Brasilia Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Brasília, as the capital of Brazil, serves as a major entry point for international travelers visiting the country. Entry requirements for Brasília follow Brazilian federal immigration laws, which vary significantly depending on your nationality. Brazil has reciprocal visa policies with many countries, meaning visa requirements often mirror what Brazilian citizens face when visiting those nations. The country offers visa-free entry to many nationalities, electronic visa options for others, and traditional consular visa requirements for some countries. The immigration process at Brasília's Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB) is generally straightforward for tourists with proper documentation. Upon arrival, travelers will proceed through immigration control where officers verify travel documents, entry eligibility, and the purpose of visit. This is followed by baggage claim and customs inspection. Processing times vary depending on flight arrivals and passenger volume, but having all required documents readily available can expedite the process. Before traveling to Brasília, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, confirm your visa requirements based on nationality and purpose of visit, and prepare supporting documents such as proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds. Brazil takes immigration compliance seriously, and travelers should be prepared to demonstrate the temporary nature of their visit and their ability to support themselves financially during their stay.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Brazil's visa policy is based on reciprocity agreements with other nations. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for tourism, while others require electronic visas or traditional consular visas.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days within a 180-day period (can be extended once for an additional 90 days)

Citizens of these countries can enter Brazil for tourism or business without obtaining a visa in advance

Includes

Argentina Austria Belgium Chile Colombia Denmark Finland France Germany Iceland Ireland Italy Luxembourg Monaco Netherlands Norway Paraguay Peru Philippines Portugal South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand United Kingdom Uruguay Venezuela

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Travelers may be asked to show proof of return/onward ticket, accommodation, and sufficient funds. The 90-day period is cumulative within each 180-day period.

Electronic Travel Authorization (e-Visa)

90 days per visit, multiple entries allowed for up to 2 years (varies by country)

Citizens of these countries must obtain an electronic visa before traveling to Brazil

Includes

United States Canada Australia Japan China India

How to Apply: Apply online through the Brazilian government's e-Visa portal (https://www.gov.br/mre). Processing typically takes 5-10 business days but can take longer. Apply at least 2-4 weeks before travel. Applicants need a valid passport, digital photo, proof of financial means, and travel itinerary.
Cost: Approximately USD $80-$100 (varies by nationality due to reciprocity)

The e-Visa is valid for multiple entries during its validity period. Print a copy to present at immigration. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens: as of April 2025, visa exemption for tourism may be reinstated - verify current requirements before travel.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type and nationality, typically 90 days for tourist visas

Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or e-Visa must apply for a traditional visa at a Brazilian embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Contact the nearest Brazilian embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment. Submit application in person with required documentation including passport, photos, proof of accommodation, financial means, return ticket, and completed application forms. Processing time varies from 5-30 days.

Requirements vary significantly by nationality and purpose of visit. Some countries require additional documentation such as invitation letters or proof of employment. Check with your local Brazilian diplomatic mission for specific requirements.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Brasília's international airport, travelers will go through immigration control, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The process is generally efficient, though wait times can vary during peak hours.

Disembarkation and Immigration Queue

After leaving the aircraft, follow signs to 'Controle de Passaportes' (Passport Control) or 'Imigração' (Immigration). Separate queues exist for Brazilian citizens/Mercosul and foreign nationals. Join the appropriate queue with your documents ready.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, completed immigration form (if required - often distributed on the flight), and any visa documentation to the immigration officer. The officer will verify your documents, may ask questions about your visit, stamp your passport with entry date and permitted stay duration, and return your documents.

Baggage Claim

Proceed to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage from the carousel corresponding to your flight number displayed on screens.

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form if you have items to declare or if your goods exceed duty-free allowances. All passengers must pass through the customs area, which may include random inspections or X-ray screening of luggage.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, you'll enter the public arrivals area where you can access transportation, currency exchange, and meet greeters.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Brazil. Should have at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Visa or e-Visa (if required)

Printed copy of your e-Visa approval or visa sticker in passport, depending on your nationality.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Brazil within your authorized stay period. Immigration may request to see this.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, hostel booking, or letter of invitation from host. May be requested by immigration officers.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate ability to support yourself during your stay (no specific amount mandated but USD $50-100 per day is reasonable).

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Required if arriving from certain countries with yellow fever risk. Recommended for all travelers to Brazil.

Immigration Card (if applicable)

Some travelers may need to complete an arrival/departure card, though Brazil has largely moved to electronic systems.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching the immigration counter - passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation details in hand.

Be honest and concise when answering immigration questions. Provide direct answers without volunteering unnecessary information.

