After months of back-and-forth, the Brazilian government has officially reinstated visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia effective April 10, 2025—ending over a decade of visa-free access for tourists from these three nations.
The change, enacted through Decree No. 11,982, marks a definitive shift in Brazil’s tourism and diplomatic posture. Although the original plan was to roll out the visa requirement in October 2023, political hesitations and tourism industry concerns delayed the measure twice. But as of now, there’s no turning back—travelers from these countries must secure an electronic visit visa (e-visa) before arriving in Brazil.
What’s Changing — And Why Should You Care?
If you’re a citizen of Australia, Canada, or the United States, and you have Brazil on your bucket list—or perhaps plans for business, research, or a Carnival escape—your entry now depends on a digital stamp of approval.
🔹 No More Visa-Free Entry: All citizens of the three countries must now apply for a visa to enter Brazil.
🔹 E-Visa System Available: Fortunately, there’s no need to stand in long consular lines. The application process is online and streamlined.
🔹 Visa Portal: All applications must go through the official e-visa platform: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com
The Reason Behind the Flip-Flop
This visa reinstatement is not just about paperwork—it’s politics. Brazil had initially waived visa requirements as a goodwill gesture to foster international tourism. But in the name of reciprocity, the current administration under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva decided it was time to even the playing field.
“If Brazilians need visas to enter these countries, then their citizens should need a visa to enter Brazil,” is the underlying principle, according to sources close to Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty).
Interestingly, the Brazilian Senate voted to suspend this new requirement last month—pushing for continued exemption. But that proposal is now tangled in bureaucratic purgatory in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies, with no decision date in sight. So, until lawmakers reach a consensus, the visa rule stands.
What This Means for Future Travelers
For U.S., Canadian, and Australian travelers:
- Budget a bit more time and a few extra bucks to secure your visa before travel.
- Don’t risk being turned away at the airport. The visa requirement is now strictly enforced.
- Apply online early. Though the system is electronic, last-minute applications could risk delays.
For companies and HR/global mobility teams:
- Update your travel compliance policies immediately.
- Ensure business travelers and their dependents are briefed on this change.
A Word of Caution: This Isn’t Over Yet
KPMG and other global mobility experts are monitoring this evolving situation. There’s still a slim chance that Brazil’s legislative tug-of-war may swing back toward exemption. But as of now, the rule is firm, and no passport from these countries gets a free pass—literally.
How to Apply for a Brazil e-Visa after April 2025?
- Visit the official portal: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com
- Create an account and fill in your travel details.
- Upload your documents: passport, photo, and proof of travel.
- Pay the visa fee (USD 80–100 average, varies by processing time).
- Wait for approval via email, typically within 5 business days.
In Conclusion
This new travel requirement is a big deal. For decades, travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Australia enjoyed the luxury of spontaneous trips to Brazil. Now, spontaneity requires a bit more paperwork.
But the good news? The e-visa process is easier than ever—and your samba dreams or Amazon adventures aren’t cancelled, just slightly detoured.
Plan ahead, apply online, and Brazil will still welcome you—visa in hand.
