Brazil, with its vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, is a land of samba, beaches, and football. If you're an Indian passport holder dreaming of exploring this dynamic country, it's essential to understand the visa requirements and prepare for your trip accordingly. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a Brazilian visa as an Indian citizen.
Do Indians need a visa for Brazil?
The answer is yes. Indian citizens are required to obtain a visa before visiting Brazil. A typical visitor visa allows a stay of up to 90 days in the country. It's worth noting that while a yellow fever certificate is not mandatory upon entering Brazil, it is required when returning to India.¹
Types of Brazilian visas
Different types of visas are available for Indians wishing to visit Brazil, including visitor visas, transit visas, study visas, pre-approved work visas, and family reunion visas. To apply for any of these visas, Indian passport holders must go through the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi or the Consulate in Mumbai. Here is a quick overview of the most common visas for Brazil.²
Brazil tourist visa for Indians
Indian citizens require a tourist visa, also known as a Visitor Visa (VIVIS), to enter Brazil for various reasons, such as tourism, family visits, cultural or recreational activities, media or film coverage, and transit through Brazilian airports en route to other countries. Additionally, a Brazilian visitor visa is necessary for attending conferences, performing voluntary work, conducting research, participating in academic extension activities, and attending business meetings and fairs.³ It's important to note that on a visitor visa, you are not permitted to work or earn money, and the maximum stay is limited to 90 days. For longer periods of study, work, or research, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.
Brazil work visa for Indians
Indians seeking employment in Brazil must obtain a work visa, also known as a Pre-approved Work Visa (VITEM V). This visa is available for work activities that have been pre-approved by the Ministry of Justice.⁴ The Ministry of Justice authorization for a work visa is valid for six months, and the visa itself is valid for one year. The duration of the visa may vary depending on the type of work, with a maximum validity of up to two years. Unfortunately, Indian passport holders are currently not eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa offered by Brazil.
Is there a visa-on-arrival for Indians in Brazil?
No, Brazil does not offer a Visa-On-Arrival facility for Indian citizens. If you plan to travel to Brazil, it is crucial to apply for a visa before your departure.
How much does a visa to Brazil cost?
When applying for a Brazilian visa, Indian applicants must pay the visa fees to the Brazilian Embassy via non-refundable bank transfer or deposit into the Embassy's bank account.⁶ The fees may vary depending on the type of visa. As of June 10, 2023, here is the updated fee structure for Indian passport holders:
- Regular Fee - Visitor Visa VIVIS: INR 8,000
- Regular Fee - Temporary Visa VITEM - I, III, IV, V, VII, and XII: INR 10,000⁶
Brazil visa requirements for Indian citizens
To successfully obtain a Brazil visitor visa, Indian passport holders need to submit several documents. Both the online application form and the originals of the documents must be uploaded to the online form and submitted to the Embassy or Consulate.⁷ The required documents include:
- A valid passport with a validity period of at least six months and two blank pages.
- The online application form (RER).
- Proof of paying the visa fee.
- A passport-style photograph (not older than six months) that meets ICAO requirements.
- An existing itinerary with return flights, proof of accommodation, or hotel reservations in Brazil.
- Proof of financial ability, such as income tax returns (ITR), payslips, or bank statements for the past three months.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- A personal cover letter detailing your background and intentions for the trip to Brazil.
- An invitation letter if applicable.
Keep in mind that work visa applications are typically initiated by the employer or company in Brazil and require government approval.
How to apply for a Brazil visa
The application process for a Brazil visitor visa consists of three stages: completing the online application, emailing your application details, and submitting the required documents to the Embassy or Consulate.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the Embassy of Brazil website.
- Gather all the required documents (as mentioned in the previous section).
- Determine the type of visa you need.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload your photo.
- Click on "Complete Application."
- Receive your application receipt and RER number.
- Print the receipt and sign it.
- Email the signed receipt and a passport picture to [email protected] using the subject line: "(Type of Visa) - RER Number - Applicant Name - mobile number."
- Once you have submitted your receipt and documents successfully, the Embassy or Consulate will contact you with information regarding payment and how to submit the original documents in person.
Remember, an application is considered complete only after the submission of the original documents and proof of fee payment. You will receive a decision on your application only after fulfilling these requirements.
How long is a Brazil tourist visa valid for Indian citizens?
The Brazil tourist visa for Indian citizens allows a maximum stay of 90 days. Extensions for an additional 90 days are possible, totaling a stay of up to 180 days within a 12-month period. However, it's important to note that you must be physically present in Brazil when applying for an extension. To extend your visa, you should visit the nearest office of the Brazilian Federal Police.⁸
Start your international journey with Wise
Make your international remittances hassle-free with Wise. Wise utilizes smart technology to ensure safe, secure, and cost-effective money transfers from India. With Wise, you can save money on international transfers thanks to low transfer fees and the mid-market exchange rate, which mirrors the exchange rate you see on Google.
Image courtesy of Wise
If you are already residing in Brazil, consider exploring the Wise multi-currency account designed for residents in supported countries. With this account, you can enjoy a seamless banking experience while traveling abroad, using a linked debit card to spend just like a local, and save on unnecessary fees.
Please refer to the Terms and Conditions applicable to your region and visit our pricing page for up-to-date information on Wise products and services.
Sources used for this article:
- Brazil Visa for Indians - Do Indians need a visa to enter Brazil?
- Brazil Visa for Indians - Different types of Brazilian Visas
- Brazil Visa for Indians - Visitor Visa
- Brazil Visa for Indians - Pre-approved Work Visa
- Brazil Visa for Indians - Visa fees
- Brazil Visa for Indians - General requirements for Brazil Visa
- Brazil Visa for Indians - Documents required for Brazilian Visa
- Brazil Visa for Indians - Brazil Tourist visa validity
Sources verified on 10 June 2023. Photo by F Cary Snyder on Unsplash
