Passports & Visas in Rio de Janeiro

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Passports & Visas

At this writing, passports and visas are required for citizens -- even infants -- of the U.S., Canada, and Australia for entry to Brazil. U.K. and New Zealand citizens need only a passport. Business travelers may need a special business visa.

Visas

Visas are required for U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens. Go to the Web site for the Brazilian embassy or consulate nearest you for the most up to date information. At this writing, tourist visa fees are US$100 for Americans, C$72 for Canadians, and A$90 for Australians. Additional fees may be levied if you apply by mail. Obtaining a visa can be a slow process, and you must have every bit of paperwork in order when you visit the consulate, so read instructions carefully. (For example, in the U.S., the fee can only be paid by a U.S. Postal Service money order.)

To get the location of the Brazilian consulate to which you must apply, contact the Brazilian embassy. Note that some consulates don't allow you to apply for a visa by mail. If you don't live near a city with a consulate, consider hiring a concierge-type service to do your legwork. Many cities have these companies, which not only help with the paperwork, but also send someone to wait in line for you.