Brazil tourist visa (VIVIS) and visa-free visits

A visit allows up to 90 days in Brazil without paid activity for tourism, business, transit, artistic or sporting activities, short courses, voluntary work, conferences, seminars or meetings and similar purposes, as long as there is no remuneration in Brazil. Nationals of countries with a visa waiver do not need a VIVIS for these purposes; Itamaraty's table of visa requirements lists the rule for each nationality.

Citizens of Australia, Canada and the United States use a separate electronic visa process. Activities lasting longer than 90 days, or paid work, need the appropriate temporary visa (VITEM).

Itamaraty lists the core documents for every visa: the completed online application form, a valid travel document, proof of payment of the consular fee, an international vaccination certificate where required, and documents for the purpose of the trip. Invitation letters must be notarised in Brazil and the original sent to the applicant, and minors need written consent from both parents or legal guardians. Consulates usually add a return ticket, accommodation, recent bank statements and an employment or study letter, and may ask residents who are not nationals of the host country for proof of legal residence there.

Consular fees for the VIVIS are set by nationality, largely on the basis of reciprocity, and each consulate publishes its own table and payment method. Check the amount with the consulate responsible for your place of residence before you pay.

Once in Brazil you can apply to the Federal Police to extend the 90-day period, provided your total stay does not exceed 180 days in one year.

The Federal Police fee for an extension request is R$ 110.44 (revenue code 140090), paid by GRU. You present a valid passport, the fee receipt and, if the officer asks, proof of accommodation, means of support and a return ticket; appointments are booked online, though some units serve without one. If your permitted stay has already expired, you are fined and notified to regularise or leave within 60 days.