Keep important documents in your carry-on luggage, never in checked baggage, including copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance.

Note the date stamped in your passport by immigration - this indicates when you must leave Brazil. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.

Download offline maps and important contact information before arrival, as you may not have immediate internet access.

Exchange a small amount of currency before leaving the airport for immediate expenses like transportation, as not all vendors accept cards.

If traveling for business, carry supporting documentation (invitation letter, conference registration) even if entering on a tourist visa for short business meetings, as immigration may inquire.

Take a photo of your passport stamp showing your permitted stay duration as a backup reference.

Customs & Duty-Free

Brazilian customs regulations allow travelers to bring personal items and limited quantities of certain goods duty-free. All travelers must pass through customs control, and accurate declaration of goods is mandatory to avoid penalties.

Alcohol

12 liters of alcoholic beverages

Must be 18 years or older. Applies to wine, beer, spirits, and other alcoholic drinks combined.

Tobacco

10 packs of cigarettes (200 cigarettes total), 25 cigars or cigarillos, or 250g of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. These are combined limits, not per category.

Currency

Up to BRL 10,000 (Brazilian Reais) or equivalent in foreign currency

Amounts exceeding this threshold must be declared using the e-DBV (Electronic Declaration of Goods and Values) system. No limit on how much you can bring, but declaration is mandatory above the threshold.

Gifts/Goods

USD $1,000 worth of goods when arriving by air (USD $500 by land or sea)

Applies to new goods purchased abroad. Personal used items are generally exempt. Goods exceeding this value are subject to 50% import tax on the excess amount. Keep receipts for purchases.

Electronics

Personal electronic devices for own use are generally exempt

One laptop, one tablet, one camera, one phone per person considered personal use. Multiple new items may be questioned and taxed.

Perfume

Reasonable quantity for personal use

Generally interpreted as 1-2 bottles. Larger quantities may be considered commercial and subject to tax.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs -严格禁止, severe criminal penalties apply
Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media
Certain fresh foods - fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products from most countries
Plants and seeds - without proper MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture) authorization
Endangered species products - ivory, certain animal skins, exotic feathers
Weapons and ammunition - without prior authorization from Brazilian Army
Offensive materials - child pornography, materials inciting violence or discrimination
Cigarettes manufactured outside of Mercosur countries - only Mercosur-produced tobacco allowed
Used clothing for commercial purposes - personal used items acceptable

Restricted Items

Medications - bring prescription and doctor's letter, especially for controlled substances; carry in original packaging with labels
Live animals and pets - require health certificates, rabies vaccination proof, and import permits from MAPA
Agricultural products - require phytosanitary certificates and MAPA approval
Drones and radio equipment - may require ANATEL (telecommunications agency) authorization for certain frequencies
Professional equipment - cameras, computers, or tools for commercial use may require temporary import documentation
Firearms for sporting purposes - require extensive prior authorization from Federal Police and Brazilian Army
Biological materials and samples - require health authority permits

Health Requirements

Brazil has specific health requirements for entry, primarily focused on yellow fever vaccination. Travelers should also consider recommended vaccinations and health precautions for visiting the region.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (including many African and South American nations). Proof of vaccination must be presented at immigration. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel.

Recommended Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Strongly recommended for all travelers to Brazil, including Brasília and surrounding areas, as yellow fever is endemic in many parts of the country
Routine vaccinations - Ensure up-to-date on MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, and annual flu vaccine
Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to potential food/water contamination
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major hotels and restaurants
Rabies - Consider for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or animal contact
COVID-19 - Stay updated with current booster recommendations

Health Insurance

Brazil does not require proof of health insurance for entry, but comprehensive travel health insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Public healthcare (SUS) is available but may have long wait times; private hospitals often require payment guarantees. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation. Medical costs can be high, and many facilities require upfront payment or insurance guarantees before treatment.

Current Health Requirements: As of December 2024, Brazil has lifted most COVID-19 entry requirements, including vaccination certificates and testing. However, health requirements can change rapidly based on global health situations. Check the Brazilian Ministry of Health (saude.gov.br) and your country's travel health advisories before departure. Some airlines may still have specific health requirements. Travelers should monitor for any disease outbreaks or new health protocols that may be implemented. Malaria prophylaxis is not typically needed for Brasília but may be recommended for Amazon region travel.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Brasília for citizen services and emergency assistance

Most embassies are located in the Setor de Embaixadas Sul and Norte (Embassy Sectors). Register with your embassy before or upon arrival for emergency notifications. Check your government's travel advisory website for updated contact information and travel warnings.

