Traveling to Brazil as a Dual US-Brazilian Citizen

If you’re a dual US-Brazilian citizen planning a trip to Brazil, don’t assume your American passport is enough. Updates to Brazil’s entry rules mean you must carry the correct documents or risk facing boarding delays and complications at immigration.

For years, many dual citizens traveled to Brazil using only their US passports because Americans didn’t need visas to enter the country. But that changed last year. Brazil now requires visas for US citizens. And since a Brazilian citizen can’t be issued a visa for their own country, dual nationals must travel with their Brazilian passport.

In the past, you could board a flight with a US passport and simply present a Brazilian ID card (RG) or an expired Brazilian passport to local immigration upon arrival to prove your citizenship. However, now, airlines will deny boarding if you attempt to fly with a US passport and no visa. A valid, unexpired Brazilian passport is required to get on the plane.

Families traveling with children must also pay attention to Brazil’s rules for minors. Brazilian minors, including dual US-Brazilian citizens, need authorization from any absent parent when traveling alone or with only one parent. Depending on the situation, this could be a written authorization letter, a birth certificate, or a Brazilian passport containing an annotated travel authorization.

Finally, don’t let your return trip catch you off guard either. To re-enter the US, you’ll need to present a valid American passport. Double-checking that both passports are unexpired is the best way to ensure a smooth trip.