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What are the requirements to travel to Brazil from the USA?
Here are the requirements to travel to Brazil from the USA. Do you need a visa? Are there any mandatory vaccinations? Find out the answers.
Knowing the requirements to travel to Brazil from the USA can save you from headaches when you arrive. Imagine spending months planning a trip, only to be stopped at immigration. It’s not common, but it could happen if you don’t have the proper documents ready.
To make sure you don’t end up in that situation, we’ve put together a complete guide with everything you need to know. We’ll cover which visas you need for your trip, which vaccines you must have, and whether you must carry travel insurance. Plus, we’ll share some handy tips that could come in very useful.
A tip before traveling to Brazil
Before we dive into the documents and other requirements for traveling to Brazil from the USA, there’s one thing worth thinking about: staying connected. It’s not something you’re required to plan, but it can make your trip a lot easier. How will you call an Uber or a taxi after landing in São Paulo or Rio? How will you let family know you’ve arrived safely, or quickly check work emails if needed? Figuring this out ahead of time can save you a lot of stress.
If you’re going for a few days or weeks, we recommend Holafly’s eSIM for Brazil. It gives you unlimited data and helps you avoid expensive roaming charges. You just select the number of days you need, and you can be online as soon as you step off the plane.
If you’re planning to stay longer or travel through several countries in the region, Holafly’s monthly plans might be a better fit. There are several options to choose from, and with the unlimited plan, you can share your internet connection with as many devices as you like. You can switch plans whenever you want, cancel whenever you need, and use the same eSIM in over 170 destinations.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Now that we’ve covered this important tip for your trip, let’s take a closer look at the requirements for traveling to Brazil from the USA.
1. Valid passport
As you might expect, you’ll need a passport to enter Brazil from the USA. If you forget it, you won’t be allowed to board. Before packing it, make sure it’s valid for at least six months from your date of entry. If it’s close to expiring, it’s best to renew it before your trip. Airlines take this rule very seriously and can refuse to let you board if your passport doesn’t meet the requirement.
Another important thing to check is that your passport is in good condition. If your passport is damaged, with torn or unreadable pages, you may face problems when you arrive. Keep in mind that Brazilian authorities also record the biometric data of all travelers.
2. Tourist, residence, or work visas for Brazil
Pay attention to this, because outdated articles can be misleading. While the visa requirement for U.S. tourists was removed in 2019, it will be reinstated starting April 10, 2025. If your trip is after that date, you’ll need to apply for a visa before you fly.
You can apply for any type of visa through Brazil’s official eVisa system. It’s run by the Brazilian government and can be done entirely online. There are different types of visas available; let’s take a look at the most common ones
- Tourist visa (VIVIS): For leisure trips, family visits, or recreational activities, this visa allows stays of up to 90 days, with the option to extend for another 90 days within a 12-month period. The authorities determine the validity, but in some cases, they may grant it for up to five years with multiple entries.
- Business visa: For business trips, such as meetings, conferences, or professional activities, this visa has a validity similar to the tourist visa. In some cases, you may need an invitation letter from the Brazilian company you’ll be meeting with.
- Work visa (VITEM V): For those who have received a job offer in Brazil, the hiring company must first obtain authorization from the Brazilian Ministry of Labor. You may also be asked to provide additional documents, such as professional certificates and a criminal background check.
- Brazilian student visa (VITEM IV): This visa is granted to those accepted by Brazilian universities or educational institutions. In some cases, it also allows you to work in the country under certain conditions.
- Temporary or permanent residence visa: There are several options depending on the purpose of your trip. The most common are for family reunification, investment, or retirement. There’s also a visa for digital nomads in Brazil. Each type has its own requirements, and the approval process can take longer than for other visas
When you start the online application, you’ll need to fill out the form and have a passport that’s valid for at least six months, along with a recent photo. Once approved, you’ll receive the visa electronically, so there’s no need to have it stamped in your passport
3. Medical insurance
If you’re traveling as a tourist, this requirement doesn’t apply to you. However, if you’re applying for other types of visas, it’s something you’ll need to consider. For a student visa (VITEM IV) or a work visa (VITEM V), you’ll need to provide an insurance policy that includes international medical coverage.
Mandatory insurance must cover medical and hospital expenses for your entire stay in Brazil. Embassies or consulates may also require that your policy include emergency repatriation.
If you’re unsure which insurance companies are reliable in Brazil, check out our post on the best health insurance options for foreigners. It covers the policies they offer, pricing, and other important details to help you choose the right one.
4. Clear immigration upon arrival in Brazil
That covers the documents you’ll need to have ready. As you can see, Brazil isn’t much more demanding than other countries when it comes to travelers from the United States. However, we now come to a crucial step: getting through immigration when you arrive in Brazil.
Although most U.S. travelers don’t have trouble entering Brazil, it’s important to be well prepared. In addition to showing your visa and documents, immigration officers may ask you questions or request additional proof before letting you through. Some of the most common questions include:
- Why are you coming to Brazil?
- How long do you plan to stay?
- Where will you be staying while you are here?
- Do you have enough money to cover your trip?
- Have you visited Brazil before?
Don’t worry, in most cases it’s just a formality. As long as you have everything ready and answer confidently and honestly, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Other tips for traveling to Brazil
With these four points, you now know the essentials for entering Brazil from the USA. But there are a few extra things worth taking care of before your trip. They are not required, but they can really enhance your experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Travel insurance for Brazil
As we mentioned, having insurance is not mandatory for tourists, but it’s always a good idea. Medical care in Brazil is free for everyone, including U.S. visitors. However, the quality and services can vary by region, so we recommend that travelers get comprehensive coverage that includes private healthcare with access to good facilities.
While Brazil’s public health system (SUS) provides basic medical care, it doesn’t cover medications or other medical costs. A solid travel insurance plan can give you extra peace of mind. It also protects against common travel issues, like lost luggage or missed flights.
2. Driver’s license in Brazil
Planning to hit the road and rent a car? Keep in mind that you can only drive with your U.S. license for up to 180 days. For longer stays, it’s best to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some rental agencies may require it, and it can also save you from problems or delays during police checks.
If you’re planning to stay in Brazil for an extended period, you’ll need to get a Brazilian driver’s license through the Detran (State Department of Traffic) in the city where you live.
3. Mandatory vaccinations
As of 2025, travelers from the USA do not need any vaccinations to enter Brazil. However, if you’ve recently visited countries with a risk of yellow fever, such as Colombia, Peru, or Bolivia, Brazilian authorities may ask you to show a vaccination certificate proving you’re protected against yellow fever.
Frequently asked questions about requirements for traveling to Brazil from the USA
Yes. Starting April 10, 2025, U.S. citizens will need a visa to enter Brazil, even for tourism. You can complete the application online through the eVisa system, and you must do it before your trip.
A tourist visa allows you to stay in Brazil for up to 90 days per visit. In some cases, you can extend it for another 90 days within a 12-month period, as long as you don’t exceed a total of 180 days in a year.
There are no mandatory vaccines for travelers coming from the United States. However, the yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you plan to visit the rainforest or the Amazon region. It’s also a good idea to be up to date on vaccines for hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid.
Yes. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, immigration officers can deny you entry into the country. To avoid any issues, make sure you have a valid passport and an approved visa.
For tourists, health insurance is not a requirement. However, if you’re traveling on a work, study, or temporary residence visa, some of these visas do require medical coverage.
Yes, U.S. citizens can drive in Brazil using their domestic license for up to 180 days after entering the country. However, some rental agencies may require you to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before traveling.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