Federal Police (Immigration Authority)

Polícia Federal - responsible for immigration matters, visa extensions, and registration

For visa extensions or immigration questions: Polícia Federal office at Aeroporto Internacional de Brasília or main office. Website: www.gov.br/pf. For visa extensions, apply before your authorized stay expires. Phone: 194 (Federal Police general line)

Emergency Services

Emergency services number: 190 (Military Police), 192 (Ambulance/SAMU), 193 (Fire Department)

For general emergencies, dial 190 for police assistance. Medical emergencies: 192. Fire emergencies: 193. Tourist Police (DEATUR): Available in some areas for tourist-specific assistance. Limited English may be spoken; having Portuguese phrases or translation app helpful.

Airport Information

Brasília International Airport (Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek - BSB)

Airport information: +55 61 3364-9000. Website: www.bsb.aero. Tourist information desks available in arrivals area. Lost and found, medical services, and currency exchange available 24/7.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministério das Relações Exteriores - for visa and consular information

Website: www.gov.br/mre. E-Visa portal for electronic visa applications. Consular services information and visa requirements by nationality available online.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children under 18 traveling to Brazil have specific requirements. If traveling with both parents, bring birth certificate or custody documents. If traveling with one parent, carry a notarized authorization letter from the non-traveling parent (with apostille or consular legalization) in Portuguese or with certified translation. Children traveling alone or with third parties require notarized authorization from both parents, authenticated by Brazilian consulate. Unaccompanied minors under 18 may face additional scrutiny and should carry comprehensive documentation including contact information for parents/guardians and hosts in Brazil. These requirements are strictly enforced to prevent child abduction.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs and cats) can enter Brazil but require: ISO-compliant microchip, rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before travel but within validity period), health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, import permit from MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture). The health certificate must be endorsed by official veterinary authority in country of origin. Upon arrival, pets undergo veterinary inspection and may be quarantined if documentation is insufficient. Airlines have specific requirements for pet carriers and may limit number of pets per flight. Contact VIGIAGRO (Agricultural Surveillance) at least 30 days before travel. Service animals have additional documentation options but still require health certificates.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas allow 90 days per visit. To extend: apply at Polícia Federal before your authorized stay expires (at least 30 days of validity remaining recommended). Extension grants additional 90 days (maximum 180 days total per year). After 180 days, you must leave Brazil for at least 180 days before returning as tourist. For longer stays, consider: Temporary Residence Visa (VITEM) for work, study, family reunification, or investment; Permanent Residence Visa for specific qualified categories. Working on tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future entry bans. Student visas require enrollment in recognized Brazilian educational institution. Work visas require employer sponsorship and Labor Ministry approval. Overstaying results in fines (approximately BRL 8.28 per day), deportation, and potential entry bans. Consult Brazilian embassy or immigration lawyer for long-term stay options.

Business Travelers

Short business visits (meetings, conferences, negotiations) are generally permitted on tourist visas or visa-free entry for eligible nationalities, provided no paid work is performed in Brazil. Activities allowed include: attending meetings, conferences, trade shows; negotiating contracts; conducting market research. Not allowed: receiving payment from Brazilian sources; performing work that could be done by Brazilian resident. For actual employment, internships, or extended business activities, a work visa (VITEM V) is required, which needs employer sponsorship and Labor Ministry authorization. Always carry documentation of business purpose (invitation letters, conference registration) as immigration may inquire. Some countries have specific business visa categories - check with Brazilian embassy.

Students

Students planning to study in Brazil need a student visa (VITEM IV) obtained before arrival. Requirements include: acceptance letter from recognized Brazilian educational institution registered with Ministry of Education; proof of financial means to support yourself during studies; clean criminal record; health certificate. Student visas are typically valid for one year and renewable. Students are generally not permitted to work, though some institutions may allow limited on-campus employment or internships related to studies with proper authorization. Apply for student visa at Brazilian embassy/consulate in your home country well in advance (2-3 months recommended). Upon arrival, register with Polícia Federal within 90 days.

Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

Brazil does not have a specific digital nomad visa as of December 2024. Remote workers employed by foreign companies cannot legally work from Brazil on tourist visas for extended periods, though enforcement is inconsistent. Options include: entering as tourist for short stays while working remotely (gray area - technically not permitted but common); applying for temporary residence visa if qualifying under investment or other categories; establishing Brazilian business entity and obtaining appropriate visa. Working for Brazilian clients or companies requires work visa. Several proposals for digital nomad visas have been discussed but not yet implemented. Consult immigration lawyer for compliant long-term remote work arrangements. Tax implications may arise for extended stays even if working for foreign employer.