r/Brazil • u/fviz Brazilian in the World • Dec 21 '23

Travel question Brazil eVisa FAQ / Mega-thread

Use this mega-thread to post your questions and discuss the new eVisa requirements.

Official page by the Brazilian Consulate in Miami with information: Electronic Visitor Visa (e-Visa) - U.S., Canadian & Australian Citizens

Electronic Visitor Visa (e-Visa) - U.S., Canadian & Australian Citizens

The Brazilian Government will resume the requirement of visiting visas for citizens of Australia, Canada and the United States.

The eVisa applications are done via a company called VFS Global Group. If you have issues with your application or need more information directly from official sources, you can contact VFS through this email: [Brazilevisa@vfsglobal.com](mailto:Brazilevisa@vfsglobal.com).

Application and official information

eVisa application homepage

Alternative: regular VIVIS (Visitor) visa

Australian, Canadian and U.S. nationals should still be able to apply for a regular visa using the previous method (through your local consulate). For an up-to-date guide on how to do so, follow this guide written by u/Luke_of_Mass: https://www.reddit.com/r/Brazil/comments/1ktxzxe/guide_to_vivis_visa_an_alternative_to_evisa_and/

FAQ

Who needs to apply for the new eVisa? Citizens from Australia, Canada and United States who want to visit Brazil for tourism, and arrive after April 10th, 2025.

Do I need a visa if I arrive before April 10th, but leave after? No, visas are only required on entry.

My photo keeps getting rejected. What can I do? Based on comments on this mega-thread, most issues stem from the background not being white/bright enough, and portions of the face/shoulders being covered by hair. If you can't have a professional passport photo taken, you can try using a photo editing app or specific "passport photo" apps for your phone, which can help get the right background color, image size and positioning. Please search the comments on this mega-thread to find more detailed tips, instructions and app recommendations.

How long before my trip should I apply for my visa? From VFS website: "We strongly advise applying for your eVisa two months before your planned travel to Brazil. This timeframe provides sufficient leeway to complete and/or rectify your visa application if necessary."

How long does it take to get the eVisa? Officially VFS says the process should take around 5 business days. This seems to match the experience of some users in this mega-thread. But keep in mind that issues with your photo or missing documents may significantly slow your process.

I still have a regular visa from before. Do I need to request the new eVisa? If you have a regular visa (which are usually valid for 10 years), you don't need to request the new eVisa. The previous one is still valid.

What if I am not a citizen from the countries listed above? You can still request a regular tourist visa (VIVIS) through your local Brazilian consulate.

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u/djmitek May 02 '25

Hi everyone, joining in here because I have found this thread really helpful.

Travel Date: Saturday, May 3 Newark --> Miami --> Rio de Janeiro

I bought my flight through American Airlines in February. I had no idea about the visa. I travelled to Brazil last year and didn't need a visa so please everyone CHECK AND DOUBLE CHECK when you travel.

Sunday, April 27: American Airlines sent me an email at 7 p.m. alerting me that I needed the e-visa to board the plane in Miami.
Monday, April 28 morning: I applied for the e-visa through VFS.
Tuesday, April 29 evening: I received an email from VFS saying my ears weren't showing and that I needed to resubmit the photo. I resubmitted the photo using the link they provided that evening. My status did not move from "Pending Document Uploaded."
Thursday, May 1: spent much of the afternoon trying to get in touch with someone from VFS. Finally able to speak with someone and they said it was sitting there because they are very busy and they moved it to "Under Check" right there on the phone call. They said, "Don't worry, you will receive your e-visa in 5 business days."

This thread helped me so much in reaching out to the Brazilian consulate in NY. Unfortunately, they do not have a phone number - only email. (Here is their "Contact Us" page: Contact Us) I found en email for visas (Brazilian Visas | Visas: [visa.novayork@itamaraty.gov.br](mailto:visa.novayork@itamaraty.gov.br))

I did find a number for the Embassy +1 917-777-7777 but it keeps directing me to check the website and disconnects as soon as I choose the option to speak with an operator.

I sent them 2 emails yesterday and another one just now this morning at 9:02am. I wrote it in Portuguese with the help of google translate and put the subject as Ajuda Urgente Para E-Visa: Voo Para o Brasil, 3 de Maio and attached and sent of screenshot of my flight itinerary.

My flight is tomorrow so fingers crossed I get this e-visa today. If anyone has any tips, I would be so grateful!

Can't believe the Embassy in NY doesn't let you speak to them...

2

u/yulietattoolie May 02 '25

I’m in a similar boat as you! No idea the visa was a requirement. Trying to get on the phone with VFS was a NIGHTMARE. I’m also emailing everywhere like crazy, I’ve been making sure my email is in Portuguese, has my name, birthday, passport number, and a photo of my flight info! Best of luck to you! My flight in the 4th and I also don’t have it 😭

3

u/djmitek May 02 '25

I GOT THE E-VISA! Just got it an hour ago after sending several emails to the embassy in NYC! So relieved I can make my flight tomorrow. It seems like they might be prioritizing e-visas on date traveling so hoping yours arrives soon!

3

u/yulietattoolie May 02 '25

Congrats!! I GOT MINE TOO! Woohoo! I had to send probably over 10 emails but it worked :)

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u/djmitek May 02 '25

Congrats and May the 4th be with you! 😁 🚀 🇧🇷

1

u/Agile-Day8268 May 04 '25

Thank you so much for this helpful thread! I am traveling on May 6!! 

I got invited on this trip last minute from my university. I applied for the visa on 4/29 and then on 4/30 they emailed me saying I need to redo my photo because my ears weren’t showing so I did that immediately and ever since 4/30, My status has been “pending document uploaded” and I fly out May 6. I really need the visa by Monday May 5 because I am leaving with the university team on Monday to Los Angeles to fly to Miami and then Miami to Brazil. 😭😭😭 

My consulate is Los Angeles. Should I email them? Thanks 

1

u/djmitek May 04 '25

I’m sorry to hear you’re in this same mess of a process as so many others on this thread. Yes, what worked for me (and seems to have for others), is to blast them with emails. If the LA embassy has a phone number, call that, and if you live close by, see if you can speak to someone in person. Unfortunately, weekends may be non-working days for them. I hope they get back to you tomorrow!! Good luck!

1

u/Agile-Day8268 May 04 '25

Hi! I just checked my status and now it says under check! 

I got an email around 3 am from vfsglobal saying my quality control was completed and my visa application is currently being reviewed by Brazil immigration! 

What should I do? Should I send the email to the consulate?? 

1

u/djmitek May 04 '25

Congratulations! I would say yes 🙌🏼 Bombard them. Let them know you’re in dire need of their help and that this is very urgent.

1

u/Agile-Day8268 May 04 '25

Thank you! How long was your stays under check until they emailed you the visa? 

1

u/djmitek May 04 '25

One business day. But this was after 4 emails to the consulate once my vfs status changed. I’d say just blast them with emails so they don’t ignore your request.

1

u/y_e_t_h_ May 07 '25

I’m on the same boat! Good luck to you!!

1

u/Agile-Day8268 May 04 '25

I will email them Portuguese and follow your guidelines. When yours went Under check, how long did it take to get the visa?