Brazil Reinstates Visa Requirement for American Visitors

As of April 10, 2025, US nationals must, once again, obtain a visitor visa before traveling to Brazil as tourists. The exemption, originally granted in 2019 to encourage foreign tourism and subsequently extended three times, has finally come to an end.

The visa requirement also applies to visitors from Australia and Canada. According to the Brazilian government, the decision is based on the principle of reciprocity. Since these three countries require visas from Brazilian citizens, Brazil has chosen to implement the same policy in return. So, if you’re an American planning a trip to Brazil, you’ll now need to get a visa before you travel.

The good news is that the application process is straightforward and entirely online. You must complete the eVisa form and submit a color scan of the bio page of your passport, along with a passport-style photo. Once your documents are uploaded and the US$80.90 fee is paid, you can expect to receive your Brazilian eVisa by e-mail - ready to download and print. The visitor visa is generally valid for 10 years and allows stays of up to 90 days.

This update follows a series of policy reversals and extensions covered in our previous blogs, including Brazil Extends Visitor Visa Exemption Again and Brazil’s Visa Whiplash. However, the tone has now clearly shifted. This is no longer a temporary measure, so travelers should plan accordingly.

While it may feel like a step back for some, the move aligns Brazil’s immigration policy with longstanding international norms.