Planning a trip to vibrant Brazil? From its stunning beaches and lush rainforests to the rhythm of samba and captivating culture, Brazil offers an unforgettable travel experience. If you’re a U.S. citizen dreaming of exploring this South American gem, it’s crucial to understand the latest entry requirements to ensure a smooth journey. Here’s what you need to know before you Travel To Brazil.
Visa Requirement for US Citizens Starting April 2025
Starting midnight on April 10, 2025, U.S. citizens will need a visa to travel to Brazil, regardless of the purpose of their visit. This new regulation applies to all types of travel, including tourism, business, and other reasons. Previously, U.S. citizens could enter Brazil visa-free for tourism and business purposes.
To obtain your Brazilian visa or e-visa, it’s essential to use the official Brazilian government-authorized website: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com. This is your primary resource for accurate information and the visa application process. Avoid unofficial websites or third-party services that may charge additional fees or provide inaccurate information.
Essential Travel Documents for Brazil
When traveling to Brazil, ensure you have the following essential documents in order:
Valid U.S. Passport
Your passport is your primary identification document for international travel. Before you travel to Brazil, double-check that your U.S. passport is valid for the duration of your intended stay in Brazil. While Brazil doesn’t specify a minimum passport validity period beyond your stay, it’s generally recommended to have at least six months of validity remaining on your passport when traveling internationally. This provides a buffer in case of unexpected travel delays.
Brazilian Visa or E-visa
As mentioned earlier, beginning April 10, 2025, a valid Brazilian visa will be mandatory for U.S. citizens. For travel before this date and for certain types of travel even after, you will need to acquire the appropriate visa. The Brazilian government offers an e-visa option for certain nationalities, which simplifies the application process. Visit the official visa website https://brazil.vfsevisa.com to determine if you are eligible for an e-visa and to start your application. It’s advisable to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel dates to allow ample processing time.
Special Considerations for Minor Travelers: Navigating Brazilian Regulations
Brazilian regulations regarding the travel of minors, particularly Brazilian citizens or dual nationals, are specific and require careful attention. These rules are in place to prevent international child abduction and ensure the safety of children.
Brazilian Citizen Minors: Parental Authorization is Key
Brazilian law mandates that any minor who is a Brazilian citizen – even those holding dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship – must have explicit permission from both parents to travel within Brazil or exit the country under certain circumstances.
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Traveling with Both Parents: If a minor Brazilian citizen is traveling with both parents, no written authorization is needed. The presence of both parents is sufficient.
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Traveling with One Parent or Without Parents: If the minor is traveling with only one parent or without either parent, two original written authorization letters from each absent parent are required. Additionally, travelers must carry a copy of the child’s birth certificate or have an annotation in their Brazilian passport authorizing travel alone or with only one parent.
It is critical to understand that Brazilian authorities are strict about these requirements. Minors lacking the necessary authorization letters and birth certificate or annotated passport are highly likely to be prevented from passing through immigration or boarding a flight departing Brazil. The U.S. Embassy and consulates cannot intervene in Brazilian immigration matters to waive these requirements.
Written Authorization Letter: Specific Requirements
The written authorization letter must adhere to specific guidelines to be accepted by Brazilian authorities:
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Language and Notarization:
- If the absent parent is in Brazil, the authorization must be in Portuguese and notarized by a Brazilian notary (Tabelião).
- If the absent parent is outside Brazil (e.g., in the United States), the authorization must be executed at the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate using their official form.
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Original Documents and Number of Copies: Brazilian law requires two original authorization letters from each absent parent. This is because Brazilian Federal Police may retain one original upon the minor’s entry into Brazil and may request the second original upon departure.
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Unacceptable Authorizations: Authorizations written in English or notarized by a U.S. notary public (or any non-Brazilian notary) are not accepted by the Brazilian Federal Police.
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Birth Certificate Apostille and Translation: Birth certificates issued outside Brazil must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese by a certified translator to be accepted. Apostilles authenticate the origin of a public document. Information on apostille requirements can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications/authenticate-your-document/apostille-requirements.html
Brazilian Passport Annotation: An Alternative to Authorization Letters
Instead of carrying authorization letters, parents of dual U.S.-Brazilian citizen minors can request an annotation in the minor’s Brazilian passport. This annotation authorizes the minor to travel with only one parent, alone, or with a third party until the passport expires. This annotation eliminates the need for written authorization letters.
- Parents in Brazil should contact the Brazilian Federal Police for details on obtaining an annotated passport.
- Parents residing outside Brazil should contact the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate.
The annotated Brazilian passport must be valid and carried with the minor’s U.S. passport at all times to be accepted in place of authorization letters. It’s important to note that there is no comparable annotation available for U.S. passports.
Children Who Are Not Dual Citizens of Brazil: Recommendations
While Brazilian law concerning travel authorization primarily targets Brazilian citizens, Federal Police have occasionally delayed travel for non-Brazilian minors lacking authorization from both parents. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that families of non-Brazilian minors traveling through Brazil without one or both parents prepare written authorizations in advance. Follow the same instructions as for Brazilian citizen minors regarding the content, notarization, and apostille/translation of documents. Carrying the original or a notarized copy of the minor’s birth certificate is also advisable.
An example of the parental permission form used by Brazilian authorities is available [here](link to exemplar form – if available, otherwise remove this sentence).
Other Important Information for Travel to Brazil
HIV/AIDS Restrictions: No Entry Restrictions
The U.S. Department of State is not aware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Brazil.
Additional Resources
For more information, refer to the following resources:
- Dual Nationality: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/Dual-Nationality-Travelers.html
- Prevention of International Child Abduction: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/International-Parental-Child-Abduction/prevention.html
- Customs Regulations: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/customs-and-import.html
By being well-prepared and understanding these entry requirements, your trip to Brazil is sure to be an incredible adventure. Remember to always check the official Brazilian government websites for the most up-to-date information before your travel dates.
