I have relatives going to Brazil very soon to visit my cousin. But there’s one problem.
One relative doesn’t have her Brazilian tourist visa yet. She lives in the south but not in Atlanta, Georgia – where her nearest Brazilian Consulate is.
I don’t know when she applied but the departure date is approaching and she still has no idea when she will get the visa.
She has no excuse to be in this predicament. She has a few family members, like me, who are familiar with Brazil.
What can she do?
Well, she can either pay out the wazoo for rush delivery service or she can reschedule her trip to Brazil.
I’ll update this article when I find out what happened.
For now, let’s see how you can get a Brazilian tourist visa on time in three easy steps.
3 Steps To A Brazilian Tourist Visa
I’m American so I can only give you in-depth information about how to get a Brazilian tourist visa in the United States. Cheers to you if you don’t need one to go to Brazil.
What you need
- Official U.S. Passport
- Visa Application Form -> Online Application Form
- One Recent 2’’x 2’’ Professional Photo In Color (I got mine done at Staples)
- Copy Of Purchased Roundtrip Ticket
- $160 USPS Money Order
Step 1 – Fill out the online application form. After you’re finished, a receipt is generated. The receipt must be printed and signed and the original documentation must be presented at your Brazilian Consulate.
Step 2 – Find your Consulate here. You will have to go there in person or use a visa agency to drop off your required items. I recommend doing it yourself if possible.
Step 3 – Wait. How long does it normally take? You will get different answers from people. It usually takes no longer than a few weeks. High season is December to March so apply early. You can check the status of your visa on the application site.
Using A Brazilian Tourist Visa Service
I can’t recommend a travel visa service because I never used one. After a quick Google search, this company popped up and they at least look legit.
ItsEasy
This company is one of the top searches on Google when you type in “getting a Brazilian visa”.
Why Should I Use ItsEasy to Secure My Brazil Visa?
Obtaining an Brazil visa can be a cumbersome and complicated process. Using an expediting service such as ItsEasy who specialize in travel visas can provide you accurate instructions and processing times, walk you through the process, provide updates and handle problems quickly – making what is a complex issue simple. ItsEasy has been specializing in this service since 1976 and has assisted millions of travelers. We are one of the largest passport and visa services and represent some of the largest public, private and government companies in the world by handling international travel support services for their employees (Source)
Brazilian Tourist Visa Facts
- It lasts 10 years.
- You can stay in Brazil up to 180 days out the year in 90 day periods. After 90 days, you have to get your passport stamped again.
- If you overstay your visa or skip getting it stamped after your first 90 day period, you will be fined around R$8.50 per day.
- You cannot legally work with a tourist visa.
- If you are from the United States, Japan, Canada or Australia and you are going to Brazil between June 2016 – September 2016, you won’t need a tourist visa. Even if you aren’t going to the Olympics in Rio.
I Was Illegal
I am a law-breaker guys. Once upon a time, I overstayed my visa in Brazil. I roamed the streets of Sao Paulo as an illegal.
- What if the Brazilian police catch me?
- What if I get deported?
- What if I get thrown in prison like the dudes from the Locked Up Abroad Brazil episode?
What happened?
Nothing really.
I spent another month and some change in Brazil.
When I finally left, the customs employee mentioned I overstayed 52 days. She told me to wait at her desk while she got my fine documentation. I owed around R$430.
TIP: If you ever overstay your visa and plan to return to Brazil – KEEP every document you receive.
When I returned to Brazil, I was asked if I had a fine. I said I don’t know, you tell me. She asked for my fine papers and I paid it at the nearest currency exchange.
Again – keep your receipt showing you paid. When I left Brazil again, the customs employee asked me if I had a fine as if the computer system didn’t show it was paid. I quickly showed her the receipt.
I will keep my receipt forever just in case.
I don’t recommend overstaying your visa, your experience may not be like mine. They might throw you in jail or ban you from the country.
This is my personal experience with overstaying the Brazilian tourist visa and I doubt I would ever do it again.
For more detailed information about the tourist visa process check out the link below. Tchau.