for Americans might be granted with a validity of up to 10 years, mirroring the duration of American visas granted to Brazilians for tourism purposes. Presently, this is speculative, but given Brazil's current approach, the prospect of reciprocal visa duration seems promising.
If you are a U.S. citizen and you have a trip scheduled to Brazil between now and late September, the rules of visa exemption still apply, as the VIVIS regulation will only take effect starting from October 1.
Beginning on that date, unless you possess a valid online visa, you will not be permitted to board a flight bound for Brazil, even if it's a brief layover and Brazil is not your final destination.
Currently, we lack information regarding processing times or the recommended lead time for visa application. However, we advise you to apply for a visa up to a month in advance or even earlier if your travel to Brazil falls after the implementation date.
The VIVIS requirement exclusively pertains to citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia. Nationals from Mexico, Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and numerous regions in the Western World, Asia, and the Global South remain unaffected by this measure.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers on Brazil's New Digital Visa Requirement for U.S. Travelers
What is the new digital visa requirement announced by Brazil?
Brazil has introduced a new digital visa requirement for all U.S. travellers entering the country.
When will this new requirement be enforced?
The new digital visa requirement, known as VIVIS, will be enforced starting from October 1.
Does this requirement apply to all U.S. citizens?
Yes, the VIVIS requirement applies to all U.S. citizens travelling to Brazil.
How does the digital visa work?
The digital visa allows U.S. citizens to apply for a visa online without the need to visit a Brazilian consulate. It grants a stay of up to 90 days in Brazil for tourism or business purposes.
What are the prerequisites for obtaining the digital visa?
U.S. travellers must fulfil visa prerequisites, including providing a return or outbound ticket valid within 90 days of their intended entry into Brazil, and paying the requisite visa fee.
How much is the visa fee?
The exact visa fee is not specified at the moment, but travellers should be prepared for a fee of up to $160.
Are there any exemptions to this requirement?
Yes, citizens of Mexico, Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and various regions in the Western World, Asia, and the Global South are not subject to the VIVIS requirement.
What happens if I have a trip to Brazil planned before October 1?
If your trip is scheduled before October 1, you can still travel under the previous visa-exemption rules. The new digital visa requirement will only apply to trips starting on or after October 1.
Can I apply for the digital visa in advance?
While specific processing times are not yet available, it's advisable to apply for the digital visa up to a month in advance, especially if your travel falls after the implementation date.
Could the visa duration be extended?
Speculation suggests that online visas for Americans could have a validity of up to 10 years, similar to the American visas issued to Brazilians for tourism.
How can I stay updated on any further developments?
Stay informed through official government sources, consulate websites, or reputable travel advisories for any updates on the digital visa requirement and related details.