Tourist Visa & Entry Requirements for Brazil (2025)
Brazil welcomes tourists from over 90 countries visa-free. But for visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan, the eVisa is mandatory since April 2025. Here is what you need to know before booking your trip.
Visa-exempt nationalities
Citizens of most European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines do not need a visa for trips up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings or transit.
The 90-day allowance can be extended once for another 90 days at any unit of the Federal Police (Polícia Federal), but you cannot stay more than 180 days within a 12-month period.
Always check the official MRE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) website before booking — visa policies do change. Citizens of countries with reciprocity agreements may have different rules.
The eVisa for US, Canada, Australia and Japan citizens
Since April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) before traveling to Brazil for tourism or business.
Key facts: - The eVisa costs USD 80.90 (subject to change) - It is valid for 10 years with multiple entries - Each stay can last up to 90 days, extendable once - Apply at the official VFS Global portal — be careful of unofficial sites that charge more - Processing time is typically 5 business days
You will need: a valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining), a recent photo, proof of yellow fever vaccination if traveling from a risk area, proof of accommodation, and a return ticket.
What customs allows you to bring
Brazilian customs (Receita Federal) sets clear limits on goods you can bring without paying import duties.
Personal effects (clothing, books, your laptop, cameras you've owned for a while) are unlimited but should be reasonable for the length of your stay.
Duty-free allowance: USD 1,000 in goods purchased abroad, plus the airport duty-free shop allowance (typically USD 500 of liquor/cigarettes/perfume from arrival shops).
Restricted items: agricultural products, fresh food, certain medications. Cash above BRL 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared.
Strictly prohibited: drugs (very harsh penalties under Lei 11.343/2006), wildlife, fake brand goods in commercial quantities.
Your rights if you run into trouble
Brazil has strong consumer protection laws (the Código de Defesa do Consumidor, or CDC) that apply equally to tourists.
If a hotel overcharges you, an airline cancels your flight, a tour operator changes your itinerary, or a restaurant adds bogus charges, you can: - File a complaint at any PROCON office (consumer protection agency, present in every state capital and many cities) - Use the official consumidor.gov.br portal — companies must respond within 10 days - Take the matter to a Juizado Especial Cível (Small Claims Court) for amounts up to 40 minimum wages — no lawyer required for amounts under 20 minimum wages
You also have the right to file a police report (Boletim de Ocorrência) at any police station in case of theft. The 190 emergency line works nationwide and operators in São Paulo, Rio and major tourist areas often speak some English.
Health, vaccination and emergency
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry from certain countries (Angola, Bolivia, Colombia and others — check the latest list). It's also strongly recommended for all visitors going to the Amazon, Pantanal or central regions.
The SUS (Brazilian public health system) provides free emergency care to anyone in Brazil, including tourists, regardless of insurance. Travel insurance is still strongly recommended for non-emergency care, hospital comfort and medical evacuation.
Pharmacies (farmácias) are widely available. Some prescription medications from abroad need to be declared and brought in original packaging with a doctor's prescription translated into Portuguese.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in Brazil as a tourist?
Up to 90 days per entry, extendable once for another 90 days at the Federal Police, but no more than 180 days total within a 12-month period. The eVisa for US/Canada/Australia/Japan citizens follows the same per-stay limit even though the visa itself is valid for 10 years.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine to visit Brazil?
It depends on where you're coming from and where you'll travel. Travelers from Angola, Bolivia, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo and other yellow-fever risk countries must show proof of vaccination. It's also strongly recommended for trips to the Amazon, Pantanal, Mato Grosso or Goiás.
Can I work remotely from Brazil on a tourist visa?
Officially, the tourist visa does not authorize work — including remote work for foreign clients. Brazil offers a separate Digital Nomad Visa (CNIG Resolução Normativa 45/2022) that legalizes remote work for foreign employers and grants tax benefits. See our digital nomad visa guide.
What if a Brazilian company refuses to refund me?
Under the Código de Defesa do Consumidor (Law 8.078/1990), consumers in Brazil have a 7-day right of withdrawal for online purchases (Article 49) and up to 30 or 90 days to complain about defects (Article 26). Use consumidor.gov.br for fast resolution, or the Juizado Especial Cível for amounts up to 40 minimum wages.
Is it safe to travel in Brazil?
Brazil has wide regional differences. Major tourist destinations (Rio de Janeiro's Zona Sul, the historic centers of Salvador and Olinda, the Amazon lodges, Iguaçu Falls, Pantanal lodges) are well-policed. Common-sense precautions apply: avoid showing valuables on the street, use ride apps instead of hailed taxis at night, keep copies of documents. The 190 emergency number works nationwide.
Can I drive in Brazil with my foreign license?
Yes, for up to 180 days from your entry date, as long as you have your foreign license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation. After 180 days, you must obtain a Brazilian license (CNH).
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Ask the AI — free →⚠️ This guide is informational and reflects Brazilian law as of 1/15/2025. It is not legal advice. For specific situations, consult a Brazilian attorney (advogado) or the Public Defender (Defensoria Pública